Fortuna Teen Chosen as 2024 Dairy Princess

Press release from the California Milk Advisory Board:

Grace Scilacci of Fortuna was selected as the 2024 Dairy Princess, with Talyn Hodson of Crescent City, and Mariah Bravo of Fortuna selected as 1st and 2nd alternate respectively. The contest was held on Friday, May 10, 2024, in Fortuna.

Grace will represent District 1, which includes Humboldt and Del Norte counties. As Dairy Princess, she will play a key role on the CMAB’s Communication Services team in meeting community relations objectives.

Grace is the daughter of Bryan and Jennifer Scilacci. She is a senior at Fortuna High School and plans to attend College of the Redwoods to become a Dental Hygienist. Grace grew up working on her father’s dairy, Scilacci Dairy Partnership, where she still feeds calves, milks cows, and is involved with the field work. She is an active member of the Future Farmers of America program where she serves as the Community Service Chairman, and previously served as the Chapter Secretary. Grace has been a member of the Varsity Girls Volleyball team, Varsity Girls Basketball team, and Varsity Track and Field.

Crowned 1st Alternate Dairy Princess, Talyn Hodson, daughter of Michelle and Richard Wetherell, is a senior at Del Norte High School and plans to attend College of the Redwoods to study Forensics. Talyn is an employee at the Alexandre Dairy Farm Store and grew up on her stepfather’s dairy, Wetherell Ranch. She is a member of her school’s Future Farmers of America Chapter, the Del Norte 4-H Club, and is on the Yearbook Staff for Del Norte High School.

Mariah Bravo, daughter of Lance and Laurie Bravo, was crowned 2nd Alternate Dairy Princess. She is a Junior at Fortuna Union High School. Her grandparents on both sides had dairies, and she now raises and shows dairy heifers at the Humboldt County Fair as a member of the Fortuna High Future Farmers of America Chapter. Mariah is on her school’s Varsity Softball team and Varsity Soccer Team. She is passionate about her community service efforts and volunteers at the Cuddeback School Halloween Carnival, Fortuna High School Youth Softball Camp, and Fortuna High School 3rd Grade Agriculture Day.

Talyn and Mariah will assist the new District 1 Dairy Princess in her duties, which include speaking on behalf of the California dairy industry to various audiences throughout the year.

As Dairy Princess and Alternates, Grace, Talyn, and Mariah will attend a professional development training focused on presentation skills, advocating for the California dairy industry, leadership, and business etiquette.

Candidates were judged on speaking ability, education, dairy background, poise, and personality. Judges for the contest were Margaret Leonardi Pruett of Windsor, Halee Nichols from San Luis Obispo, and Larry Nicholson of Ferndale.

For more information about the District 1 Dairy Princess contest and events, please contact Mary Ann Renner at 707-496-1501 or [email protected].

California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and produces more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made with milk from the state’s dairy farm families.