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Mattie Harward of Richfield has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Bronze and Silver awards, according to Jaclyn Upperman, education and events director of the American Angus Association in Saint Joseph, Mo.

Harward is the 18-year-old daughter of Marcus and Patty Harward.

She attends Harward Academy/Stanly Community College, where she is working towards her associate degree in science. She is a member of the NJAA and the North Carolina Junior Angus Association, where she has served as director, treasurer, vice president, president and royalty.

She has participated in state, regional and national shows and showmanship contests. At the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Harward participated in the team marketing contest and the All-American Certified Angus Beef Cook-Off.

In 2011 she participated in the mentoring program. She also participated in the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference in 2017 and the Raising the Bar conference in 2018.

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 6,000 active members nationwide.