2 Valley teens receive honors as Outstanding Youth at fair
One recipient said the honor 'feels bigger than Christmas to me.'
By MATT BIXENSTINE
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CANFIELD -- Mark Miller and Anna Kellgreen take pride in life on the farm, as their years of dedication to 4-H and fair activities can attest.
So much pride, in fact, that both are striving for agricultural careers.
That dedication paid off Thursday, as Miller, 19, of Salem, and Kellgreen, 19, of Boardman, were named the 2003 Outstanding Youth at the Canfield Fair.
Both will attend the Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute this fall, where Miller, a sophomore, and Kellgreen, a freshman, hope to earn degrees in dairy and swine fields, respectively.
After graduation, Miller plans to return to his family's dairy farm and work with his brother to increase their herd's health, production and reproduction status to their fullest potential. Kellgreen will also be involved with agriculture.
Not new, but still exciting
For Miller, son of Richard and Kay Miller, earning 4-H accolades is nothing new. He was 4-H king in 2000 and serves as president of Junior Fair Board.
Still, being named an Outstanding Youth had him enthralled.
"It's indescribable," said Miller, of his emotions after receiving the honor. "This feels bigger than Christmas to me."
Kellgreen, daughter of Jim and Shirley Kellgreen, said she shared Miller's sentiments.
She is a member of Farm Bureau Youth, secretary for the Junior Fair Board and a 12-year 4-H participant.
Her community service projects include working at the Rescue Mission, Mill Creek Park Educational Farm Baby Shower and Adopt-a-Highway program.
"I like to be involved," Kellgreen said.
Kellgreen said she wanted to thank everyone who's been active in 4-H and Junior Fair.
Sheep and Wool Queen
Meghan Pidgeon, 15, of Salem, was named 2003 Sheep and Wool Queen.
Pidgeon, a sophomore at West Branch High School, is active in 4-H, her choir, art and a youth group at her church, Greenford Christian Church in Greenford. She will spend the next year representing the sheep and wool industry.
As part of her application, Pidgeon had to attend an interview wearing a three-piece wool outfit that she sewed.
She has won showmanship awards with lambs during previous years at the Canfield Fair, and has two sewing projects there this year.
Sarah Gavalier, reigning Sheep and Wool Queen, was at the ceremony to bestow the honor on the new queen.
"I just hope I can do as well as her," Pidgeon said.
Pidgeon said she will continue to sew and spin with wool, while she has her eyes set on another goal.
"I already have three sheep, but I'm hoping to start my own flock someday," she said.
mbixenstine@vindy.com