Washington Wheat Ambassadors selected for upcoming year

RITZVILLE - Two high school seniors have been selected to represent Washington wheat farmers, and will serve as the Washington Wheat Ambassadors for the upcoming year.

Grace Hanning of Centerville and Julia Klein of Ritzville were selected after an initial written application process that included submitting a short introductory video.

Hanning and Klein will each be giving a speech at the upcoming Washington Association of Wheat Growers Annual Meeting on Dec. 1 in Spokane. The seniors will be judged on the quality of their presentation and will be awarded scholarships funded by the Washington Wheat Foundation of $5,000 and $4,500.

Hanning and Klein will represent Washington wheat farmers at various civic and community events, and will also participate in WAWG advocacy meetings with state agencies and legislators.

Hanning is the daughter of Josh and Kelsey Hanning. A student of Goldendale High School, Grace has maintained a strong grade point average, while also completing Running Start courses at Walla Walla Community College. The Hanning Family operates a wheat and cattle operation near Centerville, where Grace has been very active. In addition to serving as ASB and FFA President, Grace participates in basketball, cheerleading, Honor Society, Link Crew, FBLA, and is an active member of the NW Jr Charolais Association. Grace has been accepted to the University of Idaho and is considering a career in ag business or communication.

Klein is the daughter of Jake and Alisha Klein, and their multi-generation family farm is near Ritzville. Julia has maintained a strong grade point average at Lind-Ritzville High School while also completing Running Start courses through Eastern Washington University. She also excels out of the classroom by being very active in school and community activities. Her interests include being involved in three varsity sports, FFA, Honor Society, Link Crew, FLBA, and she is a member of the Washington High School Equestrian Team. Julia plans to obtain a B.S. in Biology/Pre-Medicine and eventually a Doctorate of Chiropractic.