Suter Clark

Suter Clark, Gretna, Va., has been involved in the NJAA for many years. He has attended several events like the NJAS and the Raising the Bar and Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conferences. At the time they just seemed like a fun way to meet new friends, but looking back, Clark realizes these experiences shaped him into the person he’s become.

“Through all of these events, I have learned a lot of things,” he says. “But the main thing that I learned was leadership.”

Most recently, the son of Timothy and Gretchen Clark retired his green coat after two years of serving the NJAA membership on the NJAB, where he held the role of events director. Clark is passionate about assisting current NJAA members on their journey through the organization.

He says, “I want to give back to the junior membership what was given to me, which is knowledge and life skills gained through showing Angus cattle.”

Clark is entering his senior year at Oklahoma State University (OSU), where he is pursuing a dual major in animal science and construction management. His ultimate goal with these degrees is to head home to help his family maintain their show cattle operation as well as work for their construction business. 

Catie Collison

“From an early age, being involved with the National Junior Angus Association has helped me grow as a cattle producer, a leader and an advocate for agriculture,” says Catie Collison, the daughter of Jane and Vince Collison.

Collison is entering her second year of service as a member of the NJAB, giving back to the organization by sharing her work ethic and passion for The Business Breed with other members. This coming year she will serve the organization as the education director.

“These experiences have helped me develop my confidence, communication skills and long-term goals,” she says. “Especially my desire to … be able to support livestock producers at every level.”

Although Collison’s time with the NJAA is ending, her path in the agricultural industry is just getting started. After she graduates from Iowa State University (ISU) with a degree in animal sciences this coming spring, Collison will continue her education at ISU in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Staying true to her roots, she wants to focus on bovine reproduction with the intention of taking over her family’s business in her hometown of Lake City, Iowa.

The future is bright, but Collison will always remember the places and people who helped her get there. 

She says, “Looking back, I am grateful for every opportunity that challenged me to grow and every individual who inspired me to keep pushing forward.”

Taylor Ford

As she reflects on her time as a member of the NJAA, Taylor Ford is grateful for all of the people she has met, the connections forged, and the memories made. The Lake Wilson, Minn., native says some of her favorite moments were at shows like Minnesota Angus Field Day or the NJAS.

The daughter of Angie Ford says when she first stepped into a show ring nine years ago, she never would have expected to get to where she is today. From the animals to the people, The Business Breed has brought Ford a sense of belonging.

“It is such a bittersweet feeling, knowing this portion of my life will be over,” she says. “But I am so beyond thankful.”

Looking to the future, Ford plans to graduate from South Dakota State University (SDSU) in May 2026 with a degree in animal science and a specialization in production management. After that, her goals are clear: continue to improve her herd genetics through artificial insemination (AI), become a trusted source of seedstock performance bulls and mentor juniors within the NJAA and cattle industry as a whole.  

Alyson Friesen

From the moment she stepped into the show ring for her first peewee show at the Atlantic National Angus Show in 2011, Alyson Friesen was hooked on Angus. 

In the 14 years that followed, she continued to compete and find success in the show ring. However, reflecting on the experience now, Friesen acknowledges success is not measured by awards.

“While winning is fun,” she says, “the true value lies in the experiences, the relationships built and the personal growth gained.”

Throughout her time in the NJAS, Friesen has acquired numerous life skills that she will carry forward. Raising cattle has shown her just how far a strong work ethic, good friends and perseverance can get you.

Looking forward, the daughter of Scot and Lisa Friesen wants to share her love for the agricultural industry with the next generation. She is currently a sophomore at OSU, studying to become an educator. 

“My goal is to inspire the next generation of farmers and ranchers by instilling in them the same passion and knowledge that my teachers, parents, mentors, friends and family have shared with me.”

Kelly Gaffney

Kelly Gaffney is from Barneveld, Wis., where growing up on her family’s registered and cow-calf operation instilled a deep appreciation for the cattle industry and the dedication it takes to succeed. 

The daughter of Valerie and Scott Gaffney says the NJAA has shaped her ability to communicate and advocate for agriculture, building her confidence through leadership roles, speaking competitions and educational programs. 

