{"id":20142,"date":"2026-07-15T07:00:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T13:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brahmanjournal.com\/cattle\/?p=20142"},"modified":"2026-07-07T17:08:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T23:08:02","slug":"favorite-memories-from-graduating-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brahmanjournal.com\/cattle\/favorite-memories-from-graduating-seniors","title":{"rendered":"Favorite memories from Graduating Seniors!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tucker Padgett<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

When I got my first Brahman heifer just four short years ago, I never thought it would have blossomed into what it has today. From my first Brahman show and only knowing a few people to my last Junior Nationals, where I have friends throughout the barn, it has been an incredible journey.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll never forget my first TBF Camp. My mom put me on a bus with the only person I knew at the time being Mr. Mike. He and Lana assured her I would be fine; she was definitely not convinced. Needless to say, after seeing a lot of cattle and having a few questionable elevator rides, that was the best four days of my life.<\/p>\n

I met my best friends and great role models that I still talk to today. The Brahman breed has brought me more than fun memories and good cattle; it has given me family. Some may live hundreds of miles away, but I know they are just a phone call away.<\/p>\n

I will cherish my buckles, banners and awards for the rest of my life, and they will remind me of the great memories I made during my time as a junior. Every win, and even every loss, has molded me into the cattlewoman I am today.<\/p>\n

My future plans are to earn an animal science degree from Kansas State and continue growing my fitting service and breeding business.<\/p>\n

Levi Risner<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"Four years ago, I stepped into the show ring with Brahman cattle and quickly found something I truly love. What started as a new experience turned into a passion, especially getting to share the journey alongside my sister, Ellee.<\/p>\n

Some of my best memories have come from the barn and the show ring, but my favorite moment was in Houston\u2014winning my class and going on to be reserve champion of the calf division.<\/p>\n

Showing Brahmans has given me unforgettable experiences, and I\u2019m thankful for this journey, all the friends I\u2019ve made, and all the people who supported me along the way.<\/p>\n

Makenzi Willard<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Hi, my name is Makenzi Willard, and I am a graduating senior this year! I have had the opportunity to serve as a director and queen for the Texas Junior Brahman Association. I’m so thankful to have had this opportunity to grow and thrive in the Brahman industry.<\/p>\n

There are so many memories I could talk about over the years, but the main one I would mention is meeting my best friend. A few years ago, Carlee and I both participated in the Queen and Princess Contest. Since that time, we have been best friends, and I couldn’t be more thankful for a friend like her.<\/p>\n

My future plans consist of attending Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi while earning my bachelor’s degree in biology and my master’s degree in marine biology.<\/p>\n

Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout the years.<\/p>\n

Ryan Mack Simpson<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been a member of the Texas Junior Brahman Association and the American Junior Brahman Association for 10 years. I graduated from Texas Connections Academy Houston and will attend Texas A&M Higher Education Center McAllen to study biomedical sciences and pursue a career in embryology.<\/p>\n

Showing Brahman cattle has been my true passion since I was 8 years old, and it has made me the person I am today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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