The best way to describe Addison Washington is as a 9-year-old 3rd grader with a lot of confidence and courage. She attends the Louisiana School for the Deaf in Baton Rouge. 

A dream came true for her when she exhibit two cows at Southern University 80th Annual State Livestock & Poultry Show at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Baton Rouge earlier this month.

Share

She walked Blade and June with pride and confidence. It was the first time a hearing impaired child from St. Helena parish exhibit an animal at the Livestock and Poultry Show, according to Ricky Brumfield Sr., Blade's owner. When Brumfield learned Washington was deaf that didn't bother him. He offered to sponsor her if she wanted to participate in the event. He made the young girl’s dream come true, saying it is obvious that Adison is a very smart and quick learner.

Glenna Gauthier, Washington's mother and sign language interpreter, said she was more nervous and afraid than Addison. The young cattlewoman wanted and was determine  to break down barriers for others with disablities. "I want to show others young people like myself with a disability that they can do anything they choose," Washington said doing her news interview.  Her goal was to be the change, and she championed that change with pride and confidence. 

Since 1943, Southern University has provided an opportunity for youth throughout the State of Louisiana to gain valuable knowledge and skills at the Annual State Livestock and Poultry Show. As part of the youth livestock program, students develop responsibility, dedication, decision-making skills, leadership skills, trustworthiness, sportsmanship, and citizenship through the care and handling of live animals.

This article was originally published by The Friends of Kentwood.