Scholarship Recipients

2024 Scholarship Recipients

The Fair awarded $10,000 in scholarships in 2024 to participants. Congratulations to our scholarship recipients! Best of luck in your future endeavors.

Anna Geddes

Anna Geddes is a senior at Connell High School who plans to attend the University of Idaho in the fall to earn a degree in Animal Science with a focus on Production. With this degree, Anna aims to become an animal nutritionist, specializing in feedlot nutrition to assist ranchers in the Columbia Basin region. Her passion for animal science and nutrition stems from her involvement in her family's ranch and starting her own Angus herd.

Her experience in showing animals at local fairs and national shows has further fueled her aspiration to pursue a career as an animal nutritionist. Throughout her journey as a showman, Anna has achieved notable milestones, including being recognized as the 509 Breeder of the Year, participating in the Nile Merit Heifer program, and receiving the Bronze and Silver awards from the American Angus Association. She has excelled in showmanship, earning champion titles at shows such as the Benton Franklin Fair, the Columbia Basin Jr. Livestock Show, the Othello Fair, the Junior Livestock Show of Spokane, and various jackpot shows. These achievements have inspired her career path and have allowed her to give back to the youth in her community.

Adryen Valdez

Adryen Valdez will be graduating from Connell High School and Columbia Basin College with an Associate's degree in Computer Science. This scholarship is a tremendous honor for Adryen, as it will support pursuing a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering at Washington State University.

Adryen has been involved in the Benton Franklin Fair for 13 years. Starting with 4-H Cloverbud projects at age 6, he progressed to showing market lambs and has used the earnings for a college fund. Notably, Adryen was selected as Grand Champion in the Fashion Revue for Franklin County and the state level. Over the years, his projects have expanded to include entomology, geology, a recycled wood owl habitat, and a programmed calculator exhibit. In 2022, Adryen was voted Franklin County 4-H Youth Leader of the Year and organized a 4-H project information fair to recruit new members. The Benton Franklin County Fair has been a perfect showcase for his education and growth in 4-H.

Talyn Sandifer

Talyn Sandifer is an 18-year-old senior graduating from Kiona-Benton High School and Columbia Basin College. This fall, Talyn will attend Grand Canyon University to pursue a degree in Exercise Science before moving on to chiropractic school. Talyn began competing in rodeo at the age of 7 on horses trained with the help of her stepdad. Rodeo has been a significant part of Talyn's life, and since her freshman year, Talyn has been a member of the Washington State High School Rodeo Association (WSHSRA).

In the past year, Talyn served as the Washington State High School Rodeo Queen, traveling across the state to promote WSHSRA. Talyn attended several PRCA rodeos and parades, including the Horse Heaven Round Up. Additionally, Talyn grew up showing hogs in 4-H and FFA, participating in several shows in the area, including the Benton Franklin Fair.