News
4-H fair summer assistant has big dreams
Meet Maria Wilkinson
Twenty-year-old Maria Wilkinson is no stranger to the hectic, chicken-with-their-heads-cut-off atmosphere that consumes the Rush County Extension Office staff during fair week. As a second-year fair assistant, Maria has grown to know the craziness that consumes their job, and loves it just like her counterparts.
Wilkinson is a biochemistry and pre-med major at Ball State University and has aspirations of becoming a doctor. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, she hopes to attend the IU School of Medicine.
The daughter of Paul and Mary Wilkinson of Lewisville has made the Dean's List at BSU several times since the beginning of her freshman year.
"It's really getting tough, but I've always wanted to be a doctor, so I just try to keep my eyes on the prize," she said.
Wilkinson was a 10-year 4-H member of Center Lucky 4-H, and is now in her second term assisting the ladies (and gentleman) of the Rush County Extension Office during the 83rd Annual Rush County Fair.
"I really think it's a lot of fun," she said. "I love watching the kids, because I was them at one time, and that's always enlightening. And there's never a dull moment because they really keep me busy."
Wilkinson participated in Foods all 10 years of her 4-H days, as well as Child Development, Photography and Computer Arts.
"I never got to do the livestock shows when I was in 4-H, one of my greatest regrets," she said jokingly. "So I love to watch them. You just never know what's going to happen. Or I guess it would be better to say that you just never know what's going to try to escape."
The most entertaining "break for it" occurred during last year's 82nd annual Rush County Fair when a rebellious goat in the livestock pavilion decided to make a run for it, keeping law enforcement on its tail for a couple of hours until it was safely apprehended without incident.
"The steer show makes me nervous, because when I'm assisting I'm sitting at the judging table with my back to these 5,000 pound beasts," Wilkinson said. "Nothing's happened yet, but again, you never know what's going to happen."
Despite the jitters of having her back to obscenely large animals, Wilkinson appreciates the fair experience as a whole for the knowledge that she leaves with.
"It gives me such a greater appreciation that I ever had, even just doing 4-H, for the fair and for all the people who work here, especially the Extension Office," she said. "Before I started doing this I never knew what was going on behind the scenes. And everyone here works so, so hard to make this experience a learning one for these kids. I just think it's amazing. Plus, I just love to meet all the people that come along too."
Rushville Republican staff writer Elizabeth Gist can be contacted at via e-mail at elizabeth.gist@rushvillerepublican.com. To add a comment visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.
- News
-
-
ISP closes Connersville Post
The Indiana State Police Post serving our area relocated from Rushville to Connersville in 1938. Since that time, the post known as “Old Post 6” has been a fixture south of Connersville on State Road 1.
- Labor Day signals end of summer Labor Day weekend represents the unofficial end of summer for many people. By early September, the kids are back in school, crops are maturing and soon the fall harvest will be in full swing.
- Commissioners to ban “K2” Mark Fields of the Rush County Probation office, Rush County Sheriff’ Jeff Sherwood and RCHS assistant principal Rob Hadley, representing the Local Coordinating Council, attended Monday’s county commissioner meeting and requested a countywide ban on what is marketed as a incense and known as Spice or K2.
- First Friday heating up downtown Rushville is heating up for this Friday’s “First Friday” event.
- All the ladies (not just the single ones)! The Rush County Players announce auditions for their upcoming production of The Daughters of the Lone Star State.
-
Orme makes history at State Fair
What has one young lady accomplished that has never before been accomplished by a Rush County 4-H member?
- RMH Brian’s Cause walk raises $18,000 In late 2006, lifelong Rushville resident and 1981 RCHS graduate Brian Conner was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
-
Board approves new attorney in RPD’s Lane firing
The Rushville Board of Public Works and Safety approved hiring outside legal counsel in the dismissal of Patrolman Chris Lane’s litigation at a special meeting Tuesday at City Hall.
- Franklin County manufacturer to expand Rubber products producer, Sperry and Rice Manufacturing Co. LLC, has announced it is expanding its manufacturing operations here, creating up to 40 new jobs by the end of 2010.
- Franklin County manufacturer to expand Rubber products producer, Sperry and Rice Manufacturing Co. LLC, has announced it is expanding its manufacturing operations here, creating up to 40 new jobs by the end of 2010.
- More News Headlines
-
