For the 2024 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, several Kinkaid students served on the junior committee to help organize the weeks-long event.
Among these students were junior Matthew Berman and seniors Pierce Morrell and Robby Taylor.
“We do the jobs of all the committees combined in different shifts,” Berman said.
Members of the junior committee assisted all 110 booths at the rodeo, learning about the different stations and what they do to entertain guests as well as how they contribute to the rodeo experience.
Students were granted lots of freedom while working the booths; they could choose which booths they invested more time in and control how many hours they spent working at the rodeo.
“I got 28 hours this year, but the hours are limitless, so some kids could get 100 if they really wanted to,” senior Robby Taylor said.
Coming from a family of “rodeo veterans,” Berman said his interest was sparked through his parents’ experience.
“My parents served through college and still are very active within the rodeo,” Berman said. “It’s a fun way to be a part of something so distinctly Texan and Houstonian. I was inspired by how much this means to them and probably wouldn’t have done this without them.”
In order to participate in an opportunity such as this one, the students had to go through thorough training.
“We had various meetings, forms, and different panelists talking to us about their booths,” Berman said. “It’s a really fun and exciting thing to do and I hope more people do it.”
Students working at the rodeo had the ability to see its impact on the Houston community, and how it can bring everyone together.
“Seeing the impact of it and seeing how many people rely on the rodeo every day is awesome,” Taylor said.
After being inspired by the art gallery in the rodeo, sophomores Emily Wang and Sophie Zhou submitted their pieces to the School Art Auction on March 10, . Berman was working the auction that day as well.
“Seeing my artwork on display felt surreal and I am thrilled that others have enjoyed viewing my artwork,” Wang said.
