At just 14 years old, Allison is already a force to be reckoned with. A student at Southeast High School, she balances academics with a passion for animals, agriculture, and community, thanks to the guidance and influence of her family and 4-H. But there’s so much more to her than what meets the eye. With a heart full of gratitude, a smile that can light up a room, and an infectious energy, Allison has grown into a bright and confident young woman—and she owes much of her growth to the lessons she’s learned along the way, from her 4-H experiences.
Family: The Foundation of Allison's Success
When you ask Allison what’s most important to her, she quickly names her family. Her parents have been her biggest teachers, guiding her through life’s lessons and showing her how to save money for 4-H projects, from buying feed to caring for the animals. Their wisdom has shaped her understanding of work ethic, responsibility, and the importance of doing things the right way.
One of the most valuable lessons she’s learned is how to put others (and her animals) first. This has been especially true in her experience with market projects, where raising animals for show teaches her not only about hard work but also about sacrifice. "You brush them, train them, feed them, and make sure their well being is good. They teach you how to put something else above yourself."
Another key figure in Allison's life is her grandfather, who has played a significant role in shaping her connection to agriculture and animals. When she was little, Allison would follow him everywhere, especially when he worked with the tractor. He’d let her hop in the driver’s seat beside him, teaching her not only how to drive the tractor but also how to appreciate the land and the work that goes into it.
The World of 4-H: A Journey of Growth
For Allison, 4-H has been an essential part of her life for as long as she can remember. It’s not just about showing animals—though that’s a huge part of it—it’s about learning responsibility, gaining confidence, and developing life skills that will carry her far into adulthood.
Allison absolutely loves showing animals, particularly market lambs, poultry, and cattle. Her passion shines through when she talks about her steers and her prized poultry, but she’ll tell you her "least favorite thing is getting rid of them [her show animals]."
The work that goes into training these animals is no small feat. Allison spends months preparing them for the county fair, brushing them, feeding them, and making sure they’re in top condition. Winter jackpots provide an opportunity to hone her skills, practice, and sometimes even win prizes, which makes all the hard work worth it. "It’s so much fun to be a part of those shows," she says. "You get to watch and learn from other people, and it feels amazing when all your hard work pays off."
Milestones and Memories: Highlights from the Show Ring
Allison has built an impressive record in the world of livestock shows, and the memories she’s created along the way are some of her most treasured. One of her proudest moments came at the Portage County Randolph Fair in 2024, where she achieved Grand Champion Carcass Lamb just days before the fair. She also took home the title of Grand Champion Market Goose, an accomplishment she’s especially proud of since the goose was the heaviest one there. She placed 5th overall showman with her steers and came in 1st place in her showmanship class—an experience she’ll never forget.
Another cherished memory comes from her first year showing steers back in 2020, when she won Reserve Champion Black Angus Steer. "It was my first year showing steers, so winning that was just so special," she recalls.
Allison also cares for a variety of animals outside of her 4-H projects, including three breeding heifers, a mini cow named Lainey (after Lainey Wilson, her favorite country music singer), two Nigerian dwarf goats, five cats, and three dogs. Of all her animals, her mini cow, Lainey, holds a special place in her heart. But it’s her dog, who she describes as "super kind and smart," that’s her favorite animal overall.
The Teen Team: Confidence and Growth
In addition to her passion for animals and agriculture, Allison is also part of Davinda’s Teen Team. Being part of the team has been a transformative experience for her. Allison’s radiant smile and the energy she brings to every shoot has made her a standout member of the team.
Allison’s journey has just begun, but it’s clear that her passion for animals, her dedication to hard work, and the influence of her family and mentors will continue to shape her future in amazing ways. With her heart full of gratitude and her smile as bright as ever, she’s ready for whatever comes next.
As she continues to show animals, model with the Teen Team, and take on new challenges, we have no doubt that Allison will keep shining—both in the show ring and in life.
So beautiful!!!
You're glowing Allison 💗