On Saturday, September 14, 4-H and FFA Day at The Big E, Devon Cranston and Quinn Sawyer were awarded the Ruby Morris 4-H Scholarship, in West Springfield, Mass. Both students were recognized by Eastern States Exposition (ESE) President and CEO Gene Cassidy during 4-H shows at The Big E.
The Ruby Morris Scholarship was established by a vendor at The Big E, Ruby Morris, the former owner of International Housewares, Inc. (IHI). Morris was in the fair business for 15 years. He participated in 4-H activities and was positively impacted by the program while at The Big E. Though IHI has sold, and Morris has passed away, his family and business successors continue to support 4-H youth by honoring his commitment. This year, each recipient was awarded $2,000.
The scholarship is presented to students from Mass., Conn. and R.I. during even years, and Maine, N.H. and Verm. during odd years.
Cranston, of R.I., is a third generation 4-Her; his grandparents met in a 4-H Club Program. He began his 4-H career as a Cloverbud, the youngest level of the program, at five years old. He was an active participant from the start, and excelled in poultry, rabbits, goats and sheep. He tackled community service initiatives with joy and ease, and consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to lead.
Cranston has competed in ESE’s 4-H Sheep Show at The Big E for the last five years. He feels that 4-H has taught him a love for showing animals as well as public speaking skills. He is presently studying music at Plymouth State University (PSU), in Plymouth, N.H.
Sawyer, of Conn., is a freshman at Eastern Connecticut State University, in Willimantic, Conn., studying computer science and data science. She plans to work in data modeling and simulation. She has been a member of the University of Connecticut (UConn) 4-H Program for the past 11 years and is a current member of the Barnyard Buddies 4-H Club.
Sawyer’s major 4-H projects have been goats and horses. She has served in numerous club and county leadership roles, including as the youth representative to the New England 4-H Goat Committee, which plans the annual 4-H Dairy Goat Program at The Big E. She has exhibited in this program and the Dairy Goat Show since 2022.
When asked about her experience at the Fair, Sawyer shared, “The Big E changed how I approach showing, and it’s an invaluable experience I’ve encouraged others to participate in as well.”
The education of youth in New England and the prioritization of agricultural industry are vital pieces of ESE’s mission. ESE congratulates Cranston and Sawyer for their many years of dedication to 4-H as well as their commitment to continuing their education, and thanks IHI and the Morris family for their continued support of 4-H students.