Marissa Shoemaker is a 15 year old type 1 diabetic. She was diagnosed October 13, 2009 during her routine yearly physical. Now a freshman at Spring Grove High School, Marissa is in the running to be the Pennsylvania Alpaca Princess.

Marissa has been interested in alpacas since 2012, when she attended a local open house at an alpaca farm. Marissa took such an interest and had such a passion for working with alpacas that the owner of the farm made her a deal. If Marissa worked at the farm twice a week to care for an Alpaca, it would be hers. Marissa’s Alpaca, Rookie, was born in September. Rookie is the alpaca that Marissa trains and will be showing this year in her run for Alpaca Princess.

Since then, she has joined the York County 4H Alpaca Club, and was their president in 2014 and 2015. She has competed at the PAOBA Breeder’s showcase, the Maryland Alpaca Show, and the York Fair since 2013, and last year competed at Nationals. She spends several days a week at the farm where she first learned about alpacas, doing chores, and working with her alpaca. Marissa’s goal after high school is to major in veterinary technology then to become a veterinarian. She would love to specialize in camelids and other large farm animals.

The Pennsylvania Alpaca Princess represents both the Alpaca Breeders and the Alpaca Fashion industry through meetings, demonstrations, promotions, talks, radio and television interviews, school presentations, parades, alpaca farm open houses, and fairs. The Pennsylvania Alpaca Princesses have made quite an impact with the general public and PA Government Officials during the PA Farm Show the past 2 years.

Judging will take place on May 9th at the Pennsylvania Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (PAOBA)’s Showcase at the Utz Arena in the York Fairgrounds, and the winner will be crowned on the 10th.

JDRF wishes Marissa the best of luck as she competes for this title! We know she would do great things as the Pennsylvania Alpaca Princess!

For more information on the Alpaca Princess, PAOBA, and Alpaca’s in general, please visit http://www.paoba.org/breeders-showcase.