A local student was among the 27 youth who participated in the 2025 State Fair of Virginia 4-H and FFA livestock and general competitions to receive an award.
A total of $41,625 from the fair’s Applied Scholarship Program.
McKenzie Wilson, of Henry County, was awarded the $1,000 Gatewood Holland Stoneman Scholarship.
Two new scholarships were awarded this year.
The Wayne & Pattie Pryor Scholarship offered $3,000 to a top applicant who demonstrated interest in trade skills and agricultural restoration. This is a $26,000 scholarship fund that will be awarded through 2035. Wayne Pryor served 18 years as president of Virginia Farm Bureau, and the Pryors have been been longtime supporters of the youth competitions.
The Suzanne S. Youngkin Scholarship is an endowed donation of $10,000, and this year $500 was awarded to a senior female top applicant.
Additionally, a $1,000 Farm Credit Scholarship was available to any youth exhibitor who participated during the State Fair. Also, five $2,000 youth development scholarships and three $1,000 youth development scholarships were offered for participants in any State Fair competition.
A $1,000 scholarship also was offered for participants in State Fair 4-H, FFA or youth craft, skill or trade competitions. That scholarship was part of the Gatewood Holland Stoneman Endowment, established in 2018 in memory of W.N. Stoneman Jr. The Stoneman family continues to be active in the fair and other agricultural causes.
For the Applied Youth Livestock Scholarships, judging was based on applicants’ livestock show participation, as well as on leadership, community service activities and an essay. The 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 11th annual Youth Livestock Sale of Champions benefit auction, held Oct. 4, 2025.
Past scholarship recipients have noted how important their involvement in livestock shows as well as the other 4-H, FFA and youth craft, skill and trade competitions have helped them achieve their goals.
