Wisconsin advisor honored for excellent leadership and support of Angus junior leaders.
Behind every successful junior member is a hardworking and passionate youth advisor. Becky Henderson has been that mentor for youth of the Wisconsin Junior Angus Association (WJAA) for over 10 years. Her commitment to serving Angus juniors recently earned her the Advisor of the Year honor at the 2023 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Grand Island, Nebraska on July 7.
“It is so rewarding to see all the young people that went through the WJAA program grow up to become wonderful and responsible adults who are proud supporters of the WJAA and the Angus breed,” Henderson said.
As a state advisor, she uses this firsthand experience to create a positive and enlightening environment to encourage members to get involved in all facets of the NJAA.
“She is fun, reliable and most importantly, always wants what is best for the juniors,” said Mia Bayer, fellow WJAA advisor.
Behind the scenes, Henderson works diligently as a liaison between the state and national associations. She handles the necessary paperwork to ensure juniors actively participate in contests offered at the NJAS.
She has also planned and chaperoned mini-LEAD weekends which were created to emulate the NJAA’s Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conferences, for her state’s youth, allowing WJAA members to go on educational tours and focus on team building and leadership development.
Currently, she is preparing for the 2024 NJAS, which will be hosted by Wisconsin at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. A lot of work goes into planning the NJAS from organizing the show to contests and clinics. Also, being a host state means that the juniors in the state association can increase involvement by helping with show event preparation and execution.
“The WJAA provides opportunities for their juniors without hesitation, and that is a testament to the leadership they have with Becky Henderson,” said Caitlyn Brandt, American Angus Association® director of events and junior activities. “Becky plays a significant role in the success of the NJAA and the WJAA and these programs are lucky to have her.”
The Advisor of the Year award was started in 1980 to recognize the incredible work of state advisors for their respective junior Angus associations and their contributions to supporting Angus youth.
All NJAA state advisors are eligible for the award. Nominations are due in March of each year. For more information on how to nominate an advisor, visit http://legacy.angus.org/njaa/Awards/advisorNJAA.aspx.
–Written by Katelyn Engel, Angus Communications
