Shannon Combs named 2023 Highland County Goat Ambassador
Pictured (l-r) are 2023 Highland County Goat Ambassador Shannon Combs; judges Lori Vance. Brian Vance, Patty Day and Herb Day; and 2023 Highland County Goat Ambassador runner-up Mercy Combs. (Submitted photos)
The Highland County Goat Association hosted the 2023 Highland County Goat Ambassador competition on Saturday, March 25 at the Hillsboro First Presbyterian Church.
The purpose of the Goat Ambassador is to provide youth representation of the Highland County Goat Association. The ambassador will demonstrate positive interaction with the community through various Highland County Goat Association functions and at the Highland County Fair. The ambassador will present awards to exhibitors and be a role model to other goat exhibitors by stepping in to help their peers while standing out as a positive influence for the goat industry.
The contestants were Jayah Chaney, Shannon Combs, Mercy Combs and Olivia Cole. The four contestants spoke on the prompt, “Why a goat?”
The contestants shared personal stories related to why a goat is an important part of each of their lives. The contestants even shared the purposes, from meat to fiber, for having a goat. All contestants presented impressive speeches, which made the decision of the judges that much more difficult.
The 2023 Highland County Goat Ambassador title was awarded to Shannon Combs. Shannon is the son of Tami Combs. He is a member of the Premier Showmen 4-H club. Shannon impressed the judges with his knowledge and detailed explanation for the uses of a goat.
The 2023 Highland County Goat Ambassador runner-up was granted to Mercy Combs. Mercy is the daughter of Tami Combs. She is a member of the Premier Showmen 4-H club. Mercy left an impression on the judges with her enthusiasm and humor.
Judges for this event were Lori and Brian Vance, along with Patty and Herb Day. The Highland County Goat Association appreciates the support from the judges and thanks them for making the difficult decision.