By Jenny Mills, NEAFA Past President
This past week at the New York Farm Show, NEAFA Good Works Chair John Clark and the FFA team recognized the following students as the four NEAFA Scholarship for Future Agriculturists Recipients:
Andrew Curtis-Szalach– Cazenovia NY
Proud member of the Cazenovia Aggies FFA
Currently serving as the NY State FFA Treasurer
Future Plans: I plan to study Agricultural Systems Management
About Andrew:
“Andrew was raised on a 7th generation dairy farm in Cazenovia NY. While he loves animals he discovered his true passions revolved around the growth of crops, and the operation of machinery to support field operations. His SAE was in the area of repairing equipment and maintaining machinery vital to farm operations. He hopes to one day become an agricultural educator.”
Serena Drost- Greenwich NY
Proud member of the Greenwich FFA
Currently serving as chapter Secretary
Future Plans: Attending SUNY Cobleskill to study Animal Science
About Serena:
“Serena was first exposed to agriculture visiting a farm where her brother milked cows. That started a path of interest that included showing dairy cattle, and discovering her passion for animal science. She has been an active member of her FFA, serving leadership roles throughout her high school years. She looks forward to being an advocate for agriculture in her future.”
Allie Erhart– Cattaraugus NY
Proud member of the Cattaraugus Little Valley FFA
Currently Serving as Co President of the FFA
Future Plans: Attending SUNY Cobleskill, to study Animal Science
About Allie:
“Allie has grown up raising and showing livestock, and that has become the driver for her future interest in studying animal science. She has been an active member of the FFA, competing in many events at every level including competing at National FFA Convention is the Conduct of Meeting contest. Allie credits much of her success to the support she has received from family, friends, and teachers.”
Hannah King– Schuylerville, NY
Proud member of the Schuylerville FFA
Currently serving as Chapter President
Future Plan: Attending a university to study biology or veterinarian sciences.
About Hannah:
“Hannah was raised on her families dairy farm, Kings Ransom in Washington County. Living and actively participating in the farm has given Hannah her roots in agriculture and has developed her interest in health sciences of both animals and humans. She has been an active member of the Schuylerville FFA for several years, and credits her FFA experiences for developing her leadership skills and passion for learning."
These scholarships are administered through the NY FFA program but are open to any Senior in high school pursuing study in agriculture throughout New York and New England. The scholarship deadline is in early January. An anonymous committee works to narrow the field of finalists to 12, who then submit a 2-minute video about themselves. The NEAFA Good Works committee works to judge these videos and applications to award 4 winners a $1,000 scholarship. Congratulations to all our finalists!! Please check out the links to the winners’ videos to learn more about them! Click Here for Videos