Wenatchee, WA... Laura Pearson received a $1000 scholarship from the Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) for her first place finish in the Washington State FFA Apple Judging Competition earlier this month. The competition was held Wednesday, December 8th in Wenatchee as part of the Washington State Horticultural Association Annual Meeting. For the last eight years the Washington Apple Education Foundation has awarded the top place finisher with a $1000 scholarship, each year sponsored by the North Central Washington Fieldmans Association and the Yakima Pomological Club.
The award was presented during the FFA Leadership Luncheon hosted by the WAEF immediately following the apple judging competition. Over 100 FFA students participated in the competition representing Wenatchee, Pateros, East Valley (Moxee), Prosser, Chelan, Manson, Highland (Cowiche), Kennewick, Okanogan, Columbia-Burbank, Kamiakin (Kennewick), Wahluke (Mattawa), Chiawana (Pasco), and Cashmere high schools.
Brianna Shales was the featured speaker at this year's FFA Leadership Luncheon. Ms. Shales is the communications manager for Stemilt Growers, Inc. She shared information with students about Stemilt's use of social media to interact with customers, influence purchasing patterns and connect consumers to the growers and farms. The purpose of the leadership luncheon is to expose and encourage interest in careers in the tree fruit industry. Information about the Foundation's scholarship program is also provided.
The Washington Apple Education Foundation fosters educational opportunities, encourages academic excellence and promotes awareness of the values of Washington's tree fruit industry. The Foundation was formed in 1994 and is supported through voluntary donations from industry members. For more information, please visit its website, www.waef.org, or call (509) 663-7713.