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ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University student, Amberly Szczerbiak, was crowned the 2025 Ohio Fairs’ Queen, earning the "Queen of All County Fairs” title in  January. A passionate advocate for agriculture, Amberly’s journey from growing up on a farm to becoming a statewide representative highlights her dedication, resilience, and love for the fair community.

Szczerbiak, a 19-year-old strategic communications major from Jeffersonville, Ohio, has deep ties to agriculture. At 5 years old, she fell in love with horses and competing, her fondness for animals grew. When she moved from Long Island to Jeffersonville in 2018, she immersed herself in the world of 4-H, raising and showing goats, hogs, horses, and rabbits. Her involvement with the organization taught her invaluable skills in animal care and leadership–qualities that played a crucial role in her path to winning the Ohio Fairs’ Queen title.

Szczerbiak first won the title of 2024 Fayette County Fair Queen last summer, which opened the door for her to compete in the statewide Ohio Fairs’ Queen competition. The event, held at the 145th Ohio Fair Managers Association (OFMA) Convention, involved an extensive interview process, where contestants were evaluated on their communication skills, knowledge of Ohio’s fairs, and overall presence.

“The competition was intense but also incredibly rewarding,” Szczerbiak recalls. “We went through multiple rounds of interviews, narrowing it down to the top 15, then the top 5, before a final round of questions. Meeting so many other passionate young women from across Ohio was my favorite part.”

She also had the honor of spending time with Leah Schuhart, the 2024 Ohio Fairs’ Queen, before officially stepping into the role. The competition was overseen by Queen Directors Faith Cottrill-Marine and Lisa Schwartz, who have been vital in mentoring young women in the program. 

With her background in Strategic Communications, Szczerbiak plans to use her title to promote Ohio’s county fairs and encourage more youth participation in agriculture. She actively shares her experiences on Instagram and Facebook under the handle @2025ohiofairsqueen, where she documents her travels, fair visits, and personal reflections.

“It’s all about outreach,” she explains. “I want to highlight the incredible opportunities fairs provide- whether it’s learning about farming, or participating in competitions. It’s so great to see the Ohio Fairs’ family as a whole.”

Szczerbiak credits ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University for helping her develop the skills needed to take on this leadership role. 

“My public speaking and communications classes have been invaluable. They taught me how to present myself professionally and connect with different audiences,” she says.

She also acknowledges the support of her mother, Shannon Ward, who was the 1995 Fayette County Fair Queen. 

“My mom has always encouraged me to reach for the stars. She’s been my biggest cheerleader, reminding me that everything happens for a reason.” 

Szczerbiak also credits her father, Wally Szczerbiak for his unwavering support, as well as the mentorship of District 4 Board Director Doug Marine. As the newly crowned Ohio Fairs’ Queen, Amberly has a busy year ahead. Her first official event will be on March 15 at the Greater Ohio Showmen’s Association’s 75th anniversary celebration. Following that, she will attend district meetings and travel across Ohio to promote fairs and agricultural initiatives.

While she’s still exploring her future career path, Szczerbiak knows she wants to continue working with people—especially children—and using her communication skills to make a positive impact. 

“This experience has opened so many doors for me. I’m excited to see where it leads.”

When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Szczerbiak emphasizes authenticity. 

“Stop worrying so much about what others think. Everything happens for a reason. Just be yourself, and the right opportunities will find you.” 

With her passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to agriculture, Amberly Szczerbiak is not only representing Ohio’s fairs- she’s inspiring the next generation of young leaders in agriculture and beyond.