“These experiences have fueled my ambition to remain involved in the Angus breed,” she says. “The friendships, lessons and skills I have gained as an Angus junior continue to drive my commitment to the cattle industry and the people who make it great.”

Gaffney plans to return home to lead and expand Gaffney Family Cattle, advancing the legacy of the Angus breed. She hopes to take an active role in every aspect of the operation, improving everything from herd management to strategic marketing. 

She is thankful to the NJAA for growing her passion for The Business Breed through the years, noting her involvement in a variety of contests at the NJAS. 

Gaffney shares, “The opportunities to exhibit cattle, participate in leadership events and connect with industry professionals expanded my knowledge beyond the show barn.”

Cheyenne Handsaker

Cheyenne Handsaker began her adventure with the NJAA 13 years ago because she had a passion for Angus cattle. Now, the Pearl City, Ill., native is preparing to graduate from Kansas State University (K-State) with a degree in agribusiness and plans to use her career to advocate for Angus cattle and the ranches that produce them.

The daughter of Diane and Paul Handsaker says the NJAA has been instrumental in her journey, instilling the principles of honesty, leadership, accountability and a love of agriculture. 

She says, “Every experience I had, whether it was participating in competitions, going to leadership conferences or showing cattle, strengthened my self-esteem and motivated me to continue growing in this industry.”

Handsaker is also thankful for the friendships she has gained through the NJAA, saying she now considers many of the people she has met to be family. 

Looking to the future, Handsaker is excited to continue living out her passion for The Business Breed. 

“I look forward with desire and back with thankfulness,” she says. “My role in the industry has been greatly influenced by the American Angus Association, and I am determined to have a positive impact on the industry that has already provided me with so much.”

Riley Hetzel

Riley Hetzel is from Austin, Minn., but her involvement in the NJAA has taken her across the country. She remembers her first NJAS, feeling shy and nervous. Through participation in events like quiz bowl, judging contests and workshops, Hetzel found her community in people who shared her passion for the industry.

She also served as a delegate at the NJAS, which allowed her to meet people from across the country while advocating for The Business Breed. 

“Since then,” shares Hetzel, “I have grown into a better version of myself that isn’t afraid to strike up a conversation and get out [of] my comfort zone.”

The daughter of Dallas and Caroline Hetzel says some of her favorite memories were not made in the show ring, but with her family, spending late nights and early mornings in the barn washing heifers and practicing showmanship.

Now, she is attending SDSU studying civil engineering, with an expected graduation of May 2026.

“While my degree does not directly relate to agriculture,” Hetzel says, “I still plan to continue to grow my own herd and be a part of the amazing people that promote the Angus breed.”

Hailey Jentz

Reflecting on the end of her time as a member of the NJAA, Hailey Jentz says that “bittersweet” is the word that comes to mind. 

“This experience has been nothing short of incredible,” she says. “I am deeply grateful for the connections and friendships I have built with people from all across the country.”

Jentz grew up in Belmont, Wis., where she embraced every opportunity offered to her through the Angus community. She attended many leadership conferences, participated in several contests and exhibited The Business Breed at shows across the country.

The daughter of Craig Jentz and Samantha Gempler says while her time in the ring is coming to an end, she looks forward to supporting her younger sisters as they carry on the tradition and continue their NJAA journeys. 

Jentz also plans to stay involved in the Angus industry with her career. 

She says, “My passion for Angus cattle and agriculture remains stronger than ever … Giving back to this community is not just a goal — it is a responsibility and an honor.”

Jentz graduated from ISU in May 2025 with a degree in agricultural business and aspires to use her knowledge and experiences to inspire the next wave of industry leaders. 

Alexis Koelling

“Lexi, the banners and ribbons are awesome, but what’s more impactful than the object that fades is the hard work and the memories you made getting to this point. So no matter if she wins the show or if she’s second in class, be proud of the person that this experience and this heifer have helped you become.”

When Jarold Callahan, past American Angus Association Board president, said those words to Alexis Koelling, they stuck. Now, as she reflects on her time as in the NJAA, she realizes how true they were.

