our youth: AG KIDS
Kodie Sears
Lonesome
Goats
BY CHRISTINA LOVELESS
SEPTEMBER 2015
PA R K E R C O U N T Y T O D AY
K
odie Sears, a senior at Peaster High School,
began showing goats at the age of seven.
A member of the FFA program at Peaster High
School, she’s also a part of 4-H.
Two of her favorite goats this year are Newt
and Garland.
“Sometimes we name our goats, like mine
right now, he is named after the guy I got it from”
Kodie said. “His name is Garland.”
When she isn’t engaged in agricultural
pursuits, Kodie runs cross country and participates in FCCLA (Family Career Community
Leader of America). “It’s kind of the home ec side
of FFA,” Kodie said. FCCLA holds competitions
she also participates in as well.
Always high-energy, Kodie is a Livestock
Ambassador for Texas 4-H, “that is more of an
out reach program,” she said.
It’s not just Kodie who competes in Ag events,
however, it’s a family tradition. Her two sisters
are ag show rock stars as well. Her older sister
Keeley, who is now in college, distinguished
herself in ag shows in high school.
During a calf scramble, Kodie and Keeley,
both participating, were trying to each catch a
calf.
“I had to hold on to its tail, and it dragged
me around the arena,” Kodie said. “I stayed with
it and finally I got to its head and put the halter
on it.” When they came out of the arena, Keeley
was covered in dirt. Keeley was close to catching
her own calf as well, but came up short with the
“Hard Luck Award.”
Kodie has brought home her share of awards,
including Grand Champion at the Parker County
Stock Show, as well as multiple showmanship
awards.
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“I really pride myself on winning showmanship. I think it’s really
important,” she said. “At the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo,
there is a showmanship class, and I have won that one.”
A few years ago, Keeley took home the ribbon for Grand
Champion and Kodie took Reserve Champion showing her goats.
Kodie has learned a lot of valuable lessons over the years from
her participation in stock shows, one of the most important is how
to maintain showmanship.
“I think Showmanship is really important,” Kodie said, adding
that dedication and consistency is paramount as well. “You’ve got
to think about others before [you think about] yourself.”
Lastly, Kodie has learned teamwork and to, “give it your all.”
“You can be what you want to be, but you’ve got to work for it,”
Kodie said.
Her advice for other aspiring young ag stars?
“It’s a great program, it’s a ton of fun,” Kodie said. “It’s a lot of
time, but fun.”
Kodie also recommends that young ag stars network. “Get to
know the people in your community who have been successful in
the past, listen to their advice.
“My original extension agent was Windy Scott, and she really
helped me,” Kodie said. “Work hard, but have a lot of fun.”
Kodie’s plans after finishing high school are to join Keeley at
Texas Tech in Lubbock, where she plans to either study nursing or
nutrition and eventually become a pediatric oncologist, nurse or
physical therapist.