Intermediate and high school alternative academics special education students and those in the Helping Each Adult Reach Transition Services (HEARTS) program were invited to pair up with a FFA student to present either a sheep or goat for the show.
“The overall goal of hosting a Unified Show is to provide life skills students an opportunity to show livestock and gain lifetime experiences just as our FFA members share every year at the CCISD Livestock Show,” said Clear Creek High School ag teacher Madelyne Nauman, who organized the event.
FFA students hosted a practice day where everyone met and worked as a team to develop showmanship skills and get to know the animals. During the Livestock Show, the life skills students and their FFA “buddy” had the opportunity to walk around the ring to be judged by an outside ag teacher.
“It was amazing to see how students, staff, parents and the community came out to cheer on these hardworking students,” said Nauman. “Businesses and community members also supported us through sponsorships and donations to make the event possible for these kids, and we are so grateful.”
All life skills students received a trophy for participating in the show. A Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Showman were also named in each animal category and received a belt buckle.