“Jarold was right,” she says. “It wasn’t about the wins that this junior career has given me, but the memories, work ethic and the people I have been able to experience it with.”

The daughter of Brock and Michele Meyer is from Bowling Green, Mo., where Koelling has been showing Angus cattle since she was 8. This foundation in the NJAA led to her involvement in events like LEAD, Raising the Bar and the Angus Mentoring Program (AMP).

Koelling is preparing to enter her senior year at OSU, where she is studying animal science with a business emphasis. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in forage equipment sales and continue to grow her own Angus herd.

Tyler Kraft

“The National Junior Angus Association has created many great opportunities and friendships that will continue for years to come,” says Tyler Kraft, Cheri and Jason Kraft’s son.

Since joining the NJAA in 2018, Kraft has been involved in leadership conferences and served as vice chairman with the Colorado Junior Angus Association. These experiences helped him build lasting connections and friendships within the Angus community. 

However, Kraft says the highlight of his NJAA career was exhibiting the grand champion bred-and-owned heifer at the Western Regional Angus Futurity in Reno, Nev.

Kraft is entering his junior year at West Texas A&M University, where he is studying agribusiness and economics. After graduation, he plans to continue his education at Texas Christian University through the ranch management program. 

He recently earned his private pilot license, instrument rating and commercial pilot license. Kraft hopes to pursue a career as an agricultural pilot or aerial firefighter while remaining closely involved in all aspects of the cattle industry.

Paige Lemenager

Angus cattle have been a part of Paige Lemenager’s family since the beginning. Instead of a traditional engagement ring, her parents, Stacy and Luke Lemenager, decided to invest in an Angus cow. That decision laid the groundwork for this junior’s passion for the industry.

Lemenager says her participation in the NJAA, from daily chores at home to traveling to shows across the country, has forged her work ethic and leadership abilities. She has found success in the show ring and served in leadership roles, representing her home state of Illinois to the best of her abilities.

A standout experience was being honored as the recipient of the Jim Baldridge Outstanding Leadership Award in 2024, which the Hudson, Ill., native says is a testament to the support of her mentors and peers.

“These experiences will forever guide my path forward, rooted in the pride and passion of our Angus heritage,” she explains.

Lemenager is committed to graduating from Texas Tech this coming spring with a degree in animal science. After, she will continue her education with the end goal of receiving a Juris Doctor degree and working as an agricultural lawyer, advocating for rural America and family farms.

Lemenager puts it this way: “A perfect life is not defined by personal achievements, but by the legacy of integrity, grit and service I leave behind.”

Taylor Martin

The daughter of Carol Martin is filled with a deep appreciation and just a touch of sadness as she remembers her NJAA career. Taylor Martin has been involved in a lot — from trips to LEAD conferences to showing at the NJAS. She says every experience has helped her grow into the leader and individual she is today.

“It’s been more than just showing cattle,” Martin says. “It’s been about friendships, service and learning to advocate for an industry I care deeply about.”

Participating in contests both in and out of the ring taught her the importance of key traits like responsibility, professionalism and passion. Martin says each experience has pushed her to cultivate confidence and a respect for the Angus breed.

Originally from Dalhart, Texas, Martin migrated up to Stillwater to attend OSU, where she graduated this May with a degree in animal science. Her next steps? Martin plans to attend law school, allowing her to use her background in agriculture to advocate for farmers and ranchers. 

She says, “As I look ahead, I’m excited to remain part of this great community and to help ensure the next generation of Angus youth are just as inspired, supported and empowered as I was.” 

Charles Parr

Reflecting on his time as a member of the NJAA, Bret and Kirsten Parr’s son is filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. 

Charles Parr says his experiences within the organization have taught him the value of balance, prioritization and growth on both personal and professional levels. 

He elaborates, saying opportunities like receiving the NJAA bronze and silver awards and attending multiple LEAD conferences have helped him understand the essence of leadership in the Angus industry. 

“Leadership is not just about directing others,” Parr says, “but about building relationships, learning from others and continuously striving to improve.”

