Central Texan crowned TPHA Queen

By MINDY POEHL | Central Texas Edition

Sept. 2, 2004 - Seventeen-year-old Amanda Marks from Midlothian has a real sparkle about her these days. She's wearing the studded crown and banner of the Texas Polled Hereford Queen.

Growing up on her family's 140-acre farm in Midlothian, showing cattle in Amanda's family has been a tradition. Her father showed Polled Herefords when he was younger, and her mother showed dairy cattle.

"I decided to follow in my father's footsteps. It's easier than walking the dairy cows backward," Marks laughed. "My dad and his dad helped me a lot."

To be nominated as the Texas Polled Hereford Queen, Marks had to write a story about herself, including all of the activities she has been involved in. Then, the nominees were interviewed by three judges. Chosen as the Texas Polled Hereford Queen in May, her duties as Queen include touring different livestock shows and sales.

"I represent the breeders and the adults of the association, not just the junior members," Marks said.

Marks has been showing cattle for almost ten years and not only has her family been supportive, but she has also learned many things throughout the showing process.

"A few years ago I was very shy. Showing has allowed me to meet a lot of new people across the United States and my speaking skills have been enhanced," she said.

Since joining the Texas Junior Polled Hereford Association (TJPHA) in 1995, Marks has been involved in a variety of activities. She has competed in the National Speaking Contest, which she won in 2002, and the Photography Contest. She also has served as the secretary/treasurer, first vice president for two years and a director for four years. She is the current president of TJPHA.

Marks' younger siblings, Will, 11, and Megan, 15, are following in their older sister's footsteps. They are both involved with TJPHA. Marks has enjoyed being involved with TJPHA along with her younger siblings. She says it has brought them closer together.

At Midlothian High School Marks is active in the Spanish Club, Newspaper Honor Society and she serves on the Student Council. She is also involved with the FFA where she served as Corsicana District FFA President and she currently serves as first vice president of Area VIII.

In addition to serving as president and vice president, Marks said she "competes in different contests," which might be a little understated.

While in the FFA, Marks has been a member of the Chapter Conducting Team, and different judging teams, such as the Dairy Food Judging Team, Floriculture Judging Team and the Agronomy Judging Team. She has also competed in Creed Speaking, Job Interview and Prepared Public Speaking contests.

Marks has been a member of 4-H for nine years. Last year she was selected to attend the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia. She recently participated in the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest at Texas A&M University and won fourth place.

"Participating in the different activities has taught me about leadership," she said. "I've learned to be more outgoing and I've broken out of my shell because I had to meet new people."

Marks said she hopes to attend A&M next fall. When asked what collegiate activities might interest her, she said she would enjoy being in a sorority "because I'd like bonding with all of the girls." She also might join one of the many clubs in the agricultural department or join the Baptist Student Ministry.

"One of my friends is in the Baptist Student Ministry and she makes it sound like a lot of fun," Marks said.