THORP WOMAN 'ALICE' FINALIST
Tuesday, April 5th, 2005 -- 8:32 AM
The number of candidates vying for the state's 58th Alice in Dairyland position has been narrowed to six. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture has announced the finalists for the 58th Alice in Dairyland competition, slated for May 18-20 in Taylor County. The Alice selection team faces a difficult challenge in choosing among the six talented and intelligent women who have been selected as finalists - all of whom are excited about the opportunity to promote agriculture in Wisconsin.
The 2005 Alice in Dairyland Finalists are:
Jennie Campbell - Rewey, was raised on a family farm and continues to be an active member in her family's organic dairy and hog operation. She is currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville majoring in both animal science and agribusiness. During college, Jennie interned with the Wisconsin Pork Association in Lancaster, where she certified youth in the Pork Quality Assurance Program, put on showing and fitting clinics, coordinated the Fine Swine Booth at the Wisconsin State Fair, and served the pork producers of Wisconsin.
Gena Cooper - Mukwonago, will graduate in May from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry. Gena grew up actively involved in her family's farm, which included mink ranching, raising Clydesdale horses, and corn and soybean production. She served as the Wisconsin 4-H president in 2000 and continues to remain active as a certified county fair judge. As the 2004 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, Gena had the opportunity to represent Wisconsin's 76 County and District Fairs and serve as the official spokesperson for the Wisconsin State Fair.
[b] Mary Handrich - Thorp[/b], is a grade 7-12 Agriscience Instructor and FFA Advisor in the Gilman School District. In 2002, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a bachelor's degree in Agriculture Education. She interned with the Wisconsin FFA in the summer of 2001 where she gained experience working with the media and the FFA. Growing up on a beef farm in rural Weyauwega, she had the opportunity to work with all types of animals including goats, sheep, pigs and beef.
Abby Huibregtse - Plymouth, will graduate in May from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is double majoring in dairy science and life science communications. Growing up on a family farm near Plymouth, Abby spent her childhood working directly with production agriculture. She also interned for the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board as the 2004 House of Moo Coordinator where she planned, created and implemented an interactive educational display at the Wisconsin State Fair informing the public about the importance of the dairy industry.
Anna Kettlewell - Greenfield, is employed by the Village of Hales Corners in administration. She is an active beekeeper and currently serves as Chairperson of the Wisconsin Honey Queen Program, a public relations position with the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association. She previously served as the 1998 Wisconsin Honey Queen and the 1999 American Honey Queen, promoting honey and beekeeping throughout the U.S. Anna is a 1999 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay with a bachelor's degree in public administration. In 2002, she earned a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Robert M. LaFollette School of Public Affairs.
Hope Metcalf - Packwaukee, is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, majoring in animal science with an emphasis in agricultural business. She grew up on a third generational family farm and continues to be an active member in her family's Angus cow-calf business and cash cropping operation. For the past 10 years Hope has been employed by Fox River Feed Mill in Montello, where she has extended her knowledge in animal nutrition. She earned her State FFA Degree in 2000 and her American Degree in 2002. She is a past finalist for state FFA office and a past finalist for the State Star in Agribusiness award and remains an active FFA alumnus.
The public is invited to attend the finals to be held at the Simek Recreation Center in Medford on May 20. Wisconsin Ag Connection will also feature the ceremonies on a live Webcast.
Tickets to the finals events are available by calling 715-748-4592.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.