8 9 When you’re born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, there’s a good chance you’ll develop an appreciation for the Western way of life. Should your grandfather be employed by the famed Waggoner Ranch in nearby Vernon, the odds are even greater. Thus, it’s no surprise that from an early age, Jenna Sykes was drawn to livestock, wildlife and the ecosystems that sustained them. The stories she heard and the experiences had on the Rolling Plains of North Central Texas captivated her, thus, when Texas Christian University drew her to Fort Worth, she was quickly embraced by the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. “The Stock Show, for me, has been steadfast in my life, as a rodeo spectator, employee and volunteer,” said Sykes. “Being involved has brought me good friends, wonderful learning opportunities and a great way to serve the community. I love it deeply.” An internship opportunity in 2005 got her foot in the FWSSR door. The TCU senior’s hard work and dedication paved the way for a fulltime role the following year when she began assisting with special events. Sykes eventually left to pursue new and exciting career opportunities, but Stock Show remained in her blood. Today, Sykes and her husband, Dr. Kevin Sykes, live in Aledo, Texas. Besides parenting their children Alice (8) and William (6), she keeps a busy schedule as a member of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Business Development department supporting the company’s Domestic Engagement Team. THE FABRIC OF FORT WORTH After joining the Junior League of Fort Worth, Sykes jumped at the opportunity to “yell and sell” the Rodeo Souvenir Annual in 2012. It wouldn’t be long before she joined the Guns and Roses committee where she could assist with the Stock Show’s youth art contest. “I can’t believe how talented these young Texans are,” said Sykes. “My favorite day is art show judging. The art contest opens the door for so many who may not otherwise participate. It’s inspiring to see them beaming with pride over the work that not only honors our heritage but highlights the importance of the arts in education.” Sykes’ love for what makes Fort Worth unique makes her a model volunteer. “The FWSSR has worked hard to preserve tradition while stepping into the modern experience of a venue as grand as Dickies Arena,” said Sykes. “It’s a place to come and feel at home, and a place to come to experience something new. It feels familiar and fresh at the same time. It’s the fabric of Fort Worth.” “My favorite memory, among many,” Sykes recalls, “is my daughter and her mutton bustin’ ride. I had explained to her who Lane Frost was and the unique crowd wave that he made popular. We talked about Lane and practiced his wave. She made it her own and I’ll never forget how the crowd cheered for Alice. I was so proud of her.” CALLED TO VOLUNTEER Volunteerism is ingrained in Sykes DNA. “I volunteer because service before self was instilled in me early as I watched my mother volunteer when I was young,” Sykes said. “Being part of a team, working and supporting the community we love is rewarding at the soul level. We give back to the agricultural community, which, in addition to our nation’s defense industry, is central to Fort Worth and the backbone of our community.” VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT JENNA SYKES www.fwssr.com Supporting dreams, rewarding excellence and shaping tomorrow, FWSSR awards scholarships to Texas youth. This year, we proudly awarded a total of $96,000 in scholarships to 12 outstanding 4-H members. These scholarships were presented during the Texas 4-H Roundup during the Texas 4-H Foundation Banquet held in College Station in June. Recipients include: FWSSR AWARDS $112,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS THIS JUNE In addition, Texas High School Rodeo Association student athletes were the recipients of $16,000 in scholarships. Four deserving students: Breanna Collier, Braylee Dyer, Tatum Roberts, and Barrett Shelton each received a $4,000 scholarship during the THSRA finals. Texas FFA winners will receive $96,000 in awards during their state convention in Fort Worth this month. Look for more on those winners in the September issue of Whoa! LAINEY BONE BRAZOS COUNTY CLAIRE ELLIS THROCKMORTON COUNTY ROSS HISER KAUFMAN COUNTY MADELYN MCFARLAND MONTAGUE COUNTY CADE PARKER SCHLEICHER COUNTY ALLISON PHILLIPS WALKER COUNTY JANE GAUNTT BELL COUNTY KADANCE GLOSSON COLLIN COUNTY DANIEL HEMMI DALLAS COUNTY ASHLEY BROGAN ROCKWALL COUNTY CAMRYN CHUMLEY ANGELINA COUNTY LILAH EAKES JOHNSON COUNTY
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