Snohomish County dairy ambassador crowned

On April 18, Becca Bartelheimer of Snohomish was selected as the 2015-16 Snohomish County Dairy Ambassador at the Holiday Inn in Everett, continuing a 60-year tradition for the dairy farmers of Snohomish County.

Becca is the daughter of Ryan and Michelle Bartelheimer of Snohomish and is a junior at Snohomish High School. Becca has been active in 4-H, FFA and Washington Jr. Holstein Association for many years and is the outgoing Washington state Jersey Queen.-á

Becca has competed in Dairy Quiz Bowl at numerous national competitions and was a member of Washington's Jr. Holstein team that placed fourth in the nation last year. She has also been active in youth group and serves as a worship leader at Zion Lutheran Church in Snohomish. -á

Selected to serve as equal alternate ambassadors were Allyson Carothers and Kaitlyn Meissner.-á

Allyson is the daughter of Martin and Nancy Carothers of Monroe and is a senior at Monroe High School, where she is FFA chapter secretary. She has exhibited dairy animals at local fairs and participated in numerous project areas, including agricultural issues and dairy foods competitions, earning first place at districts and competing at the state level.-á

Kaitlyn is the daughter of Tracey Meissner of Arlington and is a junior at Stanwood High School, where she serves as FFA vice president. In addition to showing dairy animals at the fair, she has earned recognition for her projects in horticulture and vet science, as well as winning a district public speaking contest and participating at the state level.

These ambassadors will represent the Dairy Farmers of Snohomish County at various community and educational events in the coming year, including fairs, parades, WIAA state sporting events and presentations at local schools and civic groups. Outgoing 2014-15 Snohomish County Dairy Ambassador Olivia Russell of Stanwood, and alternate Nicole Buell of Marysville, will represent Snohomish County at the Washington State Dairy Ambassador contest in June.

The 2015 Dairy Shrine honorees are Chris and Anna Groeneveld of Groeneveld Dairy in Monroe. They were recognized for their continued commitment to the dairy industry,-á public outreach and support of 4-H and FFA youth. The Dairy Shrine Pioneer honoree was Keith Sarkisian, former Ag instructor at Arlington High School and long-time community volunteer.

The Snohomish County Dairy Women provide scholarships to eligible high school seniors each year. This year's recipients, receiving $750 scholarships, were Marika Dunham of Monroe and Nicole Buell of Marysville.-á -á