State Fair of Virginia awards $29,000 in youth scholarships
(DOSWELL, March 9, 2022)—Fifteen youth who exhibited beef cattle, sheep, meat goats or swine in the 2021 State Fair of Virginia 4-H and FFA youth livestock program were awarded scholarships from the fair’s Applied Scholarship Program. A total of $29,000 in scholarships was given.
New this year was a $1,000 Farm Credit Scholarship available to any youth exhibitor who participated during the State Fair. Additionally, this is the second year that two $2,000 youth development scholarships were offered for participants in any State Fair competition. It also was the fourth year that a $1,000 scholarship was offered to participants in State Fair 4-H, FFA or youth craft, skill or trade competitions. That scholarship was part of the Gatewood Holland Stoneman Endowment, established in 2018 in memory of W.N. Stoneman Jr. The Stoneman family was active in the fair and other agricultural causes.
Judging was based on applicants’ livestock show participation, as well as on leadership, 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 seventh annual Youth Livestock Sale of Champions benefit auction, held Oct. 2, 2021.
The winners are:
Youth Livestock Scholarships
Senior
• First place: Ryan Borer of Botetourt County, $2,760
• Second place: Salem Sifford of Fauquier County, $2,300
• Third place: Chet Boden of Frederick County, $1,840
• Honorable mention: Sadie Wentz of Orange County, $1,150
• Honorable mention: Laura McPherson of Chesapeake, $1,150
Intermediate
• First place: Sarah Craun of Rockingham County, $2,070
• Second place: Kennah Kerns of Frederick County, $1,725
• Third place: Grayson Long of Rockingham County, $1,380
• Honorable mention: Nathan Paris of Pittsylvania County, $862.50
• Honorable mention: Josephine Caldwell of Rockbridge County, $862.50
Junior
• First place: Kylie Blevins of Washington County, $2,070
• Second place: Gannon Long of Rockingham County, $1,725
• Third place: Sedona Sifford of Fauquier County, $1,380
• Honorable mention: Kaid Altman of Orange County: $862.50
• Honorable mention: Layton Dudding of Craig County, $862.50
General State Fair Scholarships
Youth Development Scholarships
• Ryan Borer of Botetourt County, $2,000
• Chet Boden of Frederick County, $2,000
Gatewood Holland Stoneman Scholarship
• Sadie Wentz of Orange County, $1,000
Farm Credit Scholarship
• Salem Sifford of Fauquier County, $1,000
“It gives me so much pleasure that we’re able to help our young people further their education through these scholarships,” said M.L. Everett Jr., president of the State Fair of Virginia Youth Development Board. “These scholarships not only help encourage their interest in agriculture, but they’re also an opportunity to give back to the community and show our support for agriculture throughout the state of Virginia.”
This year’s Sale of Champions raised $105,000 to support the fair’s scholarship program, surpassing previous fundraising records. In addition, the annual Black Tie & Boots gala raised over $20,000.
“We’re thankful to the businesses and individuals who stepped up to support the scholarship fund, especially amidst the challenges presented by the pandemic,” said Lynwood Broaddus, chairman of the State Fair of Virginia Scholarship Committee. “It’s great to see all these different organizations working together for one goal—supporting our youth in agriculture.”
Since 2013 the State Fair has awarded over 1,800 scholarships and has given over $670,000 to support youth education. The fair offers youth more than $80,000 each year in scholarship funds through 4-H, FFA and vocational competitions and specific equine, fine arts and horticulture competitions.
The 2022 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 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 Marlene Jolliffe, State Fair executive director, at 804-994-2802.