Ryan Giertz

5212 Knoxville Road
New Windsor, IL 61465
309.507.1769

Ryan Giertz of New Windsor, Ill., is a veteran NJSA member and 17-year-old son of Greg and Stephanie Giertz.

Ryan is a busy man! He is a senior in high school and is actively involved in several extra-curricular activities, including Student Council, National Honor Society, livestock judging, basketball and hockey. When he is not attending meetings, shooting baskets, making goals or evaluating livestock, Ryan enjoys just relaxing with his family, fishing and playing sports with his friends.

This young man has been involved with the NJSA since it began more than seven years ago. He has participated in a variety of shows, including the National Junior Summer Spectacular and the World Pork Expo Junior National. This year he hopes to attend both the Southwest and Eastern regional shows. Ryan says his favorite thing about being an NJSA member is meeting a variety of people from around the country. He enjoys interacting with people who share his same interests and passions. Ryan also believes that the NJSA has taught him valuable life lessons, such as responsibility and work ethic.

Not only has Ryan been very active in the NJSA, he has also been very successful! His name is frequently found in the top 5 individuals of the judging contest, and he has taken home both fifth and sixth-place honors in the sweepstakes contest.

As for future plans, Ryan is the typical high school senior — he isn’t quite sure where he’ll end up! He is currently considering attending the University of Illinois, Purdue or Oklahoma State University to pursue an engineering or animal science degree.

Thank you for being such a standout NJSA member, Ryan! It looks like you have quite a successful future on the horizon, and we wish you the best of luck!

Submitted by Jennifer Martin, 2007 NJSA Summer Intern