By Alexandra Gutierrez | File Photo by Ashley Armentrout

Junior Taylor Kalka never thought her favorite hobby would carry her all the way to a state show.

From Feb. 9-26, agriculture students spent a few of their days at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, showing their animals and taking different places in their competitions.

“It [placing] was an incredible feeling,” Kalka said. “Knowing I placed that high at my first state pig show really me kow that my had work paid off.”

Showing is typically something you fall into because it’s something your family does, but it’s not the same story for everyone. For sophomore Brooke Armentrout, showing is something she has always loved to do, as her own thing rather than with her family. Armentrout placed first in her competition but she didn’t feel it was her best work.

“I’ve raised since I was little,” Armentrout said. “This show wasn’t even my best.”

For junior Kalka and freshman Hannah Hey, showing is in their genes. Kalka’s mother grew up breeding and showing animals and then she followed in her footsteps. This year’s stock show was her first big pig show after raising rabbits for two years.

“I guess growing up at stock shows and being around it all, I just fell in love with all the aspects that come with showing,” Kalka said.

Kalka, Armentrout, and Hey all plan to continue showing after they leave high school. At Stock Show and Rodeo, Hey placed ninth, Kalka came in at second, and Armentrout placed first. They’re looking forward to the years they have a head of them and can’t wait to see how they improve.