SAINT JOSEPH, Mo. — Andi Gardner, Garrison, Texas, has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Bronze and Silver awards, according to Jaclyn Upperman, education and events director of the American Angus Association^® in Saint Joseph, Mo.

Gardner is the 14-year-old daughter of Andy and Kristin Gardner and attends Garrison Middle School. She is a member of the NJAA and the Texas Junior Angus Association.

She has participated in local and state shows.

The Bronze and Silver awards are the first two levels of the NJAA Recognition Program that began in 1972. Junior Angus breeders must apply for the awards, then meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving the honors. Applicants are evaluated in areas of junior Angus association activities and leadership, participation in showmanship, contests and shows, using performance testing to improve their herd and their progress in producing and merchandising Angus cattle.

The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle, while also providing leadership and self-development opportunities for the nearly 4,500 active members nationwide.

–Amber Wahlgren, Angus Communications