Ten Kansas youth became the first recipients of the Kansas State Fair’s new youth livestock scholarship program — awarded for their efforts both inside and outside the show ring.
Started in 2000, the Fair's Grand Drive has turned into the state’s premier livestock competition. The event encompasses shows for cattle, sheep, hogs and goats. Kansas youth entered nearly 2,500 animals in 2019.
The Grand Drive Scholarship Endowment was established through Hutchinson Community Foundation in the summer of 2018 to award $1,000 scholarships to award 10 secondary and post-secondary students who have demonstrated excellence, commitment and integrity as ambassadors of the Fair's junior livestock program.
To be eligible, applicants must have been current or past exhibitors of the Kansas State Fair Grand Drive and either graduating from high school in 2020 or enrolling in a secondary education program for the 2019-2020 school year.
“We had more than 40 exceptional applications this year,” said Jenn Galloway, the Fair’s Competitive Exhibits Director. “We look forward to the continued support of the youth with the growth each year in sponsors -- sponsors who are looking for ways to help acknowledge and reward hard work and commitment.”
This year’s winners were announced at the Grand Drive's annual gala Sept. 7:
·Wesley Denton, Blue Rapids
·Taylor Dieball, Little River
·Kaci Foraker, Burrton
·Jenna Goertzmann, Gardner
·Chad Hibdon, Princeton
·Cale Hinrichsen, Westmoreland
·Eva Hinrichsen, Westmoreland
·JaelAnn Hoover, Abilene
·Taylor Nikkel, Maple Hill
·Rylee Schrock, Brookville
The Grand Drive is sponsored by Midwest Ford. For more information about the Grand Drive or the scholarship, email Galloway at jenn.galloway@ks.gov.