New York State Dairy Princess Shelby Benjamin (Submitted Photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY – Chenango County Native Shelby Benjamin has been named the 2021 New York State Dairy Princess, and has promised to promote agricultural industries, along with the benefits of chocolate milk.

According to American Dairy Association North East Public Relations Specialist Greg Szklany, Benjamin was crowned the 2021-2022 New York State Dairy Princess on February 16th during a virtual ceremony live streamed from the Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse Destiny USA in Syracuse.

Szklany said Shelby is from Norwich and is currently a graduate student at SUNY Morrisville and a recent graduate of SUNY Oneonta.

Benjamin spoke at the ceremony, describing the benefits of chocolate milk as a post-workout drink.

“I’m committed to being the voice for chocolate milk,” said Benjamin. “Imagine this, you’re at the gym working out, your muscles are sore, you grab your towel and you wipe the sweat off your face as you wind down.”

“You wander down to the vending machines where you see your usual water, sports drinks, sodas, and protein shakes, but the one thing you’re looking for, wholesome chocolate milk, isn’t there.”

Benjamin said after years of playing basketball she realized that chocolate milk is the perfect balance of carbohydrates, electrolytes