our youth: AG KIDS
Makenzie Jones Shows How
Hard Work Pays Off
By KRISTINA REILLY
M
94
akenzie Jones is a 16-year-old Ag student who knows
exactly what she wants to do with her life.
Her parents, Stephen and Brandi Jones, showed livestock
when they were in school and wanted their two children to
have the same experiences they had when they were show-
ing. Now, both Makenzie and her brother Clay compete.
Makenzie’s grandfather manages MJB Ranch and at the time
had registered Angus cattle. He picked out Makenzie’s first
heifer for show when she was in the third grade. Besides heif-
ers, she also shows lambs and goats, even trying a turkey
once.
Makenzie currently serves as an ambassador for the Parker
County 4-H Club, is president of the Millsap 4-H Club, and
is on the Livestock Judging Team. She also shows all over the
state.
“I have shown at Fort Worth, San Angelo, Houston and
Austin for the majors, and I show every year at our PCLIA
Show,” she said. With all the experience she has gained, she
values showmanship above all.
“I think showmanship is most important, in and out of the
ring. I have helped do several showmanship clinics and really
enjoy helping the younger kids along the way,” she said. She
has already won the Gold Star Award and Scholarship in 4-H
and she is a recipient of the Danforth.
“The award I’m proudest of is I won the overall showman
at the PCLIA County show and my goal is to win it again. I
have won numerous showmanship buckles and banners and
I have won multiple buckles with my cattle showing in the Parker
County bred and owned heifer or steer show,” she said.
Makenzie loves the competition, but she also knows what it
takes for positive growth.
“My most favorite thing is the adrenaline/excitement right
before I walk in the ring and give the judge the first look at my
heifer. My least favorite thing would be when I get in the ring and
my heifer acts up and I know I should have put more time in. It
definitely shows when I haven’t done the work at home,” she said.
She credits her success in part to her mentor, Kayla Neil, Parker
County Extension Agent, whom she says, “Pushes me to do my best
and to also try new things out of my comfort zone. She supports
and encourages me but also calls me out when needed. I have
learned so much from her, she inspires me to do my very best so I
can succeed in life.”
When she’s not showing, she is on the prom committee, she
serves as secretary of Millsap FFA, is a student trainer for the athlet-
ic department and has served on student council. She also volun-
teers for the Parker County Children’s Advocacy Center, Grace
House Ministries, she was a mentor at Camp Mission Possible,
helps with food drives for the Senior Center and Center of Hope,
and she collects and delivers dog and cat food to
the shelter. She is also a member of Greenwood
Baptist youth group.
In her “spare time” she is playing golf, riding
horses, taking a sign language class, and she
always finds time to read a good book. She also
loves to hang out with her friends. She is an
enthusiastic animal lover with a menagerie of
pets, including dogs, horses, cats and two rabbits
named Ethel and Lucy. Makenzie has her sights
set on working with children when she thinks of
her future.
“I am leaning towards a career in physical
and occupational therapy. I discovered I have a
passion for children and after being a mentor for
Camp Mission Possible, I really wanted to work
towards therapy for children with special needs. I
want to have a role in helping kids reach their
full potential,” she said.