Parr hails from Mason City, Ill., where his family runs Parr Cattle Company, a seedstock Angus operation. After graduating from Black Hawk College in 2024 with an associates degree in applied science in agricultural production technology, Parr returned home to work on the ranch. 

As he looks to the future, Parr acknowledges the value of his involvement in NJAA, saying, “These experiences have shaped who I am today and laid the groundwork for my future aspirations. The path ahead is full of possibilities, and I am eager to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Alli Perry

The daughter of Jonathan and Jackie Perry is sad to see her time as an NJAA member come to an end, but Alli Perry is grateful for all of the opportunities the program has brought her.

“I have been fortunate enough to travel across the country exhibiting cattle at local, regional and national levels,” she says. “Over the years, I have attended every LEAD and Raising the Bar conference possible and left each one with new insights and more relationships than the last.”

The Fayetteville, Tenn., native has spent the last two years giving back to the organization by serving on the NJAB. In the 2024-2025 year, Perry served as the NJAB Foundation director, an experience that helped shape her into the leader she is today.

“Having the opportunity to give back to an association that has done so much for me while also continuing to make meaningful connections with the juniors in our association is something I am beyond thankful for,” she shares.

Perry is a junior at OSU, but her educational journey won’t stop next spring. After graduation, she plans to further her education within the realm of animal breeding and genetics, a subject she has always been passionate about.

Colter Pohlman

Colter Pohlman hails from Hereford, Texas, where he is the fourth generation on his family’s Angus ranch. 

An NJAA member since 2009, Pohlman says his background has given him a desire to work hard and be service-oriented in every aspect of his life. This mindset led him to give back to the junior membership by serving the Texas Junior Angus Association as a director for seven years, three of them as an officer. 

Pohlman’s involvement in the NJAA is extensive. Besides his time of service, he also competed several times at the NJAS, attended multiple LEAD and Raising the Bar conferences, and was involved in numerous contests. He acknowledges his involvement in these events has taught him life lessons, valuable communication skills and useful knowledge about the Angus breed.

The son of Scott and Moriah Pohlman is studying three majors in agricultural and applied economics, finance and mathematics at Texas Tech University. 

“This triple major will allow me to specialize in economics and financial planning related to agriculture while en route to pursuing my [doctorate] in economics,” he says

After graduating, Pohlman plans to pursue a career in economic analysis, supporting agriculturalists in all sectors of the industry.

Alyson Schulze

Alyson Schulze hails from Woodbine, Md., where she has been involved in the NJAA for the last 12 years.

She shares, “From my first NJAA show as a 9-year-old at the Mid-Atlantic Junior Angus Classic in Virginia to what will be my last, the National Junior Angus Show in Oklahoma this July, I have learned so much about myself and others that I would not trade for anything.”

The daughter of Bret and Melissa Schulze is deeply grateful for the doors NJAA has opened for her. From building confidence through leadership conferences like Raising the Bar to receiving financial support through scholarships, she’s glad she decided to get involved all those years ago. 

“As I move into this next chapter of my life, I will never stop talking about the great organization that shaped me as a person and has provided me with the greatest opportunities,” she says.

The Salisbury University junior is preparing to graduate in May 2026 with a degree in biology. She plans to work in a microbiology laboratory while pursuing her dream of becoming a pharmacist.

Tucker Stagemeyer

Tucker Stagemeyer hails from Page, Neb., where he found a passion for the Angus breed through involvement in the NJAA. Originally joining the organization as a way to exhibit heifers, Stagemeyer quickly realized there were many other opportunities available. 

Since then, he has placed first in several contests at the NJAS, including career development, team sales, quiz bowl and more. Most recently,Stagemeyer was honored to represent Team USA at the World Angus Forum in Brisbane, Australia, earlier this year. There, alongside three fellow NJAA members, Stagemeyer helped secure the title of Grand Champion Overall team for the American Angus Association.

The son of Brent and Carla Stagemeyer says showing cattle is his sport of choice. While his time in the ring might be ending, he has found a love for breeding competitive show cattle and is currently building a herd of registered Angus and Hereford cows.

Stagemeyer graduated from Butler Community College in May 2025 with a degree in agribusiness and plans to further his education by attending law school. 

