The 2018 Washington State Dairy Ambassador Coronation will be held Saturday, June 23, 2018 at the Bellevue High School Performing Arts Center, 10416 SE Wolverine Way, Bellevue WA 98004. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshment will be served at intermission. The doors open at 5 p.m., and the program begins at 6 p.m.

“It will soon be time to say good bye and thank you to our current State Dairy Ambassador Anna Teachman (SeaTac) and State Alternates Juliana LeClair (Mount Vernon) and Claire Leininger (Everson). They have been a pleasure to work with and done a wonderful job representing the Dairy Farmers of Washington,” said Tammi Schoenbachler, state ambassador advisor. “We wish them well as they move on to the next chapter in their lives.”

Tickets ordered by June 12th are $20 for adults, $10 for students, and free for children six and under. Tickets purchased after June 12th or at the door will be adults $25, students $15, and under 6 still free. Tickets will be available for pick up at the door. For ticket information, please contact Gloria Edwards by email at gloria.wsdw@hotmail.com or 360.273.7313.

This program provides a tremendous professional and educational opportunity for young women in Washington State. The young women chosen to serve as Washington’s Ambassadors for Milk receive a generous college scholarship, internships, and extensive communications training.

We have five well qualified contestants representing their local areas:

Rebecca Ford ~ Lewis County: Rebecca Ford is the Lewis County Dairy Ambassador contestant. She is the daughter of John and Rochelle Ford of Chehalis. Rebecca did not grow up on a dairy farm but found her love of dairy while working on a local dairy farm where she milked, fed calves, and assisted with healthcare of the animals. She is very involved in FFA, holding an offer position as well as competing on the state level in several areas. Rebecca is a 2018 graduate of W.F. West High School. Her future plans include earning a degree in Animal Science from Washington State University and continuing her education at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, with the goal of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Agathe Lopez ~ King-Pierce Counties: Agathe Lopez is the King-Pierce Dairy Ambassador contestant.  She is the daughter of Michel and Nelly Lopez of Carnation.  Agathe did not grow up on a dairy farm but has always enjoyed being around farming and animals.  She got interested in 4H by watching her friend show dairy cows and helping her at a dairy.  Agathe is now an officer in her 4H club and shows her friend’s dairy cows at local and county fairs.  She graduated from Cedarcrest High School in 2017 and is currently attending Bellevue College to attain her Associates Degree, with plans of attending Pierce College to attain her Veterinary Technician degree.

Ballie Schultz ~ King-Pierce Counties:  Bailie Shultz is the King-Pierce Dairy Ambassador contestant.  She is the daughter of Sheila Shultz of Renton.  Bailie did not grow up on a dairy farm, but her grandparents, mom and uncle, are retired dairy farmers and have always encouraged her to keep her connection with dairy. She is a member of 4H, where she now shows dairy heifers and rabbits earning many awards in both.  Bailie is a 2018 graduate of Liberty High School where she is very active in sports and the school newspaper.  Her future plans include attending Oregon State University to attain a degree in Animal Science and Sustainability with the goal of helping farmers and making our world a more sustainable place. 

Jacoba (Cobi) Van Slageren ~ Yakima Valley: Jacoba (Cobi) Van Slageren is the Yakima Valley Dairy Ambassador contestant.  She is the daughter of Dirk and Carol Van Slageren of Granger.  Cobi grew up on her family’s dairy farm where she is now a part-time employee.  She has been a member of 4H for the past nine years, completing 9 dairy and 3 market steer projects, winning awards with both at the local fairs and Livestock shows.  Cobi is a 2018 graduate of Sunnyside Christian High School where she was a member of Honors Society, Honors Choir and sports.  Her future plans include attending Dordt College to earn an Elementary Education degree with the goal of teaching elementary school and helping children learn life skills and more about the agricultural community.

Abigail Zurcher ~ Mid-Columbia: Abigail Zurcher is the Mid-Columbia Dairy Ambassador contestant.  She is the daughter of Ed and Heather Zurcher from Mesa.  Growing up on her family’s dairy, Abigail has a passion for agriculture and Dairy.  She is active in 4H and FFA, showing heifers at the county fair and competing in FFA dairy related contests.  Abigail is a 2018 graduate of Connell High School where she was very involved in student government, sports, and was an Honor Roll Recipient.  Her future plans include attending the University of Idaho to major in Elementary Education and teaching kindergarten through third grade students in a small rural school district surrounded by agriculture.