Smith County Sale of Champions benefits local scholarship recipients

The Smith County Junior Livestock Show and Scholarship Fund held its annual Sale of Champions on March 29 at the East Texas State Fairgrounds in Tyler. At the sale, four Smith County youth were presented with a total of $2,000 in college scholarships. Among the winners were Allison Adams of Whitehouse and Chance Steele of Troup.

Allison is the daughter of Mike and Susan Adams and is an active member of the Family Career and Community Leaders of America group at Whitehouse High School. In addition to her position as secretary of the FCCLA, she is also a member of the National Honor Society and participant in UIL academic competition.

Allison plans to attend Texas State University in San Marcos in the fall, majoring in anthropology. Her scholarship was donated by East Texas Seed Company of Tyler.

Chance, son of Doug and Cindy Steele, is an active member of the Future Farmers of America at Troup High School. In addition to having served as an officer in the FFA, he is very active in sports and other high school leadership activities.

Chance plans to attend Tarleton State University in Stephenville in the fall, majoring in wildlife management and minoring in agriculture. His scholarship was provided by the Smith County Junior Livestock Show.

Other scholarship recipients were Brittany Allen of Tyler, receiving the Karen Layne Memorial Scholarship from Lonnie Layne of Lindale, and Sheena Stephens of Lindale, receiving the Horaney Family Scholarship donated by Al and Genny Horaney of Tyler.

Each of the students received $500 toward their fall 200 enrollment in a public or private college or university.

The Smith County Junior Livestock Show and Scholarship Fund Inc. annually awards scholarships to graduating seniors who are members of the 4-H, FFA or FCCLA in Smith County. Applicants are required to exhibit a project in the Smith County Junior Livestock Show the year they apply for a scholarship.

Scholarships are awarded based upon academics, involvement in school and extracurricular activities, and their participation in the Smith County Junior Livestock Show. Anyone interested in helping the show's scholarship program can contact the Smith County Extension Office at 903-590-2980.