American Gelbvieh Junior Association Names 2012-13 Ambassadors

The American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) created the Ambassador Program to encourage youth involvement in the breed’s activities. The ambassadors represent the AGJA at Gelbvieh functions throughout the year including the National Gelbvieh and Balancer® Show and the national sale in Denver, Colo.

The candidates are judged on their notebook, an oral interview, a speech given at the AGJA Annual Meeting and overall conduct during the annual Junior Classic, the national junior Gelbvieh Show. The notebook includes information and photographs on activities, awards and organizations as well as an essay on the candidate’s background and experiences with the Gelbvieh breed. A committee is appointed to conduct the interviews and select the AGJA Junior Ambassador and Intermediate Ambassador.

Ambassador candidates must be AGJA members and be present at the Classic to be chosen. The junior ambassador is between the age of 8 and 11 years old. The intermediate ambassador is between the age of 12 and 15 years old. Age is based on January 1, 2012. Each ambassador receives a silver belt buckle and an embroidered jacket.

The AGJA is proud to announce the 2012 AGJA Ambassadors, who were selected during the 2012 AGJA Black and Gold Classic held July 1-6 in Chillicothe, Mo. Sydney Bigger, Media, Ill., will serve as the Intermediate Ambassador. Connor Durham, Piedmont, S.C., will serve as the Junior Ambassador.

Sydney Bigger is the daughter of Barry and Jody Bigger. She is an eleventh grade student at West Central High School in Media, Ill. With a 4.0 GPA, she is involved in the Math Team, National Honor Society and Student Council. Outside of school work, she stays active in her community, 4-H club, FFA, and the AGJA. Bigger is a repeat competitor in many of the Classic contests and served as the 2009-2010 AGJA Junior Ambassador.

With a passion for raising and showing cattle, Bigger is eager to promote the Gelbvieh breed. “My passion for Gelbvieh cattle has taught me many things about both cattle and life,” Bigger says. “I would like to represent the AGJA as an ambassador, to tell all people, agriculture enthusiasts or not, about what raising Gelbvieh cattle can teach you.”

Connor Durham is the son of John and Cindy Durham of Piedmont, S.C. As a sixth grader at Wren Middle School, he is involved with 4-H Livestock Clubs, the National Junior Angus Association, Wren Little League Baseball, Meals on Wheels, and the AGJA. He was the 2010 AGJA Rookie of the Year. In March, he sold a record breaking 312 raffle tickets for the 2012 AGJA Beastrom Donation heifer. Durham received the All-Around Eagle Pass Ranch Donation Heifer at the 2012 National Western Stock Show.

“I participated in my first AGJA Classic in 2010. I quickly fell in love with the event and all it had to offer. I hope to attend the AGJA Classic show every year and hope to one day serve on the Board of Directors,” says Durham.

For more information about the AGJA Ambassador Program, visit www.www.gelbvieh.org/juniors.

Photo Caption: The American Gelbvieh Junior Association selected two individuals as part of its Ambassador Program. Connor Durham, Piedmont, S.C., (left) will serve as the 2012-2013 AGJA Junior Ambassador. Sydney Bigger, Media, Ill., (right) was selected as the 2012-2013 AGJA Intermediate Ambassador.