The NJSA is proud to recognize Kassandra Knauth of Milford, Illinois as a youth spotlight.  The daughter of Keith and Marsha Knauth, Kassandra has one brother, Kyle. 

Kassandra is a 17 year-old senior at Milford High School where she plays basketball and softball and is a member of the FFA, Student Council, National Honor Society, and serves as her Class Representative.  In her spare time, Kassandra enjoys showing pigs and singing.

When asked why she shows pigs, Kassandra responded, “I grew up with it and it just became a part of me.  It’s fun and it’s a passion.”  Kassandra started showing pigs at the age of 8, although she helped her brother work with his pigs when she was still too young to show.  Going to shows and meeting life-long friends from all over the country is what she enjoys most about showing pigs.  Her favorite shows are the World Pork Expo and the National Junior Summer Spectacular.  Kassandra’s most memorable moment in the NJSA was winning the intermediate skillathon competition at the National Junior Summer Spectacular in 2009.

Living by her favorite quote, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are probably right,” one of Kassandra’s accomplishments include placing third in the intermediate sweepstakes competition two years in a row.  Additionally, she is ranked number one in her class and also received the highest score on the ACT out of everyone in her class.

Kassandra’s future plans include attending college majoring in veterinary science and minoring in Spanish.  She then hopes to complete vet school and open her own clinic while raising show pigs.

The NJSA would like to congratulate Kassandra on all of her accomplishments and with her luck in all of her future endeavors!

Submitted by Cally Hass, 2010 NJSA Intern