Source: NCDA&CS, 5/4/21



25 college students were recently notified they received $1,000 scholarships through the N.C. State Fair Livestock Scholarship program. In addition, another student received the $1,500 Farm Credit Association of N.C. Premier Scholarship. In total, $27,500 was awarded for higher education expenses.

Today’s Topic
Mike, we made 26 college students and their parents pretty happy last week. We sent out notices that 25 of them were recipients of one of our $1,000 N.C. State Fair Livestock scholarships, and one was a recipient of the Farm Credit Association of North Caroline Premier Scholarship.

Your listeners may remember earlier this year when we opened the application process to junior livestock competitors who had competed in at the N.C. State Fair, regardless of where they had placed. After reviewing the applications, students from across the state were selected for scholarships.

In the past we have recognized them during the Got to Be NC Festival typically held in May. The students have gotten to participate in the daily parade and we held an event to recognize them.

Unfortunately, we had to cancel the Got to Be NC Festival this year, so I figured I would mention them on the show today. AND, they have an invitation to participate in the parade next year.

Typically, funds for the scholarships were generated by the annual sale of champions where the top animals are auctioned off. We did not have a sale in 2020 because of COVID, but we had great sponsors and donors who stepped up and donated so these scholarships could be awarded.

I applaud them for recognizing the hard work of these young people and for making an investment in their future. We could not have offered these scholarships without their commitment.

Students can apply each year they are enrolled in a minimum of 9 course hours per semester in a 4-year college, a community college or a technical school. I recognize a few names on this list who are multi-year recipients.

Bear with me on the names of the $1,000 scholarship winners;
Emily Holland from Iredell County; Allison Hartman of Stokes; Mason Blinson of Harnett; Haley Hargus of Henderson; Thaddeus Sharp the fifth of Wilson; Madison Sifford of Alamance; Abbegail King of Swain; Rachel Brown of Stokes; Tanner Bentley of Johnston; Lynae (La-nay) Bowman of Stokes; Ethan Thompson of Wilson; Kadence Overby of Johnston; Isabell Fricke of Johnston; Cynthia Connolly of Rowan; Rex Howard of Cleveland; Rylee Schofield of Randolph; Katherine Eastep of Caswell; Zachary Keeter of Halifax; Mary Wood of Johnston; Taylor Glover of Wayne; Mason Judy of Wake; Regan Mitchum of Lincoln; Mattie Harward of Stanly; Marcie Harward of Stanly; and Lakota Sockwell of Guilford.

The $1,500 Farm Credit Premium Scholarship winner was Tristen Fulton of Davidson.

I am proud that the N.C. State Fair can provide this scholarship opportunity to so many young people each year. I know these scholarships are making a difference.

If you know one of these young people, please be sure to congratulate them!