Two Taylorville FFA Members Named All American Livestock Youth
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Pictured are: Jack Link of Knoxville, Illinois, Laurn Wolter of Aviston Illinois, Lizzie Schafer of Owaneco, Illinois, and Cole Paulek of Stonington, Illinois.
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LOUISVILLE — Growing up in the livestock industry was the foundation of success for two Taylorville FFA members that were recently named All Americans at the North American International Livestock Skillathon Contest in Louisville, KY last week. Cole Paulek and Lizzie Schafer were selected for the Illinois 4-H All Star Skillathon Team in August by ranking in the top four at the State Livestock Skillathon Competition which was held at the Illinois State Fair.
Paulek and Schafer began training for this national competition in late August by taking part in practice every Sunday for 6 hours and completing the required 20 hour a week study time on various breeds of livestock, meat science, veterinarian medicine, animal handling, and overall industry knowledge. The team was coached by Merck Animal Health Representative Eric Fugate of Mahomet, IL.
At the national competition students were required to identify 30 piece of livestock equipment used in livestock production, complete a 25 question test on animal science, complete an animal quality assurance exam, judge a class of hay and wool, identify 15 cuts of meat and name the wholesale cut for each, 20 different breeds of livestock, and complete six different team practicums that include animal handling, meat science grading, and animal reproduction. The hard work and dedication paid off when the All Star Team finished as the 2021 Reserve National NAILE Skillathon Champions.
This was accomplished by Cole Paulek placing 6th Overall Individually and Lizzie Schafer placing 7th. Both students were also named “All Americans” and received a Showtimes belt buckle for their efforts. “All Americans” are named for ranking in the Top 20 in the Nation and by having a perfect High School Grade Point Average.
“The long hours of studying paid off, and the experience we have gained from the long practices and the numerous hours we dedicated in learning valuable animal science skills will serve us well in the future.” says THS High School Junior Cole Paulek.
“I really enjoyed working with other livestock enthusiasts from other parts of the state. Our team atmosphere was very good and the overall experience was extremely valuable.” says THS Senior Lizzie Schafer. Cole Paulek is the son of Craig and Katie Paulek of Stonington and Lizzie is the daughter of Aaron and Sue Schafer of Owaneco.
