Cowboys come to Clovis school

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As cowboys and cowgirls head to the Central Valley for the 102nd annual Clovis Rodeo, some are making a detour and stopping at several schools in Clovis Unified to teach a valuable lesson.

"We teach a code of the west program which is respect responsibility trustworthiness and honesty, having a good attitude," Cowboys and Kids California representative Janet Lemmons said.

Students at Miramonte Elementary were in awe as Janet Lemmons gave them a lesson in how to cowboy up, but learning how to cowboy up is a lot more than just dressing the part. It's all about standing tall and making good life choices."

"You need to look up ahead at your hopes and dreams," Lemmons said. "And that's what we like to teach kids don't look down at your feet cowboy up and be proud of yourself."

Founded in 1991, the cowboys and kids program has worked with more than 3 million students nationwide spreading the word of the cowboy way, the aim is to instill high morals at an early age.

"To be tough mentally rather than physically because that's so important for kids these days," Lemmons said.

Going hand in hand with the rodeo message of sportsman-like conduct.

"I've never been to a rodeo where a cowboy threw his hat on the ground and stomp off or fight with an official," she said. "They just walk off and see what they can do better the next time."

Rodeo lessons don't stop there, comradery is key.

"They're not worried about winning or losing but it's about taking care of each other," Lemmons said.