GILFILLAN — Three young adults from southeastern Minnesota were among those honored Wednesday by Minnesota's pork industry.
Katie Winslow, the daughter of Scott and Jean Winslow of Fountain in Fillmore County, was named the state’s 2011 pork ambassador. Winslow, 18, is a student at the University of Minnesota, majoring in agricultural education with a minor in political science. She receives a $1,500 scholarship.
All 17 county ambassadors were honored at the Forum Tent at Farmfest.
When she was on stage, "my heart was racing," Winslow said. "I was definitely nervous."
Kevin Welter, the son of Randy and Myrna Welter of Stewartville, was announced as the congeniality winner, selected by the other ambassadors. He will attend South Dakota State University-Brookings.
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Lee Kloeckner, the son of John and Barb Kloeckner of Adams in Mower County, was recognized for his essay on pork safety, which was judged the best. He receives a $250 scholarship. Kloeckner will be a freshman at the University of Minnesota this fall.
Ryan Strobel of Blue Earth County, the son of Greg and Robin Strobel of Pemberton, was named first runner-up, and Natalie Johnston, the daughter of Lee and Johnston of Morris, representing Stevens County, was named second runner-up.
The pork ambassadors will promote and educate the public about pork production, products and the pork industry.
First and second runners up receive $750 and $500 scholarships respectively.
