Stanly County 4-H has a new intern who will be with us this summer! Her name is Casey Lemons and she will be with us through August. Here are a few questions we asked her…

Where are you in school?

 I am a rising senior at North Carolina State University studying Agriculture Education with concentrations and minors in Agricultural Business and Animal Science. While having the highest GPA in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, I am involved in these activities: Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, Teach Ag Ambassador, Raleigh Wesley Foundation, Animal Science Club, and National FFA.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Stanly County close to Badin, NC. I grew up on a thirteen-acre horse hobby farm near Morrow Mountain State Park. I attended Badin Elementary School, New London Middle School, North Stanly Middle School, and North Stanly High School.

What’s your favorite animal and why?

My favorite animal is a quarter horse. Since I was young, we have always had horses and I have been the “typical horse girl.” I love how each horse has a unique personality and can do a variety of remarkable activities. I specifically like quarter horses because that is the majority of what we raise and train. Quarter horses are very smart, catty, and athletic animals. It is so easy to fall in love with them once you make a connection with one like I did with my first horse, Charlo.

What’s your favorite place in the world?

I love the beach, the mountains, the places I have studied abroad, but I would have to say my favorite place in the world is the top of Morrow Mountain State Park. Often times, I forget what a hidden gem I have basically in my backyard. I love to go to Morrow Mountain and ride my horses on the trails, hike the walking trails, let my blue heeler run and play, and watch the sunset. My favorite thing to do is get supper to go with some friends and go to the top of the mountain to eat while watching the sunset. There are so many things to do and beautiful sights right in Stanly County!

Are you an extrovert or introvert?

I am an extroverted introvert. You’re probably asking, “what the world does that mean?” Basically, at first I come off really shy and I enjoy time to reflect and think by myself, making me an introvert. At the same time, I love to go out and meet new people, speak to groups of people, and be around others. Once you get to know me I am very extroverted as well!

What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is titled “The Crooked Colt” by C.W. Anderson. This is a book that my parents read to me as a child over and over which I still love and cherish to this day. Although this is a children’s book, it shows the possibility to overcome anything with dedication and hard work. It’s also about the connection between a horse and a young girl which was basically my life as a child. The colt was born with crooked legs and was teased by the other colts, but with determination and encouragement from the girl, he became the fastest runner of all of them!

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is medium rare steak with potatoes and green beans. This was a meal that my parents would cook on special weekends when I was young and has always been my favorite!

What is your favorite drink?

My favorite drink is sweet tea. Bojangles, McDonalds, Grandma’s, or any kind of sweet tea is my go-to drink!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully, I will be graduated and working as an Agricultural Educator in the Stanly County area. I also sell BioZyme minerals, so I see myself continuing to sell minerals, teach horseback riding lessons, and rodeo on the side. Lastly, I hope to be working on developing a family with a husband and children, preferably on a horse farm!

Who is your hero and why?

My hero is Amberley Snyder, a professional barrel racer. In 7th grade, I heard about her remarkable story and was immediately inspired. She was an FFA State officer and rodeo winner from the state of Utah. In 2010, she was driving, looked down to check her map, swerved and wrecked her car. She was expected to never walk, let alone ride again. She worked very hard and overcame the odds! She is still paralyzed from the waist down, but has taught herself to do many of life’s daily tasks as well as ride the mountain of muscle we call a horse. Amberley had to reteach herself to do everything from getting into a car to saddling and mounting a horse without legs. She faced hardships and frustrations but has conquered them and even trained her horses to run without the typical leg pressure. Her newest horse is named Legacy because he becomes her legs when she rides him. She is now a motivational speaker and barrel racer who not only inspired me to push through and ride after a neck injury I had, but also inspires so many other people! Since hearing about her I have seen her twice – once at FFA National Convention and riding on a plane with her as her personal stewardess to a BioZyme convention – and she is just as humble, kind, and inspiring in a personal setting as she is when she speaks!

What do you love about Stanly County?

It is the only place I consider HOME! I love how in Stanly County, you can choose to be in the city and get whatever food you want and drive 10 minutes and be on a farm. I love all of the farms and rural areas to get away from the hustle of everyday living. I really appreciate the history found in Stanly County from the natives of 10,000 BC to downtown Albemarle to Morrow Mountain to the mom and pop store you always go to. Lastly, I love that you can always find someone with the southern hospitality that will treat you like one of their own and talk your ears off for days!

I also love the ties I still have in Stanly County. Even though away from home while in college, I have maintained involvement with the Stanly County Cattlemen’s Association and visiting local farmers to help with whatever I can. Along with my parents, Steve and Marcie Lemons, and my brother Caleb Lemons, I am an active member of Stony Hill United Methodist Church. I love knowing my roots and returning to the equine farm back home.

What are you most excited about for this summer’s internship? I am really excited about working with younger children and helping the next generation become familiar with agriculture, leadership traits, health, and personal growth. I have worked a lot with the high school age through my major at NC State University and placement in schools for classroom experience. Therefore, I am excited to use what I have learned and practiced to work with a younger age as well as adapt my style to match the way the children learn best! I am very passionate about agriculture, healthy lifestyles, and helping others grow individually, so I am very excited to do this for the 4-H members, students, and members of the community reached by the services of N.C. Cooperative Extension of Stanly County!

We are so excited to have Casey on board with us for the summer!