Charles Parr, of Mason City, Ill., has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Bronze and Silver awards, according to Caitlyn Brandt, events and junior activities director of the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Mo.

Parr is the 18-year-old son of Bret and Kirsten Parr and attends Illini Central High School. He is a member of the NJAA and the Illinois Junior Angus Association, where he has served as director.

He has participated in local state and national shows and showmanship contests. At the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Parr participated in the livestock judging contest. He also participated in the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference in 2021.

Parr has submitted weight data to the Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR®).

The Bronze and Silver awards are the first two levels of the NJAA Recognition Program that began in 1972. Junior Angus breeders must apply for the awards, then meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving the honors. Applicants are evaluated in areas of junior Angus association activities and leadership, participation in showmanship, contests and shows, using performance testing to improve their herd and their progress in producing and merchandising Angus cattle.

The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle, while also providing leadership and self-development opportunities for the nearly 4,500 active members nationwide.