Four young women will compete for the prestigious title of Dairy Princess during ceremonies at the upcoming District 5 Dairy Princess Contest on Thursday, June 24, at Isadore’s.   

This year’s contestants are Melissa Withrow of Wilton, Jennifer Weststeyn of Linden, Stephanie Brasil and Ashley Veldstra both of Escalon.   

Melissa Withrow is the daughter of Robert and Tracy Withrow of Wilton.  She attended Pleasant Grove High School, where she was active in 4-H and FFA.  She is currently attending Cosumnes River College.  Her hobbies include riding quads, making floral arrangements and spending time with family and friends.

Jennifer Weststeyn is the daughter of Jakob and Gladys Weststeyn of Linden.  Jennifer, was homeschooled for four years.  She was involved in Enterprise 4-H, Young Farmer and Dairy Clubs.  She is currently attending Modesto Junior College.  Her hobbies include horseback riding, snow skiing, soccer and spending time with family and friends.    

Stephanie Brasil is the daughter of George and Mariana Brasil of Escalon.  She attends Escalon High School where she is involved in FFA, Portuguese Club and Special  Olympics Club.  She will graduate in June and plans on attending Modesto Junior College.  Her hobbies include playing the clarinet, reading, riding dirt bikes and quads and spending time with family and friends.

Ashley Veldstra is the daughter of Albert and Wanda Veldstra of Escalon.  She attended Ripon Christian High School.  She is attending Modesto Junior College where she is active in MJC young farmers and Dairy Club.  Her hobbies include dancing, hiking, welding and spending time with family and friends.

The young lady crowned as Dairy Princess will represent the dairy industry in the counties of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Sacramento, San Joaquin and Yolo Counties.  She will serve the area as ambassador for the dairy industry at schools, service groups and radio and television.  The newly selected princess and her alternate will participate in a week of training provided by the California Milk Advisory Board, which includes industry tours as well as presentation and etiquette training.

California is the nation’s leading milk producer.  It also produces more butter, ice cream, yogurt and nonfat dairy milk than any other state.  Dairy products made with Real California milk can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies that the products are made exclusively with milk produced on California dairy farms.  The state is the second-largest producer of cheese, which is available nationally under the Real California Cheese seal.