Frederick D. Thomas Middle School Student Shines at National Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY

Students from the Cape Henlopen High School FFA chapter proudly represented the district at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, Kentucky, one of the nation’s premier livestock shows held throughout the month of November. The group traveled from November 5–10, bringing pigs and dairy goats to compete on a national stage.

The trip included five Cape Henlopen High School FFA members (three of them officers), two recent graduates who continue to show with the program, and two younger exhibitors. One of the younger exhibitors, Jayce Ellis, is a 6th grader at Fred Thomas Middle School. Students and staff made the 12.5-hour journey with two trucks, two trailers, and even a mid-trip tire change, reflecting the dedication and teamwork behind the program’s success.

This year marked Jayce’s second appearance at NAILE and his eighth year showing pigs. He brought four of his own gilts (young female pigs) to compete, while one high school student showed a market hog. Jayce delivered an outstanding performance in showmanship, earning the distinction of being the only exhibitor in his age division called back for the finals, a significant achievement in a highly competitive field. Showmanship judges exhibitors on how well they handle their animals and maneuver in the ring.

Jayce’s pigs excelled in their breed classes as well:

• “Bubbles”, his Yorkshire gilt, was named Open Grand Champion Yorkshire.
• “Bunny”, his Poland China gilt, earned Open Reserve Grand Champion.
• His Berkshire gilt, “Betty,” and Crossbred gilt, “Iris,” also placed well in their respective classes.

All four pigs entered the open sale at the show; however, Jayce purchased “Iris” back to bring home for breeding, hoping to raise her future piglets for next summer’s show season. The remaining gilts went to new homes, where they will be bred to produce litters for next year. This fall, Jayce also traveled to New York for a regional swine show where “Bunny” again earned Reserve Grand Champion, adding to his growing record of achievements.

Jayce’s journey in livestock exhibition began when he started helping FFA students care for pigs at the school barn. His passion quickly grew, and he has since become an experienced showman and breeder. His younger brother, a second grader at Lewes Elementary, has also entered the show ring and is following closely in his footsteps.

With a busy schedule balancing school, sports, and hobbies, Jayce may reduce the number of pigs he raises next year, but he is already expanding into new territory, having recently acquired his first steer. His teachers say they wouldn’t be surprised to one day see him showing cattle on the “Green Shavings,” the iconic floor of NAILE’s championship drives.

“Experiences like this help our students grow far beyond the classroom,” said Mrs. Elyse Baerga, Principal at Frederick D. Thomas Middle School. “From responsibility and leadership to resilience and teamwork, these are lessons that last a lifetime. We are immensely proud of Jayce’s accomplishments.”

The Cape Henlopen School District congratulates Jayce and all participating FFA members for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding representation at this year’s national exposition.