Rabbit Royalty
WEST DEER TWP, Allegheny County — Many young people spend their weekends sleeping in late and hanging out with friends. But Richard Vaerewyck's weekends consist of shows, conventions and caring for 20 rabbits.
"I do not get to spend a whole lot of time with my friends in the area," Vaerewyck said, explaining many of the conventions and shows are at least five hours away.
As well as breeding Blanc de Hotots, an uncommon breed of domestic rabbit, Vaerewyck serves as president of the Butler Poultry Club, the Butler Youth Council and the Butler Bunni Bunch, a 4-H group devoted to rabbits.
The Eagle Scout and sophomore at St. Joseph High School in Natrona Heights received top honors and earned the title of rabbit king recently at the 2007 American Rabbit Breeders Association National Convention in Grand Rapids, Mich. Vaerewyck was among 107 contestants.
To receive the title of king, Vaerewyck had to go through a rigorous series of steps that included a 200-question test, plus 15 essay questions, breed identification, judging and a final interview. The powerful trio of hard work, persistence and determination paid off.
"It felt great to receive top honors because I had been working hard for several years without any luck. I was so happy," Richard said.
"Instead of going to the mall with my friends, I stayed home to study my rabbits."
Gary Michaud, chairman for the ARBA's youth royalty program, described Vaerewyck as "by far the best participant we had this year."
"Richard is an excellent example of the type of individual we look for to represent the ARBA and the youth royalty program," he said.
"Richard goes out of his way to help other people."
Vaerewyck first became involved in the Butler Bunni Bunch five years ago.
"I was looking for a 4-H club to join. My dad encouraged me to join the Butler Bunni Bunch," he said, describing a longtime passion for animals.
Vaerewyck said belonging to the group, made up of 44 members, has not disappointed.
"It really improves your life. You get to meet people who really want to help you," he said.
"Through 4-H and attending conventions, I have gained valuable skills, such as people and public speaking skills. It is a lot of fun."
Vaerewyck said he encourages other animal lovers to attend 4-H meetings to get a sense of how "it improves your life."
This year Vaerewyck and the rest of the club entered several teams in the ARBA's national convention, working together on various projects.
"I feel that we all won because the other members helped me; they pushed me to study harder and helped me to win," he said.
In addition to eventually judging ARBA events, Vaerewyck hopes to become a veterinarian. He said his 4-H experience has armed him with skills to succeed.
"4-H has helped me with everything. It has made me a better person because through the organization I have learned about responsibility, how to be a leader and about values," he said.
"This will definitely help me in the future."
