At the Klickitat County Fair, 10-year-old Porter West earned more than just a ribbon—he earned admiration for his grit and creativity during the sheepdressing competition. Typically a team event, sheepdressing involves outfitting a sheep in a T-shirt and guiding it back to the pen. But when Porter’s teammates missed the start due to a timing mix-up, he didn’t back down. Determined to compete, Porter decided to go it alone. He retrieved a T-shirt, leapt over the railing, and plunged into the field, unfazed by the odds. Spotting a sheep, he managed—through sheer persistence and quick thinking—to wrangle it into the shirt, despite lacking the usual team support.

Porter’s improvisation didn’t stop there. When the sheep couldn’t walk because the shirt restricted its front legs, he removed the shirt to let it go free—adapting again in the moment. Though the event didn’t follow the usual rules, the judges recognized Porter’s determination, creativity, and positive attitude by awarding him the “Heart of Gold” honor. His approach—full of heart, courage, and a refusal to give up—left a lasting impression. Porter’s experience is a testament to what can be accomplished with resilience and a can-do spirit, even when plans fall apart. His advice to others is simple but powerful: “Just don’t give up.”

Four older boys from another team seeing Porters plight jumped into the arena and picked up  the sheep and carried it to the finish line. Porter’s grandfather is YKFA’s first vice president and his father is also a member.

The YKFA also believes in never quitting when the path forward becomes difficult!

Read the full article in the Goldendale Sentinel – “Porter West will not be stopped“