2024 NCACAA Youth Scholarship Recipients

2024 North Carolina Association of County Agricultural 

Agents Association (NCACAA) Youth Scholarship Award Winners

The North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents Association proudly announces Benjamin Scott West, Josie Harrell, Lauren Hoesli, and Shane Kendall as the 2024 Youth Scholarship award winners.  The scholarship award is being presented to four most deserving students who have exhibited excellence in leadership and community service.  North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents established this $1000 scholarship to four member or life members’ children or grandchildren to aid them with tuition at any University of their choice.

Benjamin Scott West is the son of William and Amelia West of Cumberland County. Benjamin is studying Agricultural Business Management at North Carolina State University with a minor in Agricultural Entrepreneurship. His start in agriculture began with the building of his own greenhouse as a kid and starting his own plant nursery business. This summer he plans to work with Prestage Farms on their feed mill with a focus on operations and management. When asked how his Extension Agent father, Allen West, has impacted his life, he said, “Ever since I was little, my dad has taught me to be a hard worker and to be a man of God. He has always been there for me and little did I know that everything my dad was teaching me would put me where I am today.” 

Josie Harrell is the daughter of Norman and Dana Harrell of Wilson County. Josie will be attending NC State University this fall and plans to major in Agricultural Education. Josie said, “I believe it is important that everyone understands the value of supporting local farmers and where their food comes from. With a degree in Agricultural Education, my biggest goal is to empower women across the world to make a mark in their communities through agriculture.” She stated that her dad, Norman Harrell, has made a great impact in her life, showing her how to have a strong work ethic, being involved in the community and the importance of giving back, and that “his expertise in agriculture has encouraged her to have a deep appreciation for agricultural education and a sense of responsibility towards teaching it to future generations.”

Lauren Hoesli is the daughter of Travis and Trudy Hoesli of Orange County. Lauren is studying at NC State University, majoring in Communications and Agriculture Sciences. Her dream is to work for a large agricultural foundation or a national stock show. With her skills in marketing, public relations, and outreach initiatives, Lauren is committed to introducing individuals from non-traditional backgrounds to the world of agriculture. When asked how her Extension Agent father has made a difference in her life, she said, “I would accompany him on visits to farms or attend 4-H trips” and “see a man who was passionate about the industry and also for educating the younger generation”. “He planted the seed in my life to appreciate agriculture and encouraged me to get involved in what this industry had to offer.”

Shane Kendall is the son of Dustin and Charmae Kendall of Sampson County. Shane will be attending Northeastern Oklahoma A&M to study Animal Science and Beef Nutrition. With two Associates degrees under his belt, he will spend his gap semester working on his grandfather's crop and cattle farm in Indiana. He is excited to be part of Northeastern’s livestock judging team and to be working with people who share his passion for agriculture. Shane plans to further his career after receiving his bachelor’s with a PhD in Beef Nutrition. When asked how his Extension Agent mother has made a difference in his life, he said, “she supports everything I do, steering me on the correct path in life, while also letting me make my own decisions. Her positive attitude always makes me want to do more and motivates me to do my best.”