The NJSA would like to recognize Macy Marek, 13, of Riverside, Iowa as a youth spotlight.  The daughter of Tim and Heather Marek, Macy has three sisters, Lexi, 15, Makenzi, 11, and Leah, 8.  Macy is an 8th grader at Washington Junior High where she is involved in volleyball, track, basketball and student council.  Outside of school, she enjoys tumbling, 4-H and showing cattle and pigs.

Macy started showing pigs at the age of three.  When asked why she shows pigs, Macy answered, “because it’s fun, you meet new friends, and I like to compete.”  Meeting new friends from all over the country is what Macy enjoys most about showing pigs.  Her favorite shows are the Iowa State Fair and the National Western Stock Show.

Living up to her favorite quote, “You get out of it what you put into it,” some of Macy’s accomplishments include winning Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog at the American Royal, Champion Junior Showman at the Iowa State Fair, and Reserve Champion Division Market Barrow at the Iowa State Fair.

Macy’s most memorable moment in the NJSA was having a great time at the dance on the last night of National Junior Summer Spectacular in Louisville, Kentucky.  About the NJSA, Macy would like to tell younger members that, “I met a lot of new friends and it is a great experience.”

Macy plans to continue showing pigs and cattle whenever possible and eventually become a livestock photographer.

The NJSA would like to congratulate Macy on all of her accomplishments and wish her the best of luck with her future endeavors!

Submitted by Cally Hass, 2010 NJSA Intern