Katie Heckman

180 Heckman Cemetery Rd
Spring Mills, PA 16875
(814) 422-8217

Katie Heckman, 9, is the oldest daughter of Dan and Kim Heckman of Spring Mills, Pennsylvania. Katie has two younger siblings, Zack, 4, and Emma, 7.

This bright young lady is about to finish up her 4th grade year at her local elementary school. While her favorite subject in school is science, she also loves to read and her favorite book is any book from The Series of Unfortunate Events. Katie also says that her favorite movie is Spirit Stallion of Cimmarron. Outside of school, this youngster enjoys riding horses (her favorite is a palomino), riding bikes, and playing hide and seek with her brother and sister.

Even though she is only 9, this young person is no stranger to the show ring! Katie has been showing pigs for about 7 years. She says she really enjoys livestock shows-- especially the showmanship contests because you get to show how good you are. Her hard work in the ring paid off last year at her county 4-H show when she exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion Overall and was named Champion Showman in her age division.

Katie believes that showing pigs is a very rewarding and teaches responsibility and hard work. She says that other youngsters should join the NJSA because it is fun and you get to meet lots of new people.

This young animal lover would like to one day become a vet and take care of other animals. Until then though, we can be sure that she will do a fine job raising and caring for her three pigs (Champ, Popper, and Sunny), dog (Sammy), and cat (Oscar).

Job well done on all that you’ve accomplished so far, Katie! We wish you the best in all that you do in the future!

Submitted by Jennifer Martin, 2007 NJSA Summer Intern