Penn State students receive Pa. Farm Show Foundation scholarships

Penn State students receive Pa. Farm Show Foundation scholarships

PSU students who won Farm Show scholarships and others. Seated (from left): Tracy Hoover, interim dean; Kate Livingston; Abby Finkenbinder; Clarissa Barton; Danielle Lehman; Michelle Morelli. Standing (from left): Bruce McPheron, dean; Wesley Wright; Nathaniel Stas; Kristen Hayman; Jacob Diamond; Kristen Stufft; George Greig, PA Secretary of Ag.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Ten Penn State students, including eight enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences, were among 26 who were awarded scholarships by the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation during the 96th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg.

The students were recognized before the show's Junior Livestock Auction and Sale of Champions on Jan. 10.

The foundation awards scholarships to young people who are registered in a post-secondary educational institution and who have exhibited livestock at the Farm Show. To be chosen, students must exhibit leadership qualities and excellent academic performance, according to the foundation.

Since 2005, the College of Agricultural Sciences has contributed additional scholarship money to students enrolled in good standing in the college who receive Farm Show scholarships. The amount of this year's scholarship is $3,500, and the college will add $2,000, bringing the total to $5,500.

"As Farm Show livestock exhibitors, these students have demonstrated a high level of achievement and an incredible work ethic," said Tracy Hoover, the college's interim associate dean for undergraduate education. "We're pleased to be able support them as they continue developing the skills and knowledge that will help ensure their success as future professionals and leaders."

Following are the eight College of Agricultural Sciences recipients of 2012 Farm Show scholarships:

--Clarissa Barton, of Bedford, Bedford County, a freshman at Penn State Altoona studying animal sciences.

--Kristen Hayman, of Genesee, Potter County, a junior at University Park majoring in animal sciences.

--Danielle Lehman, of Bloomsburg, Columbia County, a sophomore at University Park majoring in animal sciences.

--Kate Livingston, of Dover, York County, a sophomore at Penn State York studying agricultural education and animal sciences.

--Michelle Morelli, of Rydal, Montgomery County, a freshman at University Park studying veterinary and biomedical sciences.

--Nathaniel Stas, of Latrobe, Westmoreland County, a junior at University Park majoring in animal sciences.

--Kristen Stufft, of Lewistown, Mifflin County, a senior at University Park majoring in animal sciences.

--Wesley Wright, of Sycamore, Greene County, a sophomore at Penn State Fayette studying agriculture.

Other Penn State students awarded Farm Show scholarships were:

--Jacob Diamond, of Smithfield, Fayette County, a biology major at Penn State Fayette.

--Abby Finkenbinder, of Newville, Cumberland County, a nursing major at Penn State Mont Alto.

The Farm Show Scholarship Foundation has awarded nearly $1 million in scholarship money to 370 students since its founding in 1993.