Springfest awards three scholarships

Sussex — Three area students were recently awarded college scholarships from the Springfest Flower and Garden Show Committee, an agricultural division of the New Jersey State Fair, along with Freeholder Glenn Vetrano. Recipients are Ashley Frazell of Newton, a senior at Newton High School; and Erika Raye of Wantage, a freshman at Alfred University. The 2009 Glen Vetrano Scholarship recipient is Kelsey Burlew of Branchville, a senior at High Point Regional High School. Frazell, the recipient of the $1,000 scholarship, is pursuing a college degree that focuses on agriculture and the environment. She is leaning toward majoring in environmental engineering and/or chemistry. She is a member of National Honors Society and Latin Honor Society, active in peer leadership and named scholar athlete representative for Newton High School. Frazell has been an active member of Future Farmers of America since ninth-grade, receiving numerous awards including a gold medal and scholarship for placing in the top 10 at the National FFA Convention for Environmental and Natural Resources. She will attend either the University of Vermont, SUNY Oswego, or SUNY Albany. Raye, recipient of the $500 scholarship, is currently a biology major at Alfred University where she is also studying equine sciences and chemistry. Additionally, she is a member of the Alfred University English equestrian team. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Erika plans to attend veterinary school to pursue a career in veterinarian medicine with focusing on equine medicine. Her goal is to return to Sussex County as a horse veterinarian. Burlew, recipient of the Glenn Vetrano $500 scholarship, is planning on attending Centenary College to major in equine studies specializing in nutrition and large animal chiropractic. She is involved with Summer Blossoms 4-H Club, Springfest Flower and Garden Show, Horseman’s Riding Club of North Jersey, and Chaps and Breeches. The New Jersey State Fair Horticulture Division awarded Burlew “best in show” and the flower and garden show issued her a certificate of appreciation for her long-term commitment and participation. Burlew has competed in a variety of equestrian events, winning over 28 ribbons and was named grand champion on three separate occasions. A painful injury to her own horse led Burlew to realize the necessity for specialists in the field of large animal nutrition and chiropractic. The 2009 show runs from March 12 to 15 at the Fairgrounds. Visit www.springfestgardenshow.org for more information.