PW 03/02/23
State Fair of Virginia awards $27,920 in youth scholarships
(DOSWELL, March 10, 2023)—Eighteen youth who exhibited beef cattle, sheep, meat goats or swine in the 2022 State Fair of Virginia 4-H and FFA youth livestock program were awarded a total of $27,920 from the fair’s Applied Scholarship Program.
A $1,000 Farm Credit Scholarship was available to any youth exhibitor who participated during the State Fair. Additionally, three $2,000 youth development scholarships were offered for participants in any State Fair competition.
A $1,000 scholarship also 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.
For the Applied Youth Livestock Scholarships, judging was based on applicants’ livestock show participation, as well as on leadership, community service activities and an essay. The 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 eighth annual Youth Livestock Sale of Champions benefit auction, held Oct. 1, 2022.
The winners are:
Youth Livestock Scholarships
Senior
- First place: Ryan Borer of Botetourt County, $2,150
- Second place: Salem Sifford of Fauquier County, $1,792
- Third place: Chet Boden of Frederick County, $1,434
- Honorable mention: Laura McPherson of Chesapeake, $896
- Honorable mention: Samuel Braden Stern of Shenandoah County, $896
Intermediate
- First place: Sarah Craun of Rockingham County, $1,793
- Second place: Abigail Miller of Wythe County, $1,494
- Third place: Makayla Emory of King George County, $1,195
- Honorable mention: Rachel Haile of Hanover County, $747
- Honorable mention: Makayla McPherson of Chesapeake, $747
Junior
- First place: Sedona Sifford of Fauquier County, $1,793
- Second place: Kaid Altman of Orange County, $1,494
- Third place: Kylie Blevins of Washington County, $1,195
- Honorable mention: Gannon Long of Rockingham County, $747
- Honorable mention: Ella Miller of Wythe County: $747
General State Fair Scholarships
Youth Development Scholarships
- Chet Boden of Frederick County, $2,000
- Ryan Borer of Botetourt County, $2,000
- Sadie Wentz of Orange County, $2,000
Gatewood Holland Stoneman Scholarship
- Kennah Kerns of Frederick County, $1,000
Farm Credit Scholarship
- Grayson Long of Rockingham County, $1,000
“The scholarship program is a great way to invest in our future citizens and leaders,” noted William F. Osl, chair of the SFVA Youth Development Board. “These young people have worked hard and will help strengthen their communities and our nation with the knowledge and skills gained during the competitions as well as their deep commitment to agriculture.”
This year’s Sale of Champions raised over $80,000 to support the fair’s scholarship program. In addition, the annual Black Tie & Boots gala raised over $21,000 to support youth programming.
Since 2013 the State Fair has awarded over 2,069 scholarships and has awarded $732,570 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 2023 State Fair of Virginia will run from Sept. 22 through Oct. 1. 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 200,000 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.