CJLA Enthusiast of the Year

For the second annual Canadian Junior Limousin Association Junior Enthusiast of the Year Award we are delighted to announce Shannon Gibson of Napanee, Ontario as this year's recipient.

Shannon is no new face to the CJLA, she has been a dedicated board member for 2 years and is our current secretary. Shannon also holds a prominent role within the OntarionJunior Limousin Association, currently holding the position of president.

Shannon can be easily be noticed for her kind soul and positive enthusiasm for anything she sets her mind to. The selections committee was impressed by how Shannon is able to introduce new juniors to the breed through the 4-H program. Her initiative and leadership with these new families is growing the Limousin breed! As stated from some of her nominations

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Shannon and her family for nearly 10 years. I've known her as a member in my own 4-H club, and on a 4-H youth exchange, she has always been kind, respectful, willing to learn and take on challenges.

This year my son really wanted to try his hand at showing a beef heifer with our local 4-H club. I reached out to the Gibson's to see if we could borrow a calf, and to say we were welcomed into their farm like family would be an understatement. Shannon went above and beyond with her time and knowledge that she shared with my family, even my daughter who wasn't showing, has now decided she adores cattle because of Shannon.

She sparked a love of the Limousin breed for my son, providing him with the loveliest heifer calf, he now memorizes farm names, bulls, and looks up genetics for what he might look for in a future heifer of his own."

Shannon instills so much confidence with all the members in our little club, kind words and actions, show tips and ideas, and lets everyone steal her blower. She never falters with her smile, even when she's being pestered with continuous questions from both adults and kids.

This year we have seen Shannon win and lose, and with anything you put your heart into, emotions can impact personal responses, the way Shannon regulates and rebounds is an incredible testament to the person she is. She supports the juniors around her, all while preparing for her own show days, there are many seasoned adults that would have a hard time doing what Shannon does with finesse. I could go on and on about the leader, mentor, friend Shannon is, most importantly for my family we think of her as an inspiration, a young talented woman who puts her animals, youth and family at the top of her priorities.”

Other nominations emphasize her politeness, work ethic, dedication to involving new Juniors or 4-H members and how she is a hard working, get it done kind of person.

Shannon and her family own and operate Rancliff Limousin and she is currently taking Business Ag at Algonquin College.

Congrats, Shannon!