The National Junior Swine Association is proud to recognize member Tonya Fender of Lynchburg, Ohio as one of this months youth spotlights. The 18-year old daughter of Gary and Connie Fender is a recent graduate of Clay High School and plans to pursue a judging career at Lakeland Junior College in the fall. While attending Clay High School Fender was an active member of FFA; serving as the President, Vice President, and Historian in different terms. As an FFA member Fender was also a participant in Career Development Events, general livestock events, parliamentary procedure, and job interview. Outside of the Ag Classroom, Fender was actively and passionately involved in the National Honor Society, Parlimentarian, Spanish Club, and Matheletes.
Outside of her High School Fender is involved in the Highland County Poultry, Pigs, and Lambs 4-H Club and she has served five years as the President of this club, one year as the Vice President, Secretary, and Health Officer. The Highland County Junior Fairboard, the Highland County Pork Producers and the Princetown Church of Christ Youth Group are also activities featured on Fender’s resume.
Fenders passion for the swine industry is not limited to her barn, from a young age she actively began showing at the Highland County Open Barrow Show and from there she showed on the Buckeye Show Circuit and beyond. Her passion for the showering developed in Ohio and led her to many other events, some of which are NJSA events including; The National Western Stock Show, (when not there I go to the Southeast Regional, World Pork Expo, National Junior Summer Spectacular, Ohio State Fair, Highland County Fair, Eastern Regional, American Royal and The North American International Livestock Exposition.
Fender shows pigs because “it is something I can do with my family, as a family. We are an extremely close family, which I am very thankful of, and that is to blame on showing pigs. Also, I am passionate about the livestock industry, especially swine. This is a way I can be a part of an industry I care so much about.”
Fender hopes to use this passion to drive her career and her future, one day pursuing a career with a major livestock show feed organization. “I hope to work for a major feed company to enhance their product to the best quality and set up strong feeding programs on many show operations. Also, I would like to take over the family swine farm, that has been in our family for five generations, and keep the tradition of raising shoe pigs alive!”
As she looks back on her career showing pigs and being actively involved in the NJSA, Fender would give members the following words of advice: “Don’t be afraid to get involved! I was a shy, backwards girl when I started NJSA, but now I am not afraid to step out of my comfort zone to talk to or help anyone in need. What the NJSA teaches you is life lessons that you will not have the opportunity to experience anywhere else. The NJSA has truly helped me become the person I am today!”