story by Riata Cummings
Meagan Angus is an 18-year-old senior at Riverton High School. Her favorite classes include Advanced Placement photography and small animal science. She is a member of the National FFA Organization and has competed in the Horse Judging Career Development Event with her high school’s chapter for the last three years. Meagan enjoys photography, dirt bike riding, and shooting or hunting. After high school, Meagan is considering joining the United States Marine Corps or going straight to college to become a pilot.
Meagan is the daughter of Machelle and Jim Angus of Riverton, Utah. She has one sister, Shantelle, and four step-sisters: Morgan, Maryann, Sydnie, and Jordan. They are lovers of the great outdoors and enjoy camping or fishing together.
Meagan has competed in the horse 4-H program since she was in sixth grade, and her love of the speed events led her to compete in rodeo. This is her first year as a member of the Utah High School Rodeo Association, and she competes in barrel racing and pole bending. She competes on Autumn, a 7-year-old Quarter Horse – Arabian cross. Meagan has done most of the training on the sassy mare herself and, while they still have some improvements to make, she is proud of how far they have come.
Through her time in the horse 4-H and rodeo, Meagan has learned to be patient. Progress can sometimes be slow or even feel non-existent but the only way to succeed is to stick to your task. Working with horses has also taught Meagan to be grateful for what she has and to celebrate the little victories. The pressure of the show ring challenged Meagan, but she is grateful for the lessons it taught her. Besides competing, her favorite part of rodeo is the atmosphere of friendly and encouraging people. So far, her favorite rodeo has been the Dixie 6, a three-weekend run in Southern Utah, where she clocked some of her best times in the barrel racing.
Meagan believes in acknowledging the world the way that it is and approaching every situation with honesty. She strives to live a life of no regrets, seizing opportunities as they come. She looks up to her parents for their hard working, never-quit attitude. Meagan would like to thank her parents and her friends for pushing her to do things outside of her comfort zone and to grow as a person. Their influence encourages her to leave a legacy of bold confidence and accomplishment.
