TACOMA, Wash. — The 2016-2017 Washington State Dairy Ambassador is Alicia Smaciarz of Raymond, Wash.
She represented Lewis County and was selected from a field of six finalists at the 61st annual Washington State Dairy Ambassador Coronation on June 25 at the Ballroom of the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, according to a press release from the Washington State Dairy Women, who sponsor the ambassador program.
Selected as equal alternate ambassadors were Jana Plagerman from Lynden, representing Whatcom County, and Tiana Peterson, from Graham, representing King and Pierce counties.
As a representative of the Dairy Farmers of Washington, the state dairy ambassador and the alternates will visit schools, attend county fairs, appear at Washington Interscholastic Activities Association events and speak before the Washington state legislature promoting the health and nutrition benefits of dairy products.
A dairy ambassador typically makes 400 public appearances during her year-long tenure. At the end of her reign Smaciarz and her alternate ambassadors will receive scholarships to continue their education.
During 2015-2016, the dairy industry was represented by Washington State Dairy Ambassador Nicole Buell of Marysville and Alternate State Dairy Ambassadors Amanda Howe of Bellingham and Lydia Johnson of Ethel.
They traveled around the state educating students, parents and others on the positive impact and value of Washington’s dairy industry and the importance of dairy products.
The other 2016 finalists were:
• Snohomish County: Becca Bartelheimer.
• Snohomish County: Allyson Carothers.
• Grays Harbor County: Caitlin Meek.
Source: Capital Press