Sophia Royer, Westpoint, Ind., has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Bronze award, according to Jaclyn Clark, education and events director of the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Mo.
The 11-year-old daughter of Steve and Cassie Royer attends Mintonye Elementary School and is a member of the NJAA and the Indiana Junior Angus Association.
She has participated in local, state and national shows and showmanship contests. At the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Sophia participated in the quiz bowl, team sales and livestock judging contests. She was also a participant in the 2016 and 2017 mentoring program.
The Bronze award is the first level of the NJAA Recognition Program that began in 1972. Junior Angus breeders must apply for the award, then meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving the honor. Applicants are evaluated in areas of junior Angus association activities and leadership, participation in showmanship, contests and shows, using performance testing to improve their herd and their progress in producing and merchandising Angus cattle.
The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle, while also providing leadership and self-development opportunities for the nearly 5,000 active members nationwide.