McNeese Freshman Is Finalist to Sing at Tradeshow in Nashville 

Zoey Symons is a general agriculture freshman at McNeese State University from Pearl River and is one of four finalists to sing the national anthem in Nashville, Tennessee, at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show called CattleCon. 

Symons, and the other finalists, were chosen from about 30 applicants. Voting is open until Nov. 15 to anyone but is limited to one vote per day per person. Those who want to help can visit the official NCBA convention website at National Anthem Contest Vote Now and vote by clicking the “Apply” tab, followed by “National Anthem Contest” and scroll down to vote for Zoey Symons.  

On campus, Symons is involved in Collegiate FFA, Cowboy Catholics, Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association and So You Like to Write. Outside of school, she plays valuable roles in the Louisiana Junior and Louisiana Angus Associations as well as the National Junior Angus Association. She also recently joined the National Cattlewomen’s Association to embrace the culture she is so passionate about.  

“I have always been in love with music and performing in general,” Symons said. “I love the learning aspect of it.” She has experience singing at high school football games and music concerts and in her church and recently she performed the national anthem at the McNeese rodeo. 

“I am and will forever be grateful for everything that has come my way with music and I am beyond excited to see where this will take me,” she expressed. 

Symons said any votes will help tremendously on her journey to attend her first NCBA Trade Show, sing at such a high level and simultaneously have the opportunity to learn from people in an association that is important to her.  

“I would like to thank everyone in advance for voting,” she shared.