LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Hundreds of animals were brought to auction Friday, wrapping up another season of hard work at the Allen County Fair.
But one junior fair member is using her earnings to make a difference. Ten-year-old Betsy Youngpeter has been showing animals since she was 4. Friday, her grand champion market lamb, Daniel, sold at auction for $3,000. Youngpeter is donating all of the money to the Andy Kennedy Scholarship.
"All my money that I got from this autction is going to the Andy Kennedy Scholarship. The reason we kind of did this is and why we thought of it is because we know Andy had a great passion for sheep and loved sheep. And so do I, so that's why we decided to do this," Betsy said.
Andy Kennedy was a family friend who died in 2023.
His love for sheep was passed along to Betsy, and her mother, Ashley Youngpeter, said Kennedy had a lasting impact on local 4-H youth.
"He was one of those people that had a large impact on all the youth in the 4H industry. It kind of went beyond the fair for us. Betsy shows all over the states. And Andy was always one of those people that would send a text anywhere she was showing, saying, "please tell her congrats", or "please tell her good luck"," Ashley Youngpeter said.
This year, the Andy Kennedy Memorial Jackpot is awarding up to five scholarships to Allen County youth, helping keep his legacy going.
Betsy said she wanted to contribute to the scholarship because she hopes it will help other young people and their families.
"I feel like it can go a long way for other kids and families," Betsy said.
Her mother said it's rewarding to see her daughter give back while doing something she loves.
"It's phenomenal... it's very honoring... she's our only little one, but she's a very cool one. She loves sheep, everything sheep she absolutely loves. We always laugh, we feel like she's been showing sheep since she could walk."
Betsy said she's excited to continue showing sheep for many years to come.
