St. Paul — Several local residents were recipients of the Minnesota State Fair Scholarships based on their leadership and achievement in youth livestock programs, as well as their involvement in the local community.

The area young adults among the 24 recipients of the Minnesota State Fair Scholarships include Natalie Beckendorf of Renville, Baleigh Peterson of Gibbon, Cody Sievert of Gibbon and Jessica Willegal of Gibbon.

The Minnesota State Fair Scholarship was established in 1994 and annually awards up to 24 scholarships of approximately $1,000 each. Since its inception, nearly $584,000 has been awarded.

The Minnesota State Fair Scholarships are funded by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. Scholarships are awarded to rural youth enrolled in an agriculture program in 2021-22.

The 2022 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 25 – Labor Day, Sept. 5.