“My goal is to support rural values and practices, plus the unique and commonsense ways of doing business that support the cattle industry,” he says.

Grace Tekansik

“Looking back on my time as a junior member of the Angus Association, I’m proud of how much I’ve grown — not just in knowledge, but in confidence, responsibility and passion for the cattle industry.”

Grace Tekansik, the daughter of Becky and Travis Tekansik, is grateful for her time as a member of the NJAA. Through the years, she has attended LEAD and Raising the Bar conferences as well as gained life skills through participation in NJAS contests. She also served as the voting delegate and Angus queen for her home state of Nevada in 2023.

Tekansik says the experiences she has had both in and out of the ring have shaped her into the person she is today. Now looking to the future, she wants to help other young people find a community and a passion in the agricultural industry.

The Minden, Nev., native is preparing to head into her senior year at OSU where she will graduate in May with a degree in agribusiness. After that she plans to pursue a master’s in agricultural extension, which Tekansik will use to inspire the next generation of agriculturalists. 

“Working with the younger generations is my passion,” she says. “As long as I am working in the [cattle] industry, I know that I will make a difference.”

Kelsey Theis

Kelsey Theis has a history that decidedly bleeds Angus. A member of the NJAA for 20 years, Jerry and Tonya Theis’ daughter can’t remember a time when this organization wasn’t a part of her life. From Leavenworth, Kan., Theis has also been a member of the Kansas Junior Angus Association for 13 years, serving in a multitude of leadership roles before stepping into her current role as president.

While each of these experiences has shaped Theis, helping her grow her sense of confidence and responsibility, there’s another moment she sees as the pinnacle of her junior career: being crowned Miss American Angus in 2023.

“Miss American Angus [was] a title I had dreamed of since I was young,” Theis says. 

She says her time in this role allowed her to advocate for the Angus breed while building lifelong friendships and developing strong communication skills.

Now, Theis has just one semester left at OSU, and she will graduate this December with a degree in agribusiness. She plans to pursue a career working for a breed association where she can continue to promote the values and the people of the industry.

“The values I’ve gained through the Angus Association — leadership, service and dedication — will continue to guide me as I step into this next chapter,” Theis says.

Henry Throne

Henry Throne has been involved in the Angus community since he was born — literally. 

Before he was a year old, he had his first cow registered in his name. 

Julie and Chris’ son attended his first NJAS in 2007, where he found a love for showing livestock through watching his sisters. He was still a few years away from being eligible to compete, but Throne couldn’t wait for his time to come. In 2015 he finally got the chance to exhibit his first show heifer at the NJAS in Tulsa, Okla. Now, a short 10 years later, he headed down Route 66 for his final time in the ring. 

“Eighteen years running around the barn, making new friends and causing trouble … will all be coming to an end this year,” Throne says. “[The] NJAA isn’t just an association to me, it’s the building blocks to how I will live my life.”

As he looks to the future, the Lexington, Ga., native plans to pursue degrees in both agribusiness and animal science, as well as certifications in welding and diesel mechanics. Throne hopes to use his education to advocate for agriculture, help run his family’s farm and operate a mechanic and welding business.

Kelsey Vandeberghe

“Being a junior member of the American Angus Association has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

That sums up the experience of Kelsey Vandeberghe from Cleveland, N.D. During the years of her junior career, Vandeberghe says the opportunities within this organization have brought her new friends, leadership roles and valuable networking connections. 

But the organization has also benefited from Vandeberghe’s involvement. She served her state junior association in a variety of roles, including president and queen. She also attended the NJAS eight times, exhibiting animals and competing in contests.

The daughter of Lori and Paul Vandeberghe is attending North Dakota State University with the intention to graduate in May 2027 with a degree in radiological sciences. The next two years of Vandeberghe’s schooling will be completed in a clinical setting, and upon graduation she hopes to enter a career as a radiologic technologist. 

Vandeberghe wants to emphasize that although her career might not be centered around the agricultural industry, cattle will still be an active part of her life. 

“I still plan to help my sister and family raise and sell show stock,” she says. “I could never give up my cattle.”