WINGHAM High School Ag Show Team "cleaned up" in the Wingham Beef Week award presentations today (Friday). In warm, sunny conditions the students received award after award for their efforts over the previous four days that saw 220 students from across the State compete.
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Exceeding expectations, the students won numerous individual and team awards dominating the carcass sections. Agriculture teacher Charlie Cassels cited the opportunities provided to the high school students by Wingham Beef Exports. Having an abattoir on their very doorstep is allowing the students to gain valuable experience that for many will stand them in good stead for their chosen careers in the meat industry.
Seventeen year old Jonty Hemingway is one such student who would ultimately like to turn her success in Ag studies and competitions into a future endeavour. Jonty took home eight ribbons and four trophies, so many she had to find a box to carry them all in. She was delighted with the accolades and whispers could be heard of a possible attempt to go for the title of NSW champion if proposed plans to create such a competition go ahead. She said she was most surprised to be crowned champion junior judge. After high school Jonty would like to study at university "probably UNE," and ultimately work for MLA (Meat and Livestock Australia).
Jonty and fellow WHS students Victoria Lee, Emily Holden and Brooke Anderson took out top honours when their team won the Australian Junior Meat Judging Competition to be crowned 'champion team.' The school was also the winning school with team of four for the Bootoowaa Pastoral Company Beef Appreciation Competition run by ICMJ.
Student Emily Holden also went home smiling after winning the Tom Woollard Memorial Award. Emily scored a three day Beef Cattle Assessment course at Tocal College in September.
Nola Pereira and her team were not forgotten either, their hard work and dedication in the food kiosk was awarded with an appreciation plaque.
Wingham High School would like to say a special thank you to Kyle and Robin Thomas of the Murray Grey Mid North Coast Breed Appreciation Group for their kind donation.