page 192 2015 LOGAN COUNTY FAIR LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.com August 2-9, 2015
the cows every morning and walking with them every
evening.
Hickey credits Mr. Allen with teaching her hard work
and always to do her best. “He has us go out of our
comfort zone to do challenging events, to find out
that we liked it and it rewarded us to see how well
we did. Mr. Allen, as well as my dad, has taught me
how to evaluate livestock and be able to point out the
advantages and disadvantages of the cattle, as we all
know they are not going to be perfect. He has showed
me that you have to keep your head held high through
the wins and the losses and to keep trying no matter
what happens.” Hickey continued, “I have realized
that it is not all about winning, but it is about learning
and having a good time and loving what you do. FFA
is a huge learning experience in my life.”
Like the Aylesworth family, Hickey is also blessed
with a large family that supports her and has played a
huge part in her success. “My dad (Charlie Hickey)
used to show when he was a kid. My brother and
sister (Brandon and Allison) have been there for me
to look up to and teach me how to wash, blow dry,
feed, set the cow up the right way and to never just
do it to get it over with.” Even grandma and grandpa
(Hickey) are often close by. “I always look in the
stands and I always see my grandma and grandpa with
a smile on their face and telling me good luck and
good job,” she said of the couple who’ve dedicated
their lives to family and farming.
Hickey notes that mom Stacy “is always there taking
pictures of me so I don’t forget the memories.”
Memories of the Logan County Fair that include the
chicken, goat and pig scrambles. “I caught the $5
rooster, got a goat that I had for many years, and was
the first one to catch a pig, and of course I wouldn’t
trade those experiences for anything.
My family has been showing at the fair for many
years, and then it was my turn and I was stoked.
I showed my goat from the scramble there, my
guilts and now my heifers. I have been successful
throughout my showing years.
The Logan County Fair is a very fun fair to sit in the
barns with your friends, ride on the rides, walk around
for great food, tractor pulls, concerts and staying
overnight. But you better be ready to start early in the
morning and work,” Hickey summed up perfectly.
Last but not least, the president of the Mount Pulaski
FFA Chapter, Lizzie Ford, agrees that FFA has been
a huge part of her life these
last few years. “I took my
first agriculture class ever my
freshman year of high school
and never imagined I’d become
as involved as I have with such
a great organization. I’ve been
able to be a part of so many
different experiences that the
FFA has to offer. Many people
think FFA is just crops and
animals, but it is so much more
than that, and there really is
something for everyone to get
involved in with FFA. I’ve been able to speak in front
of many different groups of people through projects
I’ve been a part of, and that’s something I’ve found I
love to do.”
Ford’s love of speaking helped to win her the 2015
title of Logan County Fair Queen on Tuesday evening.
This is just another example of how FFA influences
the lives young people and with the support of family
proves that anything is possible.
Lizzie Ford
