STOCKTON — Last month, Christy Limas died tragically in a five-vehicle crash in Fremont.
The 14-year-old Manteca girl was active in Sierra High’s Future Farmers of America Chapter, where she was preparing Belle, her market swine, for San Joaquin AgFest 2018.
The junior show and auction kicked off this week at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton, with FFA and 4-H Club members exhibiting and showing their vocational and livestock projects.
Included is Belle, Limas’ prized pig.
Corey Scott knew Christy Limas since the two were third-grade students at Brock Elliott Elementary School.
The incoming SHS sophomore has been tending to Belle since the loss of his friend, grooming, caring and doing the twice-a-day feedings for the market swine at the Manteca Unified school farm.
“They needed someone to step up after Christy’s death,” said David Scott, Corey’s father.
Dang Nguyen Hai Tran, 21, of San Jose was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana following the May 15 fatal crash on I-880 in Fremont that claimed Limas along with her 9-year-old sister Brooke Limas and Noelle Johnson, 39.
On Monday, David, Corey and his 12-year-old sister Emily Scott helped showcase Belle. The holding pen in the fairgrounds’ livestock area had signs posted: “In memory of Christy Limus: Christy’s market hog will be shown through the Manteca-Sierra FFA chapter by Corey Scott.”
For Corey Scott, this was a tribute for a dear friend and classmate.
“I think what he’s doing is awesome,” said David Scott.
Meanwhile, the Farm to Fork celebration was held over the weekend. AgFest’s major fundraiser features some of the best restaurants using all local produces and other ingredients.
According to Michelle Matos, all of the proceeds from Farm to Fork dinner will go to scholarships for area students.
“The finale is the junior auction on Saturday,” said Matos, who is an advisor to the Junior AgFest board.
Corey Scott is looking to have Belle ready for this big day.
The auction for Belle and the other market hogs will take place after 9 a.m. Saturday in the Dave Luis Memorial Swine Barn Area.
All proceeds from the sale of Belle will go to the family of Christy Limas.
For more information or interest in purchasing Belle, call Amy Bohlken at 209.605.1992.
