Chewin The Cud - May 25, 2021

HardWork Earns Dwight Cowgirl Broad Successes With Agriculture Media Profession On The Horizon By Frank J. Buchman “When there’s work to be done, this cowgirl is the first in line to help.” Yep, she’s an outstanding young horsewoman, but much more with a bright future serving all of agriculture. Verification comes with the many accolades re - ceived by Michelle Patry during recent yearend school activities. A 2021 Council Grove High School graduate, Michelle has a lifetime of horse, ranch and com- munity service work. The 17-year-old daughter of Josh and Marlene Patry of Dwight started quite young riding hors- es. “I participated in Eastern Kansas Horse- man’s Association (EKHA) shows when I was just three-years-old,” she said.

horses to ride and developing riding skills. “They’ve been so good helping me ever since I started and as much so these days,” Michelle said. “My sisters, Nichole and Heather, as well as my brother Jayden have always shared hors- es and encouraged me, too.”

While fond memories of horseshow participation are cited by the horsewoman, she’s a real work- ing cowgirl. “We have a large cattle operation on our ranch, and I’ve always helped with all of that work,” Michelle verified. “I really like every aspect of growing up and working on a ranch.” Moving from her horse called Cookie, Michelle rode the ponies named Trigger and Rex in horse shows. “We fortunately had a couple of great perfor- mance horses, Cowboy and Babe, as well as top running horses,” Michelle said. “My sisters and brother were usually in a different age group so we could often ride the same horses.” When she was seven-years-old, Michelle joined the Dwight Sunflower 4-H Club and enrolled in a several projects. “Of course, I showed horses, but I also had beef, swine and foods,” she said. “I became es - pecially interested in photography. I enjoy taking livestock, ranch and even people pictures and showing them at the fair.” The Morris County Fair has always been a high- light of the year for the family. “I’ve had exhibits for all of my projects and have been fortunate to win several championships,” Michelle appreci - ated. Serving 4-H club offices through the years, the cowgirl’s show interests changed as she got older. “Of course, I exhibited horses, but then got out of the swine project and had more steers,” Michelle said. Seldom if ever missing an EKHA show, Michelle

“I took after all of my family with my interest in horses,” Michelle continued. “Both of my par - ents as well as my two older sisters and my little brother enjoy working on horseback.” Ample credit is given her parents for providing