🎪 Union County CEO at the Fair! 🎪

What a way to kick off fair week! Our Union County CEO students spent a morning at the Fairgrounds, starting with breakfast generously prepared by the Shriners — and what we took away went far beyond the meal. David Teske, David “Scats” Russell, Jared Blessing and Brad Hoehner greeted us with smiles and a delicious breakfast! Learning about the Shriners’ history and programs was truly eye-opening, from the incredible work of Shriners Hospitals for Children, which provides care regardless of a family’s ability to pay, to Books for Bikes, which rewards young readers with new bikes! It was a powerful reminder that some of the most meaningful work in our community is done quietly, by volunteers who show up simply because they care.

From there, we sat down with Union County Fair Board members and volunteers: Mr. Chris Hodges, Ms. Tina Waller, Ms. Suzanne Dillow, Ms. Linda Knupp, Ms. Kenzie Dillow and Ms. Kasie Ellis, at the Fair Office, and our students left with a whole new appreciation for what it takes to bring the fair to life each year. Turns out running a fair is a true year-round business — budgets, insurance, attendance, logistics, and a whole lot of teamwork most of us never think about while we’re enjoying funnel cakes and tractor shows! Our students walked away with a great lesson: you can’t do it all alone, and having a reliable team makes all the difference.

The cherry on top? Getting to watch three of our own UCCEO team members — Ella Helton, Mackenzie Barnhart, and Hunter Craft — show off their livestock and share their knowledge with the class. Seeing their hard work, confidence, and passion for showing animals was such a proud moment for our program. 🐄🐑 🐖

Huge thank you to the Shriners and the Union County Fair Board for welcoming us and giving our students a behind-the-scenes look at what makes our fair — and our community — so special. Grateful for partners who invest their time in the next generation!

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