2004 NYCHA Hall of Fame Inductees

JOSHUA IAN HOPKINS

Joshua Ian Hopkins is the son of Michael and Karla Hopkins, and resides in Batesville Arkansas. Josh has been showing cutting horses for 8 years, and in that time he has achieved many great things in the cutting arena. Josh's  greatest cutting moments include being Reserve Champion in the 5/6 year old non- pro at the Augusta Futurity in 2001 riding Sweet Pepper Spice and winning the Senior Youth at the Non-Pro on Sugar Legacy in 1999. Josh is currently a sophomore at the University of Arkansas Community College in Batesville, Arkansas. He hopes to finish college and attend Veterinary school in the future. Josh would like to thank his family and friends for all of their help and encouragement throughout the years. Josh wants everyone to know that riding cutting horses has taught him many important values such as responsibility, good work ethics, and leadership. Welcome to the NYCHA Hall of Fame, Josh.

KENDRA WING

Kendra Wing is the daughter of George and Jackie Wing. She has been involved with horses her entire life, and has been showing horses competitively for as long as she can remember. In her time as an NYCHA member, Kendra has served as an Area Director for 6 years and she served as the NYCHA Reporter for one term. Kendra has been very dedicated to the NYCHA, and has earned over 15,000 LEAP points, making her one of the first members to gain the Diamond level of LEAP. Kendra has also been very active in her church, 4-H, FFA, High School Rodeo, intercollegiate rodeo, cheerleading, and she was Miss Rodeo Lufkin in 2002. Kendra will be graduating from Stephen F. Austin University in the fall of 2005, completing a four year degree, in only three years. She will receive a Bachelor of Science Degree with an Animal Science Major and a Poultry Science Minor. After Graduation she plans to seek employment within the livestock industry. Kendra has enjoyed growing up in the NYCHA. While Kendra has had many rewarding experiences in her career, the most rewarding came at an inopportune moment. In 1997 her father suffered from a heart attack and had to have bypass surgery. She was showing the same horse in the youth that he was showing in the novice class. The owner of the horse and her parents discussed all the possibilities of who would show the horse while her father was out of commission, and they decided that Kendra was the best option. At the age of 13, Kendra was able to hold her father's spot at the top of the ranks in the novice class, and with his support, the horse was the world champion that year. Kendra has a special message to all youth members; Enjoy every weekend, enjoy every Area Work off, and enjoy every activity while you are a youth. Although you might not realize it now, some of the most rewarding opportunities will come from those experiences. Congratulations Kendra, and welcome to the Hall Of Fame!