Three New York high school seniors have received the distinct honor of being named statewide winners of the New York Farm Bureau Agricultural Youth Scholarship. Each student was previously selected in their respective New York Farm Bureau districts to compete at the state level. The winners were chosen based on their application and essay submission answering the question, “If you had the power to change something in your community or on your farm, what would you change and why?” The applicants also must have a family Farm Bureau membership or a student Farm Bureau membership.
The first place winner of a $1,500 scholarship is Allison Herrick of Bliss, N.Y. in Wyoming County. Herrick, who represented District Two in the state competition, grew up on her family’s dairy farm where she started a herd of her own. However, she wanted to do more off the farm too. So, Herrick took her passion for the dairy industry and her skill of public speaking and started educating the public about the industry. Herrick is a senior at Pioneer Central School and plans to attend college at either Penn State University or Cornell University where she will study dairy genetics.
The second place winner is Emily Ooms from Valatie, N.Y. who receives a $1,200 scholarship. She is from Columbia County in District 10. Getting her start in 4-H and the Junior Dairy Leaders, Ooms is invested in pursuing a career in agriculture. Her hope is to carry on the family tradition of having a commitment and passion for New York agriculture. She is also the reigning New York State Dairy Princess. Upon graduation from Chatham High School, Ooms plans to attend Cornell University where she will study animal science with a focus in dairy
The third place winner is Julia Fouts of Cortland, N.Y. in District Four who will receive a $1,000 scholarship for her placement at the state level. Fouts’ passion for agriculture is something she learned from her father, Paul Fouts. She stated, “I hope that I would one day continue his dream.” From the Dairy Princess Association to the National 4-H Dairy Conference, Fouts has surrounded herself with agriculture. Now a senior at Homer Senior High School, Fouts will be attending SUNY ESF pursing a degree in environmental biology.
Other District Recognitions include:
District 1: Matthew Spoth is from Clarence Center, N.Y. where he attends Clarence High School. Upon graduation he will be attending Cornell University studying environmental engineering
District 3: Jessica Skellie is from Newark, N.Y. where she attends Midlakes High School. Upon graduation she will be attending Cornell University studying animal science.
District 5: Victoria Peila is from Bainbridge, N.Y. where she attends Oxford High School. After graduation she will be attending Morrisville State College studying agricultural business.
District 6: Amanda Bond is from Adams, N.Y. where she attends Belleville-Henderson Central School. She will be attending Cornell University in the fall studying agricultural sciences.
District 7: April Gokey is from Malone, N.Y. where she attends Franklin Academy. Upon graduation she will be attending SUNY Cobleskill studying agricultural business management.
District 8: Ashley A. Gifford is from Greenville, N.Y. where she attends Greenville High School. After graduation, she will be attending either SUNY Cobleskill, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, or Cornell University studying animal science with a focus in livestock genetics.
District 9: Andrew Fletcher is from Cobleskill, N.Y. where he attends Cobleskill- Richmondville High School. Upon graduation he will be attending Paul Smith’s college studying forest operations.
District 10: Courtney Dearnley is from Copake, N.Y. where she attends Taconic Hills High School. Upon graduation she plans to attend Cornell University pursing a degree in animal science.
District 11: Caroline Keil is from Mattituck, N.Y. where she attends Mattituck Junior-Senior High School. Upon graduation she plans to attend Cornell University.
