The 4th annual OAAS – Central Canada Exhibition Association Scholarship awarded to 8 Ontario students involved in their local agricultural societies
Stirling, ON (November 4, 2025) The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) is pleased to announce the awarding of the fourth annual OAAS – Central Canada Exhibition Scholarships, eight winners were announced for 2025. Congratulations to Rachel Arsovski (Acton), Emily Bieman (Brussels), Jessica Ferguson (Ancaster), Mark Knierim (Fergus), Kelsey Lennox, (Arthur), Kara Sickle (Paris), Mya Turner (Ancaster) and Jocelyn Young (Collingwood).
Rachel Arsovski is studying Geography and Environmental Management with a specialization in Earth System Science at the University of Waterloo. She also works as a Student Ambassador, leading campus tours for prospective students. This fall, she is studying abroad at the University of Leeds in England through an academic exchange, continuing her geography `studies while gaining a global perspective and building on her local community involvement.
Rachel has been involved with the Acton Fall Fair for many years, including the Acton Ambassador Program and new events like An Evening with Spirit. She has also volunteered at her dance studio during recitals and at university events such as the Sustainable Aeronautics Summit and student talent shows. These opportunities have helped her give back, connect with others, and grow as a leader.
Emily Bieman was raised on a cow/calf and sheep farm near Belgrave, Ontario, where her passion for agriculture began. She is actively involved with the Brussels Agricultural Society, having served as the 2017–18 Brussels Fall Fair Junior Ambassador and the 2024–25 Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador. She is currently a member of the Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador Committee.
Emily has been a dedicated member of the Huron County 4-H Association for the past eleven years, completing over 70 clubs in areas such as beef, sheep, swine, crops, and life skills. She also serves as a youth leader in several clubs and is the association’s webmaster. She enjoys promoting agriculture by showing cattle and sheep at local fairs.
Emily is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph, with the goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian.
Jessica Ferguson is a fourth-year Food and Agricultural Business student at the University of Guelph. Growing up as the fourth generation on her family’s cash crop farm in Jerseyville, Ontario, Jessica developed a lifelong passion for agriculture. She has been deeply involved in 4-H, completing over 45 clubs, and has been part of the Ancaster Agricultural Society for as long as she can remember, helping out from a very young age. At the University of Guelph, she is actively engaged in student leadership through her roles on several executive committees. In addition to her academic and community involvement, Jessica enjoys playing hockey and spending time with her family. She aspires to pursue a career in agriculture, where she hopes to continue building on her roots in farming and contribute to the future of the industry.
Mark Knierim is a second-year student at the University of Guelph, studying Culture and Technology Studies. He enjoys reading fantasy books, square dancing, and spending time with friends and family. Mark grew up in a family deeply involved with the Fergus Agricultural Society and has volunteered at the Fergus Fall Fair and the Society’s Breakfast on the Farm.
Some of his favourite fair activities include participating in the 4-H Poultry Show and performing demonstrations with the Wellington 4-H Square Dancing Club. Beyond the fair, Mark is actively involved with Scouting, 4-H, the Fergus Skating Club, Acton Citizen’s Band, Barrie Hill United Church, Royal City Squares, and the University of Guelph’s Culture and Technology Community.
Kelsey Lennox is currently in her third year at the University of Guelph, studying Child Studies with a minor in Psychology. Following her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue a master’s program to support her career goal of working in children’s mental health. Her ultimate aspiration is to become either a child life specialist or a children’s psychotherapist, with the aim of being the supportive figure she once needed growing up.
Kelsey has been involved with the Arthur Agricultural Society for as long as she can remember, volunteering in various capacities over the years. Her involvement deepened after serving as the Arthur Fall Fair Ambassador in 2022–2023, an experience that marked a turning point in her commitment to agricultural and community engagement.
Kara Sickle is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science student in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph. This fall, she plans to apply to the Ontario Veterinary College with the goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian, combining her agricultural background with a strong passion for farm animal care. Kara grew up on a beef and cash crop farm near St. George, Ontario, where her love for agriculture and animal welfare began. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her horse and livestock, photography, reading, and being active in her community.
Kara currently represents the Paris Agricultural Society as their 2024–2025 Fair Ambassador and serves as a member of their Photography Committee. She is also a long-standing member of Brant 4-H, having completed over 50 clubs and regularly participating as a Youth Leader. At university, she contributes to her academic community as Vice President of the Animal Biology Student Association.
Mya Turner grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, and is currently studying Child and Youth Studies with Concurrent Education at Brock University. She has a passion for travel, exploring new cultures, and is always eager to take on new hobbies.
A significant part of Mya’s childhood was spent showing her lambs at the Ancaster Fair, an experience that sparked a lasting connection to her community. Now, as an active and committed member of the fair, she is passionate about giving back and helping create those same meaningful moments for others. Mya hopes to continue supporting her community and making a positive impact on the future.
Jocelyn Young grew up on her family’s beef cow-calf operation, just outside of Singhampton, Ontario. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in Honours Agriculture at the University of Guelph. Jocelyn has been actively involved in her community, serving as both the Junior and Senior Ambassador for the Collingwood Agricultural Society, as well as participating in her local 4-H clubs. Looking ahead, she plans to take over her family’s farm alongside her older brother and pursue a career in Precision Agriculture. Jocelyn is passionate about advocating for the next generation of farmers and inspiring young women to explore opportunities in agriculture.
The OAAS – Central Canada Exhibition Association Scholarship was launched in 2022 and in partnership together, the OAAS and the Central Canada Exhibition Association (CCEA), created a scholarship program recognizing youth who have been actively involved in their home agricultural societies and fairs.
Evaluation criteria for the scholarship included local agricultural society, community and school involvement, letters of reference, proof of post-secondary enrollment, and an essay outlining “their future plans for contributing as a volunteer within their current or future community.”
The eight scholarship winners will be invited to and recognized at the 2026 Ontario Association of Agricultural Society Convention, on February 19-21, 2026.
About the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies
The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) provides leadership, guidance, education, and resources for its over 210-member Agricultural Societies.
For more information on Ontario agricultural societies and their fairs visit www.ontariofairs.com
For more information contact:
Vince Brennan
Executive Director
Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies
613-395-2465
vince@oaasfairs.com