State Fair of WV and S.J. Neathawk Announce 2013 Youth Leadership Council

LEWISBURG, WV (05/06/2013)(readMedia)-- Six youth leaders from throughout West Virginia have been selected to serve on the 2013 State Fair of West Virginia Youth Council. This youth leadership initiative is coordinated in partnership with SJ Neathawk Lumber.

Council members were selected based upon a thorough written application and interview process. Members include:

Jordan Miller from Pendleton County is a National Honor Society student, a member of the WV Jr. Angus Association and was awarded as Premier Beef Exhibitor in the 2011 SFWV.

Kelly Guthrie from Preston County is currently enrolled as a Freshman at Fairmont State, is a member of the Preston County Livestock Association and was named the 2011 Lady of Agriculture.

From Greenbrier County, Andi Harvey, is a member of the Renick Volunteer Fire Department, and has received both the Citizenship Award & the Leadership Award as a 4-H member and is on track to complete her Charting project and to receive her pin, during Greenbrier County's Older 4-H camp.

Aaron Propps, also from Greenbrier County, is an active member of the Greenbrier West High School Choir as well as his Church Youth Group, and has a passion for photography.

Named Outstanding Youth Volunteer in 2009 by the Modern Woodmen, Tiffany Loudermilk from Greenbrier County has volunteered coutless hours to her 4-H club as well as with Penny Pitch and Energy Express. Tiffany has received the Greenhand Degree, and Chapter & State Farmer degree through her participatoin with FFA.

Our 6th member, Tanner McNeely, from Greenbrier County, has served on both his 4-H & FFA Livestock Judging Teams, is a member of the American Boer Goat Association, and has volunteered for the Lions Club Youth Basketball League, Energy Express and within his 4-H club.

Council members are expected to complete a minimum number of volunteer hours that tie into the preparation and execution of the annual fair, develop programs and events that promote the State Fair Endowment as well as to challenge their leadership and organizational skills. Youth Council members will also have opportunities to be involved in promotional events that support the fair throughout the year. The 2012 Fair, saw Youth Council members supporting the State Fair Endowment by serving in the WV Building as they sold freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.

According to State Fair Special Events & Concessions manager, Randi Nikolas, "We appreciate S.J. Neathawk Lumber's partnership and are already working with the Youth Council to outline their activities during the week of the fair. In fact, one of our members, Kelly Guthrie from Preston County, has created a plan for a food drive that will involve all of the 4-H clubs in her county. The club that turns in the most food will win a pizza party or ice cream social for their hard work. Kelly has a goal to collect 10,000 non-perishable food items by August 1st! All members of the council have been charged with creating a food drive in their communities to tie in with the Fair's 'Dream Big' and 'First Energy Magic Monday' initiatives."

The State Fair of West Virginia, with an $13.8 million dollar economic impact on the State of West Virginia, is a 501 © 3 non-profit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com.