Mexico student Ciara Raithel recently received a $1,500 scholarship from the Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture committee.

Applicants were evaluated in a variety of areas including state fair participation, grade-point average, community inolvement and leadership roles, according to a news release.

Raithel was among 27 youth, selected from Missouri 4-H and FFA state fair exhibitors, to receive scholarships.

“Supporting higher education for Missouri agriculture youth is a tradition we are proud to uphold year after year,” state fair Director Mark Wolfe said. “We are thankful for our supporters that come together to make these scholarships possible.”

The Youth in Agriculture scholarships are funded through sponsors and buyers of livestock sold during the annual Sale of Champions, Guesa Grandstand Concessions, Dairy Queen and Steak ’n Shake of Sedalia, the Governor’s Ham Breakfast, the Missouri State Fair Foundation, Sydenstricker and Syndenstricker Genetics, Walmart, Missouri Beef Cattleman magazine and Casey’s General Stores. A portion of each animal’s sale price is allocated to the scholarship program.

The 2020 Missouri State Fair is planned Aug. 13-23. The Sale of Champions is set for Aug. 22 at Lowell Mohler Assembly Hall.