This week's "Person You Should Know" is a dedicated fair board member and 4-H junior leader superintendent.
Kristen Sikorski-Conklin of South Bend serves on the St. Joseph County 4-H Fair board. She is also a wife, mother and social worker.
Family: My husband Kasey and I have been married for three years. We got engaged during fair week in 2012, and got married a few weeks before the fair in 2014. He's been a real trooper sharing our anniversary month with the busiest time of the year for me! I also have a 7-year-old "bonus" son, Kogan, who loves fair time. He participates in Mini 4-H, as well as the Pee Wee lamb show. He is very eager to join 4-H in a few years.
My Job: I am a social worker, and work as a therapist.
Fair board involvement: I recently began my second term on the St. Joseph County Fair board. I am currently heading up the advertising and queen pageant committees. I am also involved in the partnership committees, youth talent show, entertainment and livestock auction.
My mentor: One person that sticks out is Doug Millar. Doug is involved in the same township that I was a part of during my time as a 4-H'er, and has watched me transform from 4-H'er to leader, superintendent, and now fair board member. Anyone who knows Doug also knows his dedication and passion for the 4-H program in St. Joseph County. I admire his hard work and perseverance. His guidance and support have helped me many times, both when I participated as a 4-H member, and even today.
My mission in life: I have a strong passion to help others in any and every way that I can, whether it is through my career, personal life or involvement with the St. Joseph County 4-H program and fair board.
How I give back: I spent a lot of time volunteering. I am also the St. Joseph County 4-H junior leader superintendent, and enjoy many opportunities volunteering in the community with the 4-H'ers involved in this program. I have been very fortunate to receive support from so many involved in our amazing program, and am honored to give back just as they have. In addition to volunteering on the St. Joseph County Fair board, I am also a part of the New Prairie Rocket Football board, currently serving as the league coordinator.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family, and love visiting Walt Disney World.
What I like most about fair week: It is hard to pick just one thing. I love just about all of it! I think I would have to say seeing all of the hard work done all year long come together and bring happiness to the thousands of people who come to enjoy our fair.
To nominate someone for this column, call or email Jerry Goshert (jerry@farmers-exchange.net), or courtney@farmers-exchange.net), associate editor. The telephone number for both editors is 574/831-2138.