An Enfield student at North Carolina State University is one of 28 from across the state who have been awarded North Carolina State Fair Youth Livestock scholarships.

North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler made the announcement.

Zachery Keeter represents Halifax County in the awarding of the scholarships.

He will receive $2,000.

The scholarships are designed for high school seniors and students currently enrolled in an institute of higher education who have participated in the junior livestock or market turkey shows at the state fair.

The scholarships are funded from a percentage of the total sales at the fair’s Sale of Champions. The number of scholarships awarded each year is based on qualified applicants and funds available from the previous year’s Sale of Champions. 

Because of strong support of the 2021 sale, 26 scholarships valued at $2,000 each were awarded this year. Two $2,500 scholarships were also sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina.

“We greatly appreciate the numerous buyers and sponsors that help make the Sale of Champions a success," said Neil Bowman, director of the state fair livestock shows.

A selection committee evaluated applicants based on their involvement with the fair junior livestock shows, academic achievement, extracurricular activities and an essay. 

Each application was assigned a number and identifying information was removed before evaluation.