Lakewood School
My School
School and my 4-H project go hand in hand — here’s how Lakewood School supports what I do, both in the barn and at the podium.
Where I go to school
Lakewood School
I’m an 8th grader at Lakewood School here in Henry County. My teachers and classmates are always supportive when it’s show season and I need a little extra flexibility to keep up with barn chores and homework at the same time.
Balancing school with a livestock project takes planning, but it’s taught me a lot about managing my time and staying on top of my responsibilities — skills that carry over into everything else I do, in and out of the classroom.
Speech Team
Finding My Voice On & Off the Farm
Outside the barn, I’m part of the Speech Team at Lakewood School, coached by Mr. David Weatherly. Public speaking has become one of my favorite ways to build the same kind of confidence and preparation that showing livestock does.
In 2025, I won the West Tennessee 4-H Speech Competition. It’s one of my proudest achievements, and I’m grateful to Mr. Weatherly for the coaching that helped me get there.
Speech Team and my 4-H steer project pull from the same muscle: showing up prepared, staying calm when things don’t go exactly as planned, and being able to talk clearly about work I care about. I use that same preparation mindset whether I’m walking into a speech round or into the show ring at the Henry County Youth Livestock Show. I’m continuing with Speech Team this year and hope to represent Lakewood School and Henry County 4-H at West Tennessee 4-H Speech again.
Leadership
4-H Club President
I’ve served as President of my Henry County 4-H club for multiple years — running meetings, helping plan club activities, and encouraging other members the way older exhibitors once encouraged me.
