814-lancaster Farming, Saturday, March 2, 1996
Kelly West Captures New York Dai
SYRACUSE, N.Y.—Kelly
West from Varysburg, New York
was crowned the 1996-1997 New
York State Dairy Princess on
February 20, at the Four Points
Hotel by Sheraton, Liverpool,
New York. Having served almost
10 months as the Wyoming Coun
ty Dairy Princess, West will
devote an additional year promot
ing milk and dairy products, in
conjunction with the American
Dairy Association and Dairy
Council, Inc. (ADADC). As state
princess, she received a $1,200
scholarship, fend will relinquish
her country responsibilities. Spon
sored by ADADC, the 33rd annual
coronation completed the year
long reign of Jonelle Smith of
Cincinnatus.
West received $l5O for her
award-winning school presenta
tion called “Real Seal City” that
she presented to more than 400
people at the pageant. She was
also recognized for her honorable
mention scrapbook. The 18-year
old daughter of Alan and Suzanne,
West lives on a fourth generation,
family-owned dairy farm, where
her responsibilities include feed
ing cows, record-keeping, and
hc'ping with the breeding prog
ram. An active 4-H and Junior
Holstein member. West enjoys
exhibiting Holsteins in county,
regional, state, and national
shows. A senior at Attica Central
School, Kelly is active in Student
Council, Ski Club, Varsity Track,
Band, and French Club. This fall,
she plans to attend SUNY Morris
villc to pursue a career in veterin
ary medicine.
Jenny Kelsey of Canastota,
New York, in Madison County
was named first Alternate State
Princess. She received a $7OO
scholarship and $75 for her
award-winning scrapbook. She
was also recognized for her honor
able mention speech presentation.
Kelsey is the 16-ycar-old daughter
of Maurice and Amy, who farm
1,200 acres and milk 170 regis
tered Holsteins. An active 4-H and
Junior Holstein member, she has
represented New York State on
four national dairy bowl teams,
and has been a Distinguished
Junior Member for seven years.
Upon graduation, Kelsey plans to
pursue a career in agriculture after
attending Cornell University and
majoring in animal science and
Miss Congeniality
Kristie Bancroft
agricultural communications.
Kirsten Rowe of Earlville, New
York, in Chenango County was
selected as second Alternate State
Princess. She received a $6OO
scholarsip, $l5O for her award
winning school presentation
called “Super Milk,” and $75 for
her award-winning scrapbook.
Rowe lives on a 480-acre dairy
farm owned by Leigh and Sue
Manley. Earlier this year, Rowe
enjoyed working on the produc
tion of her educational documen
tary entitled, “Real People, Real
Lives, a Documentary on Osteo
porosis.” She is r.n active member
of Heifer Project International, a
group dedicated to improving
nutrition through milk and other
dairy products in the United States
and around the world. Rowe will
attend Cornell University to study
Agricultural Business Economics
in the fall to pursue a career in
Agricultural Communications.
Both alternate princesses will
represent ADADC at county dairy
princess pageants, will help train
new county promoters at seminars
and workshops, and will assist the
state princess with various appear
ances throughout the state. Other
finalists were Heather Edmunds of
Dclavan, New York, in Cattarau
gus County; Kristie Bancroft of
Dansville, New ' r ork, in Livings
ton County; Elizabeth Kalbfliesh
of Melrose, New York, in Renssa
laer County; and Kara Boisvenue
of Fort Ann, New York, in
Washington County.
Twenty-six county dairy prin
cesses competed in the state
pageant, including a personal
interview, a 10-minute speech
presentation, and informal interac
tion with others. The two-part
speech presentation consisted of a
speech geared for adults, and a
presentation appropriate for
elementary school students.
Judges evaluated the contestants
on their communication skills,
knowledge of the dairy industry,
poise, personality, and
appearance.
Overall judges were Jim Bar
nett, assistant secretary and mana
ger of member relations for Atlan
tic Dairy Cooperative from South
ampton, Pa.; Melinda Johnson,
owner of Hem-View Holsteins
and a fashion image consultant
from Warren, Pa.; and Jerry Reed,
executive director of the New
At on# . winners,
performs her skit, “Real Seal City” to more than
400 persons who attended the banquet.
From left are Rick Naczl, ADADC CEO, Kirsten Rowe, Kelly West, Jenny Kelsey, and
Raymond Johnson, ADADC board president.
Finalists at the pageant are front row from left, K. Bolsvenue, E. Kalbfllesh, and K.
Bancroft. Back row from left are K. Rowe, K. West, J. Kelsey, and H Edmunds.
York Beef Industry Council from ty; Elizabeth Kalbfliesh of Mel- State Dairy Princess from Perry,
Westmoreland, N.Y. rose, New York, in Renssalaer N.Y.; Mark Kenville, director of
In addition to West and Rowe, County; Rebecca Smith of Coblc- member relations and communi-
Andrea Shelley of Spencerport, skill. New York, in Schoharie cations for Dairylea Cooperative
New York, in Monroe CQunty County; and Molly Zorn of from Syracuse, NY; and Arlene
received $l5O for her award- Owego, New York, in Tioga Wilbur, mother of a former Pen
winning speech entitled “Calcium County. nsylvania Dairy Princess, and
—ls It Really That Important?” In Judges evaluated each 10-mi- board member of her local dairy
addition to Kelsey, honorable n “te presentation on contest, promotion from Leß
mention speech presentations speaking ability, and appearance, aysville, Pa.
were Michele Schaefer of Depo- Speech judges were Jennifer
sit. New York, in Delaware Coun- Emerling, 1991-95 New York
Princess Crown
Now York Stato Dairy Prlnceaa Kelly West Is
congratulated by retiring atate dairy princess
Jonelle Smith, left.
(Turn to Pago BIS)