Two young women, both students at Garden Spot High School (GSHS), have distinguished themselves at the New Holland Fair. GSHS senior Kendell Moats of New Holland was crowned the first New Holland fair queen on Sept. 28, and GSHS sophomore Nicole Martin of East Earl was chosen to show the Robert D. Herr Scholarship goat, which coincidentally was named grand champion.

Moats' decision to enter the fair queen competition had roots in her landing in an Agriculture I class during her freshman year. "I do not raise any animals, and I do not come from an agricultural background," declared Moats. "(But) I fell in love with (agriculture), and I learned that there were a lot of public speaking opportunities for me." Moats noted that she hopes to major in communications in college. "I decided that FFA was going to be the right fit for me," she said.

Moats' other reason for entering was her affection for the New Holland Fair. "I have grown up going to the New Holland Fair, and I've loved all the traditions it has brought for me and my family and me and my friends," she said. "So I just wanted to give back to the community."

Moats now serves as president of Grassland FFA. "I have loved becoming an advocate for agriculture," said Moats, who has also received honor roll recognition at GSHS. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serves as the student representative to the ELANCO School Board, and is an intern in the marketing department of Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc. Moats will represent New Holland in the Pennsylvania state fair queen competition in 2023.

Martin was chosen by GSHS FFA teachers to show the Robert D. Herr Scholarship goat at the fair. To qualify, Martin completed an application that required information on how she would choose a high-quality goat and care for that goat, including feeding and exercise. Martin, who has been raising goats since she was in second grade, was prepared to complete the application.

The Herr Scholarship provides funds for both the student chosen to show the goat and a scholarship given to one or more students in the spring of each year. The scholarship was first given in 1998, upon the retirement of Herr, who had served as agriculture teacher at GSHS since 1959. Herr offered to provide the animal, originally a lamb, to be shown at the fair. Herr noted that this year his herd did not kid at the proper time, and the animal was obtained from his granddaughter's herd in Ohio. Following the animal competitions, a livestock sale is held, and funds raised by the sale of the goat are split. Herr noted that in 2021, three local businesses joined together to purchase the goat. Herr said that he is thankful for the support of local organizations in the endeavor. Martin plans to use the funds for college, noting that she is considering becoming a veterinary technician for large animals.

The other portion of the Herr Scholarship goes to one or more GSHS seniors just prior to graduation. The student must have shown livestock during high school as a member of Grassland FFA and have been accepted to a college or university to major in agricultural education or an area of animal science. The student must provide a summary of FFA involvement and plans to meet his or her future career goals.

The New Holland Farmers Fair recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. More information about the organization may be found at http://newhollandfair.org. To view photos from the fair, visit http://www.townlively.com/in-the-community.