The NJSA would like to recognize Becca Oliver, 15, of Leo Indiana as a youth spotlight.  The Daughter of Butch and Jenny Oliver, Becca has three older siblings, Amy, 24, Tara, 22, and Derek, 19.  Becca is in the 10th grade at Garret High School where she participates in basketball and track and also serves as the Secretary of the Garrett FFA Chapter.  Outside of school, Becca enjoys being active in 4-H, going to swine open shows, hanging out with her friends, spending time with her family, swimming, and listening to music.

Becca started showing pigs her first year in 4-H, when she was in the third grade.  When asked why she shows pigs, Becca responded, “I love showing pigs because it is a family project where both my immediate and extended family is able to participate.  I also enjoy making many new friends from across the state and county.”  The competition involved in showing pigs, especially in showmanship where she is able to showcase her skills, is what she enjoys most about showing.  Becca’s favorite shows are the Indiana State Fair and the National Junior Summer Spectacular.

Becca’s most memorable moment in the NJSA was at the Summer Spectacular when she received 5th overall and Reserve Champion Yorkshire Gilt in 2008.  The Indiana State Fair is also always a highlight of her summer, with last year being a more memorable one, as she was named the Reserve Champion Intermediate Swine Showman and exhibited the Reserve Champion Duroc Gilt.  Becca would like to tell younger members of the NJSA that, “the NJSA is a great experience and organization to get involved in.  NJSA has helped me build many lifelong friends and better myself as a showman.”

“Hard work is the key to success,” is Becca’s favorite quote, which she proves she lives by with her list of accomplishments.  Earning a varsity letter in track as a freshman, Becca also made the varsity basketball team her freshman year.  Additionally, she represented the swine species in the Showman of Showmen contest at the 2010 Allen County Fair, was Reserve Overall Intermediate Swine Showman at the 2009 Indiana State Fair, and exhibited the Reserve Champion Overall Duroc Gilt at the 2009 Indiana State Fair.

Becca’s future plans are to graduate from high school and attend Purdue University to major in Agribusiness.  One day, Becca hopes to become established with a strong company in the agriculture industry.

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