Hazel M. Staley Scholarship Award

2026 Winner

Brenda White Vaughn, Chesterfield County Fair

The Hazel M. Staley Scholarship Award is an honor bestowed each year at the annual meeting of the Virginia Association of Fairs. This award recognizes outstanding volunteer service by an individual serving a member fair, and it celebrates Hazel Staley’s remarkable dedication, love of the fair industry, and belief that volunteers help make fairs family-oriented programs that enrich the quality of life in every community.

This year’s honoree embodies that spirit of service and commitment. For 17 years, this volunteer has served the Chesterfield County Fair, beginning as Pageant Director and later stepping into the role of General Manager while continuing to build and expand a vibrant pageant program now known for its “Chesterfield Royals.” Through determination and countless hours of work, this individual helped guide the fair through challenge and change, strengthening operations, relationships with county partners, and the overall guest experience.

Beyond local leadership, this recipient contributes to the broader fair industry through active involvement in IAFE committees and ongoing professional development in the Institute of Fair Management — a commitment rooted in the belief that strong leadership helps fairs remain safe, welcoming, and community-centered.

In the spirit of Hazel Staley — service, dedication, and love of the fair — we proudly recognize this year’s Hazel M. Staley Scholarship Award recipient, Brenda White Vaughn from the Chesterfield County Fair!

The Hazel M. Staley Scholarship Award is presented each year at the annual meeting of the Virginia Association of Fairs. This award recognizes outstanding volunteer service by a volunteer associated with a member fair.

This award recognizes and honors Hazel’s dedication and love of the fair industry and highlights the significant impact that volunteers have on making fairs family oriented programs that have a significant impact on the quality of life in a community.

Qualifications:

1)   A Candidate is to be nominated by the Governing Body of a member fair that is in good standing with the Virginia Association of Fairs.

2)   Candidates must have a minimum of Five (5) years of service to the nominating fair.

Scoring:

1)   Taking a leadership role in the area of the fair with which they are associated. 75%

2)   Service to the fair industry. 25%

Award:

The successful candidate will be presented a plaque of recognition at the VAF annual meeting in January.

The successful candidate will receive $1500.00 to attend a training program, ie: IAFE, VAF, or another state fair conference.

The award will be reimbursable up to the maximum amount upon receiving receipts for registration, travel expenses, lodging, cost of materials, etc.