Magdalena teen Josh Vigil shines with multiple talents

Whether he’s raising champion livestock, performing original songs on stage, or catching fastballs on the baseball field, 15-year-old Joshua Vigil is proving that talent and ambition know no bounds.

Vigil seems to be a jack of all trades, from livestock judging and musical performance to athletics and leadership roles in youth organizations.

A sophomore at Magdalena High School, Vigil is an active member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), where he participates in livestock judging, and home site and horse evaluations.

His dedication to agriculture extends beyond the classroom: he serves as vice president of his local 4-H group and raises pigs, lambs and goats. In 2023, Vigil earned the title of Grand Champion with his swine at the County Fair.

But Vigil’s talents aren’t limited to agriculture. A passionate singer-songwriter, he began learning guitar in seventh grade and has since performed at local venues such as Kelly Hall. His musical journey led him to win the state FFA talent competition, earning him a spot at the national convention in Indianapolis. Though he didn’t place in the top ten nationally, Vigil performed gigs throughout the city, showcasing his voice and music.

“I was just happy to come out here and show my personality,” Vigil said of his time in Indianapolis.

In addition to his artistic and agricultural pursuits, Vigil is also a student-athlete. He plays catcher on the high school baseball team and has previously played football, with plans to return next season as a cornerback or linebacker. Standing at 5’11”, he brings both physical presence and determination to the field.

His future goals are just as diverse.

“I want to be a singer-songwriter. If that doesn’t work out, I’m hoping to get a scholarship in baseball or get certified in welding,” Vigil said.

Originally from Lemitar, N.M., Vigil commutes 45 minutes each day to attend school in Magdalena, a choice he made to be part of a more supportive community.

“I wasn’t surrounded by the people I wanted to be surrounded with,” he said.

With a full schedule and a drive to succeed, Vigil is proving that rural youth can thrive in diverse arenas, and he’s just getting started.

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