Emma Miller, representing Linn and Benton Counties, was crowned the 2015 Oregon Dairy Princess-Ambassador during ceremonies on Jan. 17. The 56th annual coronation event was hosted by the Oregon Dairy Women at the Red Lion Hotel in Salem. Miller was among six county contestants vying for the 2015 title. Megan Sprute, representing Washington County, was named first alternate.
Miller, 20, originally from Independence, is a student at Oregon State University where she is studying agricultural sciences in hopes of becoming a high school agriculture educator. “I am passionate about agriculture,” says Miller. “I hope to help students find their passion as well.” In college, she is actively involved in the Oregon State Dairy Club, the Agricultural Education Club and serves as second vice president of Sigma Alpha, a professional agricultural sorority.
Her speech during the contest, titled “Dairy Farming and America's Future Generations,” discussed her passion and appreciation for the hardworking dairy farmers who produce one of her favorite things, milk. Miller spent the last two days in interviews, performing impromptu speeches and interacting with the three judges before she was selected Saturday for this honor.
Miller is looking forward to a busy year informing and educating the public about the dairy industry. She will spend the next 12 months traveling statewide attending fairs, town meetings and public events as a representative of Oregon’s dairy farmers. Much of her reign will be spent in Oregon elementary schools delivering educational presentations about life on a dairy farm and the nutritional benefits of consuming dairy products.
Upon being crowned, Miller received over $3,000 dollars in scholarships to continue her education. Outgoing Dairy Princess-Ambassador Danielle Bull received over $14,000 for her year dedicated to the Oregon dairy industry, personally informing over 15,000 students of the benefits of dairy products and life on a dairy farm in schools and community events.
Sprute, representing Washington County, was named First Alternate Oregon Dairy Princess-Ambassador. Also a recipient of scholarships, Sprute will play an important role assisting in the promotion of the dairy industry throughout the state in the coming year. Courteney Ellis of Clackamas County was presented with the Congeniality award, voted by her peers.
The other finalists included: Teri McGettigan of Columbia County, Sara Pierson of Marion County and Charish Ingram of Tillamook County. PD
—From Oregon Dairy Women news release
PHOTO
PHOTO 1: Emma Miller reacts as she is announced the 2015 Oregon Dairy Princess-Ambassador by 2014 Princess-Ambassador Danielle Bull.
PHOTO 2: Newly crowned 2015 Oregon Dairy Princess-Ambassador Emma Miller (left) with Megan Sprute, First Alternate Oregon Dairy Princess-Ambassador. Photos provided by Oregon Dairy Women.
