When a tenderhearted student and a devoted teacher realized specific students were being excluded from agricultural extracurricular activities, they joined forces to create a new, inclusive program. Several years later, Unique Kids Showing Pigs has become a highlight of the school’s calendar.
It seems an unlikely place for magic to happen, but on one winter day each year, the Newton County Agricultural Center transforms into a space for special kids to shine. Unique Kids Showing Pigs is the brainchild of former Newton College and Career Academy student Meredith McCrorey. When mainstreaming added special education students to her agriculture class, McCrorey befriended a girl named Gabby who lamented the fact that she could not join the other students in showing a pig at an upcoming agricultural event.
McCrorey felt sad that her new friend would miss out on such a rewarding experience. “I started thinking about how we could include her and other students with special needs,” she said, explaining that the inherent nature of guiding and presenting livestock could make it difficult for certain kids to participate. For example, wheelchairs cannot easily navigate the dirt floors at livestock arenas, and many people with autism struggle to maintain eye contact with judges and answer their questions. McCrorey invited Gabby to join her at a local livestock show, and the two went through the entire showing process together. “When we got back to school,” McCrorey said, “Gabby couldn’t stop talking about it.” Gabby’s enthusiasm made McCrorey realize there was a real need for this type of extracurricular activity for special education students. “I knew we needed to showcase that they’re just as able as any other human,” she said. McCrorey then committed to removing barriers that prevented her classmates from showing pigs.
McCrorey turned to Dr. Cecily Gunter, the Newton County School System’s “Teacher of the Year” for 2023–24 and the animal veterinary science teacher at NCCA. Because regular livestock showing is an extended process that includes feeding, grooming and getting to know the animal, Gunter created a one-day project more suitable for the new participants. She worked closely with the county’s special education department to accommodate every child’s needs and recruited volunteer student “buddies” to pair with their special education friends. “The Buddies are in the animal science class and know how to work with the animals,” Gunter said. “Then they teach the students with disabilities what they know to prepare them for the show. The Buddies also walk around the arena with them. Some kids are very confident and don’t need a lot of help, but others might be in a wheelchair or unable to walk on their own.” Buddies also learn safety precautions to help the show run as smoothly as possible for humans and pigs alike.
“It’s so great for these kids to be seen and feel important.”
Dr. Cecily Gunter
Shows are typically held on an early release day in January. The students arrive at the Georgia FFA-FCCLA Center about two hours before the show, which starts at 6 p.m. and lasts for about an hour. “We have a lot of returning kids who look forward to it,” Gunter said. “Last year, we had a returning student who had the same buddy as the year before. Watching her get so excited made me happy. It’s so great for these kids to be seen and feel important.” At the end of the event, each student receives a medal and T-shirt.
Gunter’s current agriculture students play a huge role in organizing the annual event.
“We reach out to every school in the county, including elementary, middle and high schools,” she said. “It’s really become its own thing. There are now other similar programs across the state.” Students also help solicit donations and volunteers from the community, as significant costs are associated with making it happen. All of the effort is worth it for Gunter. “The entire thing is such a memorable experience,” she said. “You can’t come and leave feeling bad about the world.” McCrorey agrees. “The first time I served as a buddy, I viewed it selfishly, like, ‘I’m going to go do this good deed for others,’” she said, “but after serving, it changes your perspective. And it creates a ripple effect throughout the school. Kids who might not usually talk to each other are like, ‘Hey, you were my buddy at the pig show.’ You realize there are a lot of good people out there.”
Now studying consumer economics at the University of Georgia, McCrorey remains heavily involved in ensuring each Unique Kids Showing Pigs event runs smoothly. She always attends the shows and has served as a judge. “I was able to bring my whole family,” she said. “It makes me happy that it’s still going five or six years later.” McCrorey’s initial excitement to extend opportunities to her special needs peers has become her life’s focus. She is actively involved with the Extra Special People program that assists disabled people in the Athens area. She has also experienced a career shift.
“I just applied to law school,” McCrorey said with a smile. “I want to go into disability law. I think it’s something that’s so overlooked by people who don’t know someone with a disability. It’s become a passion. I cannot imagine a life that doesn’t let me help the community in some way.”
For information on Unique Kids Showing Pigs or to donate to the program, email Cecily Gunter at gunter.cecily@newton.k12.ga.us.
Unique Kids Showing Pigs Photo credit: Brian Dean Photography
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