Rachael eyes Ekka judging
FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD Warwick State High School girl Rachael Whitton will head to the Ekka today as an associate judge of the Angora section.
Rachael said she was looking forward to it.
"I went down last year with the school," she said.
"I was helping out with the judging of the junior section and I must have done a good job I guess."
Rachael said she was surprised when she was offered the opportunity.
"I got a letter from the RNA asking if I was interested in judging," she said.
"It is a once in a life-time experience so I thought I'd give it a go and take it."
Rachael said she understood how lucky she was to be given the job.
"Not many get this chance at my age," she said.
Chief Steward of the Angora section Emma Thompson said the Warwick teen was a natural.
"She has very good public speaking skills, the way she dresses is fabulous and her animal knowledge exceptional," she said.
"She had to accumulate a certain amount of points to be selected."
Ms Thompson said Rachael would play an important role.
"She will be working alongside the judges to determine first, second and third place," she said.
Rachael said judging was a fun experience.
"It is a way to get your point across about the animals," she said.
Rachael said she would be judging the fleece section today and the animals next Tuesday.
"I am only going up on the days I am needed," she said.
"I don't want to miss too many days of school.
"I'm not so nervous now.
"I am calming down as the event gets closer and Emma will be there to help me."
She said she was interested in a future career in the agriculture industry.
"I have done work experience at McDougall and Sons and the sale yards," Rachael said.
"I learnt how to set up a sale and lots about animals."
"I have grown up around animals; they have been in the family for years."
Rachael said judging was one career option.
"If I could get the chance to do it again I would," she said.
