Twelve youth who exhibited beef cattle, sheep, meat goats or swine in the 2015 State Fair of Virginia 4-H and FFA youth livestock program were awarded scholarships from the fair’s Applied Youth Livestock Scholarship Program. A total of $12,680 in scholarship funds was awarded.

Judging was based on applicants’ participation in livestock shows during the 2015 fair as well as on leadership and community service activities and an essay. Scholarships were offered in three age groups: juniors (9-12), intermediate (13-15) and seniors (16 and older). Funds allocated for the scholarships represent a portion of proceeds from the revived Sale of Champions benefit auction, held Oct. 10, 2015.

Winning a scholarship from the area was Sarah-Jane French, of Cumberland County, who received the $2,000 platinum award in the senior category.

“The young people who earned 2015 applied youth livestock scholarships represent the future of Virginia agriculture and have demonstrated a commitment to that future,” president and chairman of the State Fair Board M.L. Everett said. “We’re pleased to invest in these winners’ respective futures, and we’re excited about the growth of the fair’s youth livestock scholarship program.

“The revival of the Sale of Champions will boost our ability to encourage young agriculture and agribusiness participants, and we are grateful for the enthusiastic response of 2015 sale sponsors and other participants.”