<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4b0aSJ_0wCIq8HE00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4b0aSJ_0wCIq8HE00" width="1055" height="1406" ><figcaption>Michella Martinez</figcaption></figure>Since Michella Martinez has been in the seventh grade, she has had a passion for showing animals, such as pigs, for Future Farmers of America (FFA) at Jonesboro Independent School District.Currently, Martinez is an officer serving as the second vice president. Her duties entail assisting the vice president as needed along with aiding in the direction of the organization’s work. She also competes in Career Development Events (CDE's) and Leadership Development Events (LDE's) throughout the school year.Each year, members of FFA have the option to attend and compete at the Heart O’ Texas Fair &amp; Rodeo in Waco to represent their school in the livestock show. Martinez has made an appearance many times before where she shows her pigs.Leading up to her four-day trip to the livestock show, she prepared endlessly, training with her pigs each day.“I gave my pigs baths and walked them for about 15 minutes a piece each,” she said.Competing in the show each year means more to Martinez than just winning a ribbon.She expressed, “I do this show because my grandma loves the HOT Fair, and she passed away two years ago, so I do this show because of her.”This year she showed her pigs once again, and although she didn’t place, she expressed that she gained great advice and knowledge on how to improve for next year.When asked about her goals for next year’s livestock show she said, “My goal is to win a buckle from the country fair, and I do believe that I will accomplish this goal, because next year will be my senior year.”She mentioned that she will continue to train with the same animals along with possibly purchasing a goat or a horse.She also said that she is thankful for her family being there by her side throughout her journey in FFA.“My family is very supportive of me showing pigs,” she said. “It lets me know that I’m loved through thick and thin.”“It makes me proud to watch her face light up when she puts in the hard work to accomplish her goals in FFA and just daily life. When you have a child, you pray you raise them in the right way and many days you wonder if you did it right, but then you watch them set their mind to something, go accomplish it, and they are kind to the ones around them along the way,” Tonya Heiler, Martinez’s mother said. “Nothing makes me prouder than to watch her help others along the way. The lessons that last a lifetime.”Martinez said that she enjoyed her time this past week at the HOT Fair &amp; Rodeo Livestock Show and is eager to compete next year.“FFA has shown me that you have to get out of your comfort zone to learn about your projects,” she said.Not only is she involved in FFA, but she is also a member of various clubs and is active in extracurricular programs, which includes being a member of one act play, UIL, and being the junior editor for yearbook class. She also finds the time in her schedule to work full-time at The Feed Mill as a hostess during the week after school.“Michella has blossomed and grown throughout her years in FFA. I’ve watched her move out of her comfort zone and try new things that she excelled in,” Heiler said. “Her heart and compassion for others has grown as well, and the lessons she has learned in the barn will last her a lifetime.”</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

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Local teen competes in HOT Fair & Rodeo Livestock Show

Since Michella Martinez has been in the seventh grade, she has had a passion for showing animals, such as pigs, for Future Farmers of America (FFA) at Jonesboro Independent School District. Currently, Martinez is an officer serving as the second vice president. Her duties entail assisting the vice president as...