Kayla VanWieringen, representing the Yakima Valley, was crowned as the new 2019-2020 Washington State Dairy Ambassador! Kala was one of three finalists at the 64th Annual Washington State Dairy Ambassador Coronation on June 22nd at the Lynnwood High School Performing Arts Center in Bothell, WA.
Emily Rockey representing Grays Harbor County and Kara Teachman representing the King-Pierce counties were selected as equal Alternate State Dairy Ambassadors.
Kayla expressed her appreciation to over 150 people that attended the event “Thank you so much dairy farmers of Washington for this amazing opportunity. We are very excited to represent you this year!”
As a representative of the Dairy Farmers of Washington, the State Dairy Ambassador and Alternates will visit schools, attend local and state fairs; appear at Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) events, parades and many more activities including addressing the Washington State Legislature promoting the health and nutrition benefits of dairy products.
The dairy industry was well represented by the 2018-2019 Washington State Dairy Ambassador Abigail Zurcher (Mesa) and Alternate State Dairy Ambassadors Jacoba VanSlageren (Granger), Agathe Lopez (Carnation) and Rebecca Ford (Chehalis). These young ladies traveled around the state educating students, parents and others on the positive impact and value of Washington’s dairy industry and the importance of dairy products.
(L to R): Kara Teachman, Kayla VanWieringen, Emily Rockey
New Ambassador Bios:
Kayla VanWieringen the newly crowned WA State Dairy Ambassador represented the Yakima Valley. Kayla graduated from Sunnyside Christian High School. Kayla is the daughter of Lynn and Randy VanWieringen of Sunnyside. Kayla has shown dairy heifers in 4-H for eight years. Her future plans include attending college to earn a nursing degree. After graduating from nursing school Kayla hopes to get an opportunity to work at a children’s hospital. She also hopes to stay connected with the dairy community through her family and other organizations. She is proud to represent the hard-working dairy farmers in Washington State.
Emily Rockey is the newly crowned Alternate State Dairy Ambassador and represented Grays Harbor County. Emily is a recent graduate of Elma High School. She is the daughter of Stacey and Scott Rockey of Elma. Emily worked on a local dairy farm where she cares for the calves. Her future plans include attending the University of Washington to obtain a degree in Psychology. Upon graduating from college, Emily plans to have a career as a hospital psychologist to help patients recover from traumatic experiences. She is honored to represent the hard-working dairy farmers in Washington State.
Kara Teachman is the newly crowned Alternate State Dairy Ambassador and represented the King-Pierce Counties. Kara recently graduated from High School and is the homeschooled daughter of Lori and the late Mike Teachman. Kara has been active in the Dairy Project with Barn Buddies 4-H Club for seven years and is currently serving as the Vice President of her club. Kara has shown both Holstein and Jersey heifers, and is working on building her own herd of Registered Jerseys. Upon graduation from high school, Kara would like to attend a University and obtain a degree in Animal Sciences, with a career goal of operating her own dairy farm. She is proud to represent the dairy farmers of Washington State and all of the hard work that is behind every glass of milk.
Administrated by the Washington State Dairy Women, the Dairy Ambassador program began in 1955 and has mentored and supported outstanding young women.
Source: Hoard’s Dairyman
