Sophomore Lane Freeman and Senior Josie Henson both made waves last week at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Lane showed a goat, making the sale, and Josie competed in barrel racing, coming in with top times. 

“I had the best time doing barrels last week,”  Henson said. “I got reserve champion in youth barrels, and then came back and won 1st and fastest time of the day in the open all breed.”

Josie has been barrel racing since she was little and spends many of her weekends at rodeos competing. She plans to attend Sam Houston in the fall and compete on their college barrel racing team. For now, the money she earns on high school wins will help pay for her degree.

“I won a belt buckle, blue ribbon and a great prize money that will go to college,” Josie said. “I have been preparing for HLSR by doing lots of smaller rodeos throughout the year, and when I heard I got first, I cried a little.” 

Freeman showed a goat and placed 15 out of about 80 contestants in his division. 

“I won a big chunk of money,” Freeman said. “Anytime I make money in a show, I set aside a majority of the money to save for college.” 

Lane and Josie are also local officers for the Buffalo 4-H club, where Lane serves as President and Josie serves as Secretary. 

“All of my siblings did 4-H growing up,

so of course, I did it when I became old enough,” Lane said. “I have been in 4-H since I was in third grade and have been showing since then. It’s a big part of who I am.”