Disciplined, well-groomed animals and their proud owners finally got their moment in the spotlight Friday and Saturday at the Kendall County Junior Livestock Show and Sale. Students who spent the past year feeding, grooming and training their chosen animals were able to compete with their peers for money prizes and ribbons. Even if thousands of dollars didn’t flow to every exhibitor, the smiles on the students’ faces reveal that their projects boosted morale and paid valuable dividends in self-esteem and achievement.

James Rittimann, 18, and senior at Boerne High, had the reserve grand champion steer.

Kate Kuenstler preparing to show her goat.

Dalton Zoeller, 8, won for showmanship and sold his steer for $2,600.

Karson Kurtz (above left) was one of the spectators watching her friends show. She is holding a chihuahua. Kendal Bernhard (above right), won reserve breed champion dark OPB and reserve breed champion cross junior showmanship.