Twelve youth who exhibited beef cattle, sheep, meat goats or swine in the 2015 State Fair of Virginia 4-H and FFA youth livestock program were awarded scholarships from the fair’s Applied Youth Livestock Scholarship Program. A total of $12,680 in scholarship funds was awarded.
Judging was based on applicants’ participation in livestock shows during the 2015 fair, as well as on leadership and community service activities and an essay. Scholarships were offered in three age groups: Juniors (9-12), Intermediate (13-15) and Seniors (16 and older). Funds allocated for the scholarships represent a portion of proceeds from the revived Sale of Champions benefit auction, held Oct. 10, 2015.
The winners are:
Senior
• Platinum: Sarah-Jane French of Cumberland County, $2,000
• Gold: Kaylyn Beach of Rockingham County, $1,500
• Silver: Robert Nixon of Orange County, $1,000
• Bronze: Cassidy Simmons of Augusta County, $580
Intermediate
• Platinum: Zachary McCall of Augusta County, $1,500
• Gold: Caleb Boden of Frederick County, $1,200
• Silver: Tiffany Heishman of Shenandoah County, $700
• Bronze: Leah Greiner of Montgomery County, $400
Junior
• Platinum: Jackson Lohr of Rockingham County, $1,500
• Gold: Chet Boden of Frederick County, $1,200
• Silver: Ryan Borer of Botetourt County, $700
• Bronze: Laura McPherson of Chesapeake, $400
“The young people who earned 2015 applied youth livestock scholarships represent the future of Virginia agriculture and have demonstrated a commitment to that future,” said M.L. Everett, president and chairman of the State Fair board. “We’re pleased to invest in these winners’ respective futures, and we’re excited about the growth of the fair’s youth livestock scholarship program.
“The revival of the Sale of Champions will boost our ability to encourage young agriculture and agribusiness participants, and we are grateful for the enthusiastic response of 2015 sale sponsors and other participants.”
Since 2013, the State Fair has awarded more than 500 scholarships and has dedicated more than $150,000 to youth education. The fair offers up to $70,000 each year in scholarship money through 4-H, FFA and vocational competitions and specific equine, fine arts and horticulture competitions.
The 2016 State Fair of Virginia will run from Sept. 23 through Oct. 2. Information is available at StateFairVa.org.
The State Fair is held each fall at its permanent home at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. The fair’s mission is to increase agricultural and natural resource awareness and interest through educational programs, exhibitions and competitions in a fun, family-friendly setting.
Share
Contributors
