Riley Wendt, age 8, from Irwin, Ohio is a NJSA Novice member and has been a part of the NJSA for 5 years.  Riley is the daughter of Kevin and Megan Wendt and has a younger brother Ethan Wendt age 5, who is also an NJSA Member. Riley is in the Second Grade at Saint Johns Lutheran School in Marysville, Ohio. Riley enjoys showing at numerous events such as World Pork Expo, Southeast Regional, NJSS, and Ohio State Fair, and loves to participate in showmanship, photography, poster contests, skillathon as well as the NJSA All Around Sweepstakes.

Riley’s favorite show is World Pork Expo and the Southeast Regional.  Her favorite breeds of hogs are Hampshires and Durocs.  One of her favorite NJSA contests is the skillathon event because she loves to study and teach her brother things that they will be tested on during the contest. She also enjoys the skillathon because her family practices the night before in the room with mom and dad while getting to eat pizza.   Once of the things that Riley enjoys most about the NJSA shows is meeting new friends from other states.  Riley listed some of her friends that she has met as Lizzie Schafer, Peyton Hines, and Jenna and Katie Segal.

Riley is also very busy outside of NJSA by being involved in ballet, singing, dance, cheerleading, and pretending to be a school teacher. Riley’s a dreamer with big goals, she would like to become a school teacher and teach Art and Mathematics.  Some of her advice to younger NJSA members when showing for the first time is to have fun and just act like you are taking your pig for a walk in front of everyone. She says to remember to smile and if you win don't forget to shake the judges hand. Riley you’re a great member of the NJSA. We appreciate all the help you contribute to younger members, and the smile that you bring to peoples faces. Good luck with your future endeavors!

NJSA Youth Spotlight by: Miles Toenyes