(DOSWELL, March 1, 2019)—Twelve youth who exhibited beef cattle, sheep, meat goats or swine in the 2018 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 $22,255 in scholarships was awarded, $1,633 more than was awarded last year.
This is the second year that a $2,500 youth development scholarship was offered for youth who took part in any State Fair competition. Additionally, a new $1,000 scholarship was offered to participants in State Fair 4-H, FFA or youth craft, skill or trade competitions. The scholarship was part of the Gatewood Holland Stoneman Endowment, established in 2018 in memory of W.N. Stoneman Jr. The Stonemans were active in the State Fair and agricultural causes.
Judging was based on applicants’ fair participation, as well as on leadership and community service activities and an essay. Applied Youth Livestock Scholarships were offered in three age groups: Juniors (9-12), Intermediate (13-15) and Seniors (16 and older). Funds allocated for those scholarships represent a portion of proceeds from the annual Black Tie & Boots Scholarship Gala, which was held Sept. 27, 2018, and the fourth annual Youth Livestock Sale of Champions benefit auction, held Oct. 6, 2018.
The winners are:
Senior
• Platinum: McKenzie Wills of Fluvanna County, $3,000
• Gold: Leah Greiner of Montgomery County, $2,250
• Silver: Caleb Boden of Frederick County, $1,500
• Bronze: Hunter May of Rockingham County, $750
Intermediate
• Platinum: Ryan Borer of Botetourt County, $2,250
• Gold: Chet Boden of Frederick County, $1,690
• Silver: Rachel Craun of Rockingham County, $1,125
• Bronze: Zane Redifer of Montgomery County, $565
Junior
• Platinum: Matthew Woolfolk of Louisa County, $2,250
• Gold: Sarah Craun of Rockingham County, $1,690
• Silver: Zac Woolfolk of Louisa County, $1,125
• Bronze: Marie-Claire des Rosiers of Shenandoah County, $560
Youth Development Scholarship
• Leah Greiner of Montgomery County, $2,500
Gatewood Holland Stoneman Scholarship
• Ryan Borer of Botetourt County, $1,000
“The young people who earned these youth livestock scholarships represent the future of Virginia agriculture,” said M.L. Everett Jr., president of the State Fair of Virginia Youth Development Board. “We’re proud to offer these opportunities for the winners and to invest in their futures, and we’re excited about the continued growth of the fair’s scholarship program.
“The Sale of Champions benefit auction has increased our ability to encourage young agriculture and agribusiness participants, and we are grateful for the generous support of 2018 sale sponsors and buyers.”
Since 2013 the State Fair has awarded more than 1,270 scholarships and has dedicated more than $472,000 to youth education. The fair offers more than $70,000 each year in scholarship money through 4-H, FFA and vocational competitions and specific equine, fine arts and horticulture competitions.
The 2019 State Fair of Virginia will run from Sept. 27 through Oct. 6. 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 and attracts 250,000 fairgoers. The event celebrates the best of Virginia’s past, present and future through scholarship initiatives, creative programming and a focus on the commonwealth’s agriculture and natural resources industries.
Contact Stuart Sanders, educational programs & competitions manager, at 804-994-2743.