The impact Jozie Belle Wilson made on the Liberty Hill community continues as her Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter plans the first annual Jozie Belle Classic livestock show. Let’s chat with her friends and family about her life, impact and the world of FFA.

The FFA program in Liberty Hill is growing as our community grows. FFA, 4-H and both high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs work together to provide education and opportunities in leadership, career development, animal science, agricultural mechanics and plant science. Liberty Hill students have found success in nearby shows often winning the showmanship award. This award is a reflection of the student’s hard work and grace under pressure rather than the strength of their animal.

On November 8, 2025, the LHHS FFA booster club will be hosting their first livestock show in honor of Jozie, the Jozie Belle Classic. Students in Liberty Hill ISD (LHISD) will show cattle, goats, lambs, and pigs for buckles and banners as prizes. The proceeds from this event will be used for scholarships to LHISD students in honor of Jozie. The FFA Booster club wanted to create something that truly reflects Jozie Belle’s spirit. More than just a livestock show, they wanted a way for our community to come together, honor her, and live out the values she represented.

Liberty Hill High School Agriculture Science teacher Katy Janecka said, “Since the split of the two high schools, the ag teachers at LHHS have tossed around the idea of doing a school district show. We really wanted to bring this community together in order to show support for the kids and wanted to make sure this event was inclusive of all students at LHISD regardless of their FFA Chapter or 4-H Club. To have the show named the Jozie Belle Classic, was the perfect way to memorialize her legacy.”

Jozie participated in both 4-H and FFA while a student at LHISD. In middle school, she was active in wool judging and then purchased her first dorper lamb, Jake, her freshman year. Her love of animals was apparent as she cared for Jake. Her mom, Marisa, recalls, “she'd sit out there and read books to her animals, and that made them a pet instead of a livestock animal.” Although getting up early in the summer was not fun, Jozie couldn’t bear to take Jake to a terminal show, one where the animals do not return home with you after the sale. 

Before Jozie passed away her sophomore year, the family added another lamb, Bo to the barn on their land. Jozie’s sister, Cassidy, a current junior at LHHS, showed Bo after her sister passed. Cassidy continues to show animals in FFA, although she prefers goats to lambs. When asked what is the best thing about FFA, Cassidy said, “I like all the people, there’s not any mean people in FFA. They are the most helpful and inclusive groups of kids and parents.” That family aspect extends into their time preparing and showing their animals. Families often share supplies, older kids teach younger ones, and kids are even known to show another person’s animal if they have more than one in the same competition. 

While the Wilson family has the land for show animals, many Liberty Hill families live in residential areas and keep their animals at the LHISD agricultural barn located just behind Liberty Hill Middle School. Families drive to the barn to feed their animals twice per day, usually early in the morning before school and then again in the evening. They are hopeful these facilities will be expanded with the growing community and allow Liberty Hill to host more shows in the future, something Jozie would have loved.

Janecka recalls her time with Jozie fondly, “She had a true passion for the livestock industry and just animals in general; no matter how big or small the animal species, she loved them all. In the classroom she was a natural leader, always encouraging and supporting her fellow classmates. Her passion, leadership and worth ethic were contagious, and she inspired everyone around her. Jozie's memory continues to be a strong part of our FFA family and community.”

FFA President and LHHS Senior Kelsey Sylvester believes, “Being a part of the National FFA Association has given me strengths unlike any other club or organization. It has allowed me to explore my passions and lead others towards personal growth and career success. Additionally, it has given me a platform to advocate for such an important industry and guide our members and my peers towards their goals.” Upon graduation, Kelsey plans to pursue a career in agricultural law, helping farmers, ranchers, and other industry professionals in any legal matter. 

The first annual Jozie Belle Classic will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Ag barn behind Liberty Hill Middle School. Admission is free for spectators. The show begins at 8 a.m. and will go on into the evening. The entire community is invited to attend.