Parkersburg South student to be crowned West Virginia Beef Queen
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PARKERSBURG -- A student from Wood County has won the title of 2024 West Virginia Beef Queen.
Michelle Sampson, the daughter of Mark and Tammy Sampson of Mineral Wells, was among three competing for the title at the Beef Queen Contest held during the Mountaineer Stockman's College on Dec. 9 at Canaan Valley Resort in Davis.
"It was very exciting," said Sampson, 18.
Sampson said she was surprised when she was chosen. Extra points are awarded to the contestant if their parents are members of the Cattlemen's Association, which her parents are not, she said.
Sampson is a senior at Parkersburg South High School and vice president of the Blennerhassett FFA Chapter. She has competed in several public speaking contests, creed speaking, quiz bowl and livestock, dairy and poultry judging.
She also is a member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, where she is secretary of both organizations. Sampson is a member of the Limestone United Methodist church and has assisted in several community service projects.
She has a beef production SAE (supervised agricultural experience) and has been successful exhibiting her projects.
Sampson will graduate from Parkersburg South this year. She plans to attend Potomac State College and major in pre-veterinary medicine or agriculture education.
During the Beef Queen Contest, contestants participated in a speech contest and an interview with judges involved in the beef industry. Contestants were evaluated on presentation, speech content, extracurricular activities and their knowledge of the beef industry.
Sampson, who looks forward to serving, will be crowned at the West Virginia Beef Expo on April 11 and will attend various events throughout the year to promote beef.
Jess Mancini can be reached at jmancini@newsandsentinel.com.