A native of Old Fields, West Virginia, Delawder is a proud sixth generation farmer. She established her own sheep and goat operation at the age of 11, and is now part owner of Water Rise Farm, a beef cow-calf, broiler breeders, swine, sheep and goat operation.
Throughout her college career, Delawder was an integral member of the campus community through her involvement with the following organizations: Block and Bridle , Sigma Alpha Pi (National Society of Leadership and Success), Pre-Legal Society, Student Government Association, and President of Sigma Phi Omega Honor Society at Potomac State College, where she first began her WVU undergraduate career.
In addition to working as an intern with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, Delawder took advantage of the many opportunities to represent WVU, grow as a leader and become an expert in her field.
What is your dream job?
Agricultural and Environmental Lawyer
What are your immediate plans after you graduate?
I’ll attend law school, with plans to continue to advocate for agriculture and the environment by practicing agricultural and environmental law.
Tell us about your internship experience with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
During summer breaks from college, from 2015 to 2017, I interned with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division and the Executive Staff. My responsibilities included water sampling and nutrient testing of waterways, soil sampling and helping to prepare nutrient management plans. I also helped with agricultural outreach and assisting executive staff in the rulemaking process.
What have been some other meaningful experiences you’ve had while at WVU?
I had the opportunity to represent the University and the West Virginia Farm Bureau at the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers National Collegiate Discussion Meet competition in February 2018. Later that year, I represented WVU as a member of the WVU Poultry Judging Team at the U.S. Poultry Foundation Ted Cameron National Poultry Judging Contest.
As a 4-H All Star and an American FFA Degree recipient, I’m now an alumni leader and coaching assistant for the two organizations.
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
“Do the best you can do, and then do more. You can make the best better.”
nl/05/14/2018