The NJSA is proud to recognize Everleigh Laine Hayes, 19, of Port Lavaca, Texas as a youth spotlight.  The daughter of Jimmy and Paula Hayes, Everleigh has one brother, Cassidy, and one sister, Landry.  Everleigh is sophomore at Blinn College where she is a member of the livestock judging team and Ag Club.  Outside of school, Everleigh enjoys raising pigs, attending shows around the country, reading the purple circle and show box, karaoke, dancing, fishing and going to the beach.

Everleigh started showing pigs in 2000 as a third grader.  When asked why she shows pigs, Everleigh responded, “Because having grown up in an agricultural based family with my dad being a farmer, I have always had a passion for agriculture and animals.  My dad showed pigs when he was in school and the tradition passed onto me.”  Her favorite thing about showing pigs is the wonderful people she has the opportunity to meet through the swine industry.  She said, “Showing pigs has opened me up to a completely different world that most kids are never able to experience and I can honestly say it is unfortunate for those who never get to be around livestock and hear the motivational speeches from the leaders of our industry like I have.”  Everleigh’s favorite shows are the National Junior Summer Spectacular, San Antonio Livestock Show, Houston Livestock Show, National Barrow Show, Southwest Type Conference, and the NSR Fall Classic. 

When asked what she would like to tell a younger member about the NJSA, Everleigh answered, “I would tell a younger member to take advantage and participate in every aspect of the NJSA while they have the change.  I was able to participate in many events and activities and because of it I have grown as a person and have no idea where I would be without the NJSA.  It can give a person so many irreplaceable memories and opportunities to cherish and recall for a lifetime.”  Everleigh’s most memorable moment in the NJSA was placing 3rd in the All-Around Sweepstakes in 2010.

Some of the accomplishments that Everleigh has received are the Gold Star 4-H Award, I Dare You 4-H Award, 2008 Miss Texas Junior Teen Finalist and Top 5 Spokes Model, 2005 Junior Fair Queen, and 2008 Fair Queen.  Additionally, Everleigh was Senior High Individual at the Houston Livestock Show, 4th Overall at the San Antonio Livestock Judging Contest, 2nd High Individual at the State Fair of Texas Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest, High Individual at the Washington County Fair Livestock Judging Contest, High Individual at the District 11 4-H Livestock Judging Contest, and 2nd in Reasons and 3rd High Individual at the Texas State Roundup Livestock Judging Contest.

Everleigh’s future plans are to transfer to Texas A&M University to become a member of the livestock judging team.  She hopes to complete her bachelors and masters degree there in Ag Leadership and Development, and eventually complete her doctorate at Oklahoma State University.  Eventually, she plans to return to Texas A&M University to become a professor and teach Animal Science and Ag Leadership emphasis classes.

The NJSA would like to congratulate Everleigh on all of her accomplishments and wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.