Rector students participate in Clay County Fair events

The students of the Rector School District will have a strong presence in the 2009 Clay County Fair.

RHS senior Harmony Cagle got things off to a strong start, as she was chosen as the overall winner of the talent show held earlier this week. Cagle, the daughter of David and Karen Cagle of Rector, wowed the crowd with her dance routine.

Also representing Rector are more than 60 elementary and high school students who have entered artwork for the fair, with an additional 20 students taking part in the livestock and agricultural events.

The increased level of activity in the annual fair has not gone unnoticed.

"It's nice that there's a lot more participation than there used to be," RHS art teacher Carolyn Caldwell said. "I think a lot of that is because it's being held later. They had been holding it during the first week of school, which is such a busy time for everyone. By moving it back, it makes it better for everyone."

The fair is a big event for art department. Caldwell said the contest serves as a fundraiser for the department, assisting in the purchase of costly supplies.

"It's just a good thing all-around," Caldwell said. "It gives the students an opportunity to have their pieces displayed, and at the same time it helps us purchase supplies for the department."

Caldwell has 55 students who have prepared "clothesline art." These drawings and paintings are held on a laminated cardboard background, where they are then hung from clotheslines for viewing. The unique presentation lends itself to the artwork, providing an eye-catching experience for those who view the exhibits.

The art exhibits will be judged today (Wednesday)

Also approaching the fair with flair is the Rector chapter of the Future Farmers of America. Not only does the organization have numerous animal presenters lined up for competition Thursday, the group also had a float in Tuesday's parade at Piggott.

As for the popular livestock events, this year will see far more Rector FFA students than recent years. Participants include: Cattle: Chelsea Benson and Kaylee Hartsfield; Goats: Colton Graves, Dillon Shelton, Hadleigh Watson, Hannah Scott, Emma Bucy and Kaitlyn Vangilder; Horses: Bailey Haney, Jordan Crane, Logan Miller, Tyler Watson, Kaylee Hartsfield and Ty Haney. Also, fourth grader Madison Benson will be among those who participate in the goats competition, as the younger students begin to take an active role in the events.

Haven Cagle is the first Rector representative to take part in the new crop judging event, having raised corn for entry.

The judging of the agricultural entries will take place Thursday.