We caught up with Clara Kowalski to talk about her champion duo, Bean and Marty, and the memories behind the banners.

Tell us a little bit about your champion:
My champion is named Bean, and she is the sweetest spot ever. My friend Kehlan named her as a joke, and we had no idea we were giving such a silly name to a future champion. She loves eating Tums and being brushed, and she was easily the most spoiled pig in the barn. My Reserve Champion is named Marty. She was extremely cute but a little difficult at times — kind of fidgety with her head when I walk her, which I think is because her eyes cross in the front. She loves attention and people, and her cuteness is truly unforgettable. I love them both so much and can’t wait to see what kind of piglets they produce!

Who is somebody that helped you achieve this win?
My mom made all of this possible. She always helps me in the barn and makes sure my animals are on point. Whenever I’m at school or out with friends, she picks up the slack. At pig shows, she’s the glue holding our whole chaotic group together — making sure my phone is out of my pocket, my jeans are unrolled, I get to my class on time, and that I’m having fun. I’m so grateful for everything she does for me, even if I don’t always say it. Without her, I’d be lost. I love you, Mom!

What was the most challenging homework you had to make up?
It wasn’t homework, but we went to Cow Palace this year and I really wanted one last shot at the SAT. So I made my mom book the test in downtown San Francisco the morning of the show. My friend Avery had to get my pig ready while I was gone, and I made it back just in time to enter the ring! The show went great, and my SAT scores were what they needed to be. Thank you, Avery!!

What was a challenge you had to overcome with your champion or at the show?
Bean was really stubborn as a baby. When we would take her to shows, she would fight me on the fence and embarrass me every time I had to walk her. All I could do was laugh and stay persistent, and after months of trying she finally shaped up just in time for NJSA Western Regionals and Arizona Nationals. It’s almost like she knew it was time to get serious and decided to cut me some slack. She taught me that a pig can be an angel in her pen and a defiant little monster in the ring — but I guess that’s what I get for spoiling her rotten.

What’s your go-to snack in the snack tub?
I love almost anything, but I can never deny Hot Cheetos. At shows, I make my mom stock up on them — and to my dad’s dismay, they usually become my breakfast.