Two local girls were finalists in The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo first ever beef  skill-a-thon competition.  Youth involved in 4-H and FFA from throughout  the state of Texas competed in the contest  demonstrating their knowledge of beef cattle.  The contest was divided into 3 age groups.    Erica Masi, a 4^th grader at Murchison Elementary and a member of the Richland 4-H Club, placed 4^th place in the Junior Category.  Erica's contest consisted of a written test and then answering questions at different stations.  Meredith Masi, an eighth grader at Kelly Lane Middle School and a member of the Richland 4-H Club, advanced to the finals which gave her the opportunity to answer questions asked by a panel of judges and do hands-on skills such as artificial insemination and tagging a cow's ear.  Meredith placed 5^th in the Intermediate Category.  Both girls were coached by Brandon Masi and Barbara Masi.   

 Presenting the girls plaques at the awards ceremony were ,from left to right, Dr. Chris L. Skaggs, Associate Dean for Student Development at Texas A&M University, Erica Masi, Meredith Masi, and Mr. Bill Jerman, Livestock Committee Chairman for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.