Nine year old Kade Bigbee, a third grader at Smithville Elementary was the recipient of a $10,000 scholarship presented at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.

Bigbee showed three different animals at the show to win the title. His favorite was Cele, his one-year old mule.

When he is not showing his mules and donkeys he participates in rodeos where he ropes, runs barrels and ties goats.

This is Kade’s first big award with his donkeys and mules and he stated he was “really surprised” to discover he was the winner.

Kade wanted to send out a special thank you to his grandmother, Diane Smith, for buying him a mule and teaching him to ride.  He also wanted to thank S.A.L.E. for providing the scholarship.

Mules and Donkeys of all colors and sizes made an appearance this year at the 2010 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Mule and Donkey Show.  During the show, youth exhibitors have an opportunity to exhibit donkeys, mules and miniature donkeys to earn points toward an overall high point scholarship.  This years show included over 60 animals.

This year the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has committed $8.1 million to education. The amount represents scholarships, grants, endowments, junior livestock auctions, Calf Scramble program, and show premiums paid to youth in the state of Texas. This brings the total amount that the organization has committed since the inception of the Scholarship Fund in 1984 to over $96 million.

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is a volunteer organization that emphasizes agriculture and education to develop the youth of Texas. For more information, visit www.sarodeo.com.