Twelve youth who exhibited beef cattle, sheep, meat goats or swine in the 2019 State Fair of Virginia 4-H and FFA youth livestock program were awarded scholarships from the fair’s Applied Youth Livestock Scholarship Program.
Among the scholarship winners was Leah Greiner of Montgomery County, who won the silver award totaling $1,550 in the seniors age group.
A total of $23,150 in scholarships was awarded, which was $895 more than last year.
This is the third year that a $2,500 youth development scholarship was offered for youth who took part in any state fair competition. Additionally, it was the second year that a $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 Stoneman family was active in the state fair and other 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 in September, and the fourth annual Youth Livestock Sale of Champions benefit auction, held in October.
“The recipients of 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 the futures of young people committed to agriculture. We’re excited about the sustained growth of the fair’s scholarship program.
Everett said, “The Sale of Champions benefit auction has increased our ability to encourage and reward young agriculture and agribusiness participants, and we are thankful for the continued support of 2019 sale sponsors and buyers.”
Since 2013 the state fair has awarded 1,484 scholarships and has awarded over $550,000 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 2020 State Fair of Virginia will run from Sept. 25 through Oct. 4. 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.
