25 Jan 2015 State fair exhibitors inducted into Arkansas Purple Circle Club
Seven from Faulkner County were recently inducted into the prestigious Arkansas Purple Circle Club.
The club was created in 1952 as a venue to further recognize youth exhibitors at the Arkansas State Fair who have achieved championship honors with their livestock projects. Arkansas Power & Light Company (now Entergy) was the founding sponsor for 52 years. In 2005, Arkansas Farm Bureau became the sponsor.
The inaugural class of the Purple Circle Club had 38 inductees. This year, 170 awards were presented to 121 inductees. Since its inception, 7,364 junior livestock exhibitors have received Purple Circle awards.
Those inducted from Faulkner County were:
Brittney Beck, 15-year-old daughter of Brad and Donna Beck of Greenbrier. She is a sophomore at Greenbrier High School and a member of Greenbrier FFA and Cloverleaf 4-H Club. She won Grand Champion Hog Division 1.
Colby Leggett, 19-year-old son of Kenneth and Tonya Leggett of Greenbrier. He is a freshman in college at Southern Arkansas University of Magnolia and was in the Greenbrier FFA. He won Grand Champion Duroc Boar.
Jordan Wilcox, 18-year-old son of Dubby and Diane Wilcox of Greenbrier. He is a freshman at the University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton and was in the Greenbrier FFA. He won Grand Champion Poultry Chain.
Kinsey Watkins, 17-year-old daughter of Mitchell and Diane Watkins of Guy. She is a junior at Guy-Perkins High School and a member of Guy-Perkins FFA and Guy Small Town 4-H Club. She won Grand Champion Market Lamb, Senior Lamb Showman Champion and Senior Goat Showman Champion.
Alex Stark, 16-year-old daughter of Ron and Tanya Bingham and Allen Stark. She is a junior at Mayflower High School and a member of Mayflower FFA and Mayflower 4-H Show Team. She won Division Champion Market Lamb.
Stephen Pate, 13-year-old son of Kenny and Melissa Pate of Damascus. He is an eighth-grader at Greenbrier Junior High School and a member of Greenbrier FFA and Mayflower 4-H Show Team. He won Grand Champion Jr. Alpine doe and Grand Champion Jr. Recorded Grade doe.
Brandon Beck, 11-year-old son of Brad and Donna Beck of Greenbrier. He is a sixth-grader at Greenbrier Middle School. He is a member of the Cloverleaf 4-H Club. He won Grand Champion Single Fryer Rabbit.
Kinsey Watkins
City: Guy.
School: A junior at Guy-Perkins High.
Favorite subject: Science and agriculture.
What do you enjoy most at school: Friends and planning projects with my FFA and FBLA clubs.
Career plans: I am torn between getting some type of medical degree or veterinarian with a minor in agriculture business. After graduation, I also plan to run for a FFA state office.
Community activities: I am a member of the Guy Small Town 4-H, Guy-Perkins FFA and FBLA, Arkansas Jr. Sheep Council and Guy-Perkins Beta Club.
Family: Parents Mitchell and Diana Watkins.
Who do you admire the most: My parents. They are always there for me and go above and beyond to support me in all my activities.
Favorite meal: Mexican food.
Most cherished possessions: My Arkansas State Fair Grand Champion Market Lamb Banner and Senior 4-H State Public Speaking Medallion.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: Working with my livestock and showing.
Favorite quotes: “No one is born a natural, you have to work hard to be good, and even harder to be better.”
Favorite place in Arkansas: Any livestock show.
More information: I have shown livestock since I was 5 and love every minute of it. It has taught me responsibility, hard work and patience, and it’s a great way to meet lots of people in the livestock world. I have been blessed to have family and friends supporting me. I have had several successful awards at the county, district, state and national levels. I only have one more year to show but hope to continue being a mentor to the younger generation and help them fulfill their dreams of livestock success.
