Teen wins title

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Kynzi Creighton has held a lot of leadership roles growing up in an agricultural environment but she hopes to come into her own with her newest title.

The 16-year-old from Elida won the honor of becoming the state’s new junior beef ambassador at a summer conference held by the New Mexico Cowbelles, New Mexico Cattle Growers and the state’s Farm and Livestock Bureau.

Creighton said her role will require her to travel the state to educate consumers at county and regional fairs about the beef industry.

Creighton said she’s been showing animals at fairs since she was 8 and is happy to work in an environment she knows well. Her family owns a ranch in Elida.

“I’ve been around cattle my whole life,” Creighton said.

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Kynzi Creighton, left, of Elida has been named the state’s junior beef ambassador for the 2014-2015 year.

Right of Creighton are Heather Stacy, Kaitlyn Farmer and Sage Mijares.

She’s been involved with 4-H and Future Farmers of America, in which she’s held leadership positions. She feels those roles have prepared her to be a great ambassador.

“They have prepared me because I’ve had to learn how to speak to people,” Creighton said. “It’s made me more outgoing.”

Roosevelt County Agriculture Extension Agent Patrick Kircher has been one of Creighton’s mentors and has seen her growth through 4-H. Kircher thinks Creighton will take to the role well.

“She’s a really outstanding young lady,” Kircher said. “She’s really determined as she’s getting older. When this was thrown at her, she embraced it. She had a really neat speech. She’ll use this opportunity to better herself and take the next step for her goals.”

Creighton said she’s most excited to talk about the beef industry to people because it’s in demand in America today.

Though she’ll be dedicated to the job, she’ll also have to balance her life as a student athlete. She plays volleyball, basketball and runs track for Elida.

“I’m pretty determined in everything I do,” she said.

Creighton’s mother Leslie Creighton said her daughter works hard and is proud she’s being rewarded for it. She’s seen her daughter grow through her participation in ag clubs and sports.

“We live on a ranch and support the beef industry, but I just want my daughter to be a well rounded citizen and good person and let her morals shine through in what she does,” Leslie Creighton said.

Kynzi Creighton said her goals are to attend college to be a veterinarian and run her parent’s ranch.