Ethan Armour and "Pumpkin" did well in Louisiana at the AJCA National Junior Heifer Show. Ethan Armour of Rayle received several awards while participating in the 2006 American Junior Chiania Association (AJCA) National Junior Heifer Show in West Monroe, Louisiana, June 19-24.

Ethan won first place with his October 25, 2005, senior yearling heifer named "Pumpkin" and went on to claim the reserve division champion.

He also won the intermediate showmanship which included 14, 15, and 16-year-old exhibitors. There were five heats with many showmen participating.

Ethan placed second overall in individuals in the livestock judging contest.

The young showman was awarded a belt buckle, a Samsonite luggage bag, a monogrammed threering binder and imprinted leather organizer, monetary awards and ribbons, for his outstanding job.

"Chi's Spice It Up in the South" was the theme for this year's national junior show held at the Hamilton Expo Center. The state of Texas planned the outstanding junior event for all registered Chi heifers owned by AJCA members.

A two division heifer show was held on Saturday, June 24. All Chiania, Chimaine, Red Chiangus and Chiford females were exhibited in Division 1. Only Chiangus females were shown in Division 2.

Along with the show, junior participants were able to compete in many different contests during the week, including livestock judging, obstacle course, public speaking, showmanship, salesmanship, and stockman's quiz and many other planned activities.

The annual AJCA awards banquet was held Saturday night where Ethan and other junior members were recognized for the week long activities.

Ethan is a rising junior at Washington Wilkes Comprehensive High School and active in the FFA. Nathan Heaton, his advisor, accompanied him to Louisiana.

He is the son of Tracy and Denise Armour and the grandson of Jack and Rubye Armour and Manuel Wheatley and the late Linda Wheatley, all of Wilkes County.