Snohomish County Dairy Ambassador contest held April 18

The 2015 Snohomish County Dairy Ambassador coronation will be held Saturday, April 18, at the Holiday Inn in Everett. The event will honor outgoing ambassador Olivia Russel of Stanwood, as well as outgoing alternate ambassadors Nicole Buell of Marysville and Larissa Ablutz of Monroe.

Six qualified, young women are vying for the opportunity to represent the Snohomish County dairy industry in 2015. The new ambassador will serve in a public relations role for the coming year through speaking engagements, educational presentations, supporting the WIAA state sporting events and appearing at fairs and parades throughout the year.-á

-áAfter completing their one-year term, county ambassadors are eligible to compete for the state title in June each year. The Snohomish County Dairy Ambassador program is a professional and leadership development program. This year's candidates are:-á

Alex Alldredge, the daughter of Travis and Cassie Alldredge of Snohomish. Alex is a senior at Monroe High School (MHS) and active in FFA, holding various leadership roles, and participating in many volunteer events. She has served as an FFA dairy barn ambassador at the Evergreen State Fair the last three years. Alex has not yet decided which college she will attend.

Becca Bartelheimer, the daughter of Ryan and Michelle Bartelheimer of Snohomish ' She is a junior at Snohomish High School, and plans to attend Washington State University after graduation. Becca is involved in 4-H, FFA and Washington Jr. Holstein Association and currently serves as the Washington State and Western National Jersey Queen.

Eryn Byrd-Peterson, the daughter of Russ and Jessica Peterson of Monroe '-á She is a junior at MHS, where she is active in FFA, serving as an officer and participating in various competitions. Eryn has earned varsity letters in golf and enjoys skiing. After graduation, she plans on attending college to become a large animal veterinarian.

Allyson Carothers, the daughter of Martin and Nancy Carothers of Monroe ' She is a senior at MHS and is active in FFA, serving as an officer and participating numerous competitions at the district and state level. Allyson has been a committed volunteer at Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. She plans to attend Everett Community College to study environmental science, with an emphasis on ecology and agriculture.

Janneylee Ceja, the daughter of Fidel Ceja and Celia Cortez of Arlington ' She is a junior at Arlington High School. Janneylee participated in 4-H, enjoys playing volleyball and has assisted with milking and other tasks on local dairies. She was an honor roll student at Sno-Isle TECH, where she completed the dental assisting program, and plans to attend the Everett Community College dental hygiene program. -á

Kaitlyn Meissner, the daughter of Tracey Meissner of Arlington ' She is a junior at Stanwood High School, where she is active in FFA, serving as a chapter officer and participating in events at the district and state level. She is also active in the Washington Jr. Holstein Association and has worked as an assistant milk tester. After graduating, Kaitlyn wants to continue in the dairy industry, perhaps becoming a DHIA milk tester.