Inside the sheep barn at the 2025 Rock Island County Fair, 4-H exhibitor Violet Frank stood proudly beside her ewe named Skye—a spring ewe who earned reserve champion honors earlier in the day. Skye’s distinctive markings on her head caught attention, but it was her overall presence in the show ring that impressed the judges.
Violet explained the fair’s judging structure, noting that reserve champion is just one step below champion, with overall champion taking the top prize. Showing sheep is a family effort for the Franks. Her brother is also involved, and Violet said the two of them have learned from each other along the way. Though their family didn’t grow up showing animals, their mom’s love of sheep helped spark their interest in the project.
When asked what advice she would give to other kids interested in showing animals, Violet was quick to emphasize the importance of preparation and bonding with the animals. “Spend time with them and get to know them—they get lonely too,” she said. Violet spends time with her sheep twice a day and is already thinking ahead to her future—she hopes to become a horse trainer one day.