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OnTheCover: TheBeginningofSpring–HappyEaster!BMy Sally Kalosarch marks the beginning ofhope that Easter brings joy and happiness to you and your family. It’s always a delight to see young ones dressed in their Sunday best and to witness their excitement during Easter Egg Hunts.Many of you will be able to enjoy Spring Break this month, whether it’s a getaway or exploring local attractions and nearby areas. There are numerous community events topartake in and enjoy. Remember, daylight saving time begins on March 10 at 2 am, so don’t forget to spring forward!spring, a delightful seasonfilled with numerous activities to enjoy and opportunities to create newmemories.This year, Easter falls on March 31, 2024.It serves as a reminder of the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for our sins, offering the gift of eternal life through his resurrection. WeSenior Spotlight Of 4-H & FFA StudentsEmily Fish Journey With 4 - H Has Developed Her Leadership & Community SkillsThis year, she exhibited two commercial goats and one commercial lamb at the Walter Gerlach Livestock Show, an event she has attended since 6th grade, consistently placing and participating in the auction. Early lessons from the MJL5 Livestock camp instilled in her the values of hard work, doing her best, and staying humble.With dedication and focus, Alexandria achieved remarkable results this year, winning Grand Champion Medium Weight Goat Division with one goat, placing third with another goat, and securing first place with her lamb. Her efforts were rewarded with the Walter Gerlach Livestock Scholarship, and she excelled at the auction.Alexandria plans to attend Palo Alto for the Ag program before transferring to Texas A&M (College Station) for a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness. Recognized for her exceptional character, she received the Miss Maxine Benke Exceptional Character Award at the Miss Helotes Pageant.BEy Sally Kalosmily Fish, a senior at O’Connor High School, embarked on her 4-H journey in second gradeupon moving to Helotes from Houston. Unable to officially join Helotes 4-H at first, she eagerly shadowed her older brother Ethan’s rabbit project. The following year, she eagerly joined Helotes 4-H to begin her own projects.For a decade, Emily has been an active member of the Helotes 4-H Livestock Plus club, discovering her passion for animals, community engagement, and leadership. Engaging in various projects, such as Arts and Crafts, Veterinary Science, Public Speaking, Rabbit, and Swine, she attributes her personal growth and lasting friendships to 4-H. Serving as an officer for Helotes Livestock Plus for seven years, Emily currently holds the position of 1st Vice- President.Her involvement in 4-H extends to raising and exhibiting rabbits and pigs, with this year’s Walter Gerlach Livestock Show showcasing her one commercial pig, one open Cross pig, and one pen of white New Zealand rabbits. This event holds special significance for Emily, who cherishes the memories and successes she’s experienced over the past decade.Emily’s affinity for pigs blossomed in fifth grade, particularly after raising her Spot Gilt, Peppa, and achieving notable successes, including placing 6th at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.Chunkers, her Cross bred pig exhibited this year, holds a special place in her heart for his affable nature and showmanship. Chunkers earned her the title of Reserve Grand Champion Swine and Open Show Swine Champion, along with notable accolades and scholarships.Emily’s academic journey continues at Texas State University, where she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a Major in Animal Science, fostering her passion for science and animals.Among her achievements, Emily signed a National Letter of Intent for softball at Texas State University, earned 6A Softball First Team All-District (Unanimous) Honors, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Additionally, she received a Bexar County Junior Livestock Show Scholarship.Beyond her achievements, Alexandria holds a National Tile Ambassadorship, serves as a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador on the State Advisory Board, and boasts over 7 additional 4-H ambassadorships. Additionally, she appeared on a reality TV show, adding to her diverse experiences and accomplishments.Dedication & Focus From Alexandria Salazar Achieved RemarkableResults With 4Hraising them. With five pigs and two lambs, she competes in multiple shows this year, earning a red ribbon for her ag mechanics project and fourth place for her lamb, alongside receiving the CE Vickrey award.In the next chapter of her journey, Elizabeth plans to pursue civil engineering at Tarleton State University, transitioning from her 4-H experiences to further her education and career aspirations.4-H - continued on page 8 March 2024BAlexandria Salazar, a senior at ASTA in O’Connor High School, became involved with 4-H in 3rdLivestock Judging, Horticulture, Health Living, and Photography. Through over 7 ambassadorships, including one national, she expanded her network, traveling across Texas and even to Maryland.Over the years, Alexandria has raised goats for seven years, lambs for four years, pigs for two years, and rabbits for one year.By Sally KalosLessons With 4HElizabeth Weynard Learns Life LongEbecause of her older siblings, starting in third grade. Over the last decade, she has found the hands-on nature of the program appealing, along with the valuable lesson of time management. Through 4-H, she has forged numerous meaningful connections and honed various skills.Her journey in 4-H began with showing rabbits in third grade, progressing to pigs, goats, lambs, and agriculture mechanics in subsequent years. At this year’s Walter Gerlach Livestock Show, she showcased her ag mechanics project, alongside two pigs and a lamb. This event holds a special place in her heart due to the impactful relationships she has built there. Notably, she was recognized as a Vickrey Award finalist since eighth grade, culminating in winning the Vickrey Award this year, a distinguished service honor.These animals hold sentimental value for Elizabeth as they mark her final year oflizabeth Weynand, a senior at O’Connor High School, became involved with the 4-H programy Sally Kalosgrade, starting with Arts and Crafts and then adding Vet Science. Her passion for 4-H blossomed, offering her leadership opportunities and exposure to various activities, including showing animals,6www.heloteshighlights.com