Johnston County Students Earn State Fair Livestock Scholarships

RALEIGH, N.C. — Two Johnston County students are among 33 North Carolina recipients selected for the 2026 N.C. State Fair Youth Livestock Scholarship Program, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced.

Lydia Crocker of Selma and Charlotte Wood of Willow Spring were recognized for their involvement in the N.C. State Fair’s junior livestock programs and their commitment to agriculture.

Crocker received a $2,000 scholarship and plans to attend N.C. State University. Wood, who currently attends N.C. State University, was awarded the special $2,500 Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina Scholarship.

The scholarship program supports high school seniors and college students who have participated in junior livestock or market turkey shows at the N.C. State Fair. Since its inception in 2015, the program has awarded more than $677,500 in scholarships to students across the state.

Scholarships are funded through a percentage of proceeds generated by the N.C. State Fair Sale of Champions.

“This scholarship program continues to invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders and advocates, and I am proud that they all have a solid understanding of where their food comes from because of their experience showing livestock,” Commissioner Troxler said. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients.”

Applicants were evaluated by a selection committee based on their participation in N.C. State Fair junior livestock shows, academic achievement, extracurricular activities and an essay submission. Identifying information was removed from applications before they were reviewed.

The N.C. State Fair Youth Livestock Scholarship Program recognizes students who have demonstrated dedication to agriculture through livestock exhibition while pursuing higher education opportunities.