Norwich native named New York State Dairy Princess
New York State Dairy Princess Shelby Benjamin (Submitted Photo)
CHENANGO COUNTY – Chenango County Native Shelby Benjamin has been named the 2021 New York State Dairy Princess, and has promised to promote agricultural industries, along with the benefits of chocolate milk.
According to American Dairy Association North East Public Relations Specialist Greg Szklany, Benjamin was crowned the 2021-2022 New York State Dairy Princess on February 16th during a virtual ceremony live streamed from the Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA in Syracuse.
Szklany said Shelby is from Norwich and is currently a graduate student at SUNY Morrisville and a recent graduate of SUNY Oneonta.
Benjamin spoke at the ceremony, describing the benefits of chocolate milk as a post-workout drink.
“I’m committed to being the voice for chocolate milk,” said Benjamin. “Imagine this, you’re at the gym working out, your muscles are sore, you grab your towel and you wipe the sweat off your face as you wind down.”
“You wander down to the vending machines where you see your usual water, sports drinks, sodas, and protein shakes, but the one thing you’re looking for, wholesome chocolate milk, isn’t there.”
Benjamin said after years of playing basketball she realized that chocolate milk is the perfect balance of carbohydrates, electrolytes, proteins, and the nine essential nutrients for a post-workout drink.
“I know some of you are thinking, ‘chocolate milk after a workout, you’re crazy,” but the fact is chocolate milk is the perfect post-workout beverage,” she said.
Szklany said having served as the Chenango County Dairy Princess since spring of 2020, Benjamin will devote an additional year to promoting milk and dairy products with American Dairy Association North East (ADANE).
“As state princess, she receives a $1,200 scholarship and will serve as a dairy industry ambassador and spokesperson, advocating for dairy farmers by engaging with and educating consumers on the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy foods, how farmers care for their cows and their land in order to produce a sustainable product, and the importance of the dairy industry to the State’s economy,” he said. “She will also play an integral role in the training and mentoring of new county dairy princesses.”
Szklany said Holly Niefergold from Erie County was named first Alternate State Princess, and Elizabthy Hyman from Jefferson County was selected as second Alternate State Princess. He said they receive a $700 scholarship and $600 scholarship, respectively. He added that both young women will assist the New York State Dairy Princess with training, appearances and other duties.
The 58th annual coronation completed the yearlong reign of Natalie Vernon of Wayne County. When asked about what it takes to be the New York State Dairy Princess, Vernon said a connection to agriculture and the ability to speak openly about industrial concerns were vital.
“You have to have some kind of connection to the agricultural industry or the dairy industry, from there you will attend a seminar with other county princesses to get some material from the American Dairy Association North East to then promote your dairy farmers,” said Vernon. “You’ll take part in a lot of events such as farmer meetings, fairs, other pageants for other counties, or school programs.”
“To be a spokesperson for our dairy farmers is a really important job that we take very seriously, and it’s really rewarding to be part of such a strong tight-knit community especially during times like what we had this past year.”
Szklany said the typical role of a dairy princess is to work with ADANE at a variety of special events, including local dairy princess pageants, farmer meetings, state and county fairs, school visits, and sampling dairy products at grocery stories.
He said COVID-19 altered many of those responsibilities.
“With an increase in need for food assistance due to the pandemic, dairy princesses played an important role promoting milk distribution events organized by ADANE and assisted in handing out milk and dairy foods at various local events,” he added.
Those who are interested in viewing the ceremony in its entirety may visit https://dairyspot.app.box.com/s/4zvfpqfjb6os0coy8mnjnx75nvclimmb for more information.
According to American Dairy Association North East Public Relations Specialist Greg Szklany, Benjamin was crowned the 2021-2022 New York State Dairy Princess on February 16th during a virtual ceremony live streamed from the Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA in Syracuse.
Szklany said Shelby is from Norwich and is currently a graduate student at SUNY Morrisville and a recent graduate of SUNY Oneonta.
Benjamin spoke at the ceremony, describing the benefits of chocolate milk as a post-workout drink.
“I’m committed to being the voice for chocolate milk,” said Benjamin. “Imagine this, you’re at the gym working out, your muscles are sore, you grab your towel and you wipe the sweat off your face as you wind down.”
“You wander down to the vending machines where you see your usual water, sports drinks, sodas, and protein shakes, but the one thing you’re looking for, wholesome chocolate milk, isn’t there.”
Benjamin said after years of playing basketball she realized that chocolate milk is the perfect balance of carbohydrates, electrolytes, proteins, and the nine essential nutrients for a post-workout drink.
“I know some of you are thinking, ‘chocolate milk after a workout, you’re crazy,” but the fact is chocolate milk is the perfect post-workout beverage,” she said.
Szklany said having served as the Chenango County Dairy Princess since spring of 2020, Benjamin will devote an additional year to promoting milk and dairy products with American Dairy Association North East (ADANE).
“As state princess, she receives a $1,200 scholarship and will serve as a dairy industry ambassador and spokesperson, advocating for dairy farmers by engaging with and educating consumers on the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy foods, how farmers care for their cows and their land in order to produce a sustainable product, and the importance of the dairy industry to the State’s economy,” he said. “She will also play an integral role in the training and mentoring of new county dairy princesses.”
Szklany said Holly Niefergold from Erie County was named first Alternate State Princess, and Elizabthy Hyman from Jefferson County was selected as second Alternate State Princess. He said they receive a $700 scholarship and $600 scholarship, respectively. He added that both young women will assist the New York State Dairy Princess with training, appearances and other duties.
The 58th annual coronation completed the yearlong reign of Natalie Vernon of Wayne County. When asked about what it takes to be the New York State Dairy Princess, Vernon said a connection to agriculture and the ability to speak openly about industrial concerns were vital.
“You have to have some kind of connection to the agricultural industry or the dairy industry, from there you will attend a seminar with other county princesses to get some material from the American Dairy Association North East to then promote your dairy farmers,” said Vernon. “You’ll take part in a lot of events such as farmer meetings, fairs, other pageants for other counties, or school programs.”
“To be a spokesperson for our dairy farmers is a really important job that we take very seriously, and it’s really rewarding to be part of such a strong tight-knit community especially during times like what we had this past year.”
Szklany said the typical role of a dairy princess is to work with ADANE at a variety of special events, including local dairy princess pageants, farmer meetings, state and county fairs, school visits, and sampling dairy products at grocery stories.
He said COVID-19 altered many of those responsibilities.
“With an increase in need for food assistance due to the pandemic, dairy princesses played an important role promoting milk distribution events organized by ADANE and assisted in handing out milk and dairy foods at various local events,” he added.
Those who are interested in viewing the ceremony in its entirety may visit https://dairyspot.app.box.com/s/4zvfpqfjb6os0coy8mnjnx75nvclimmb for more information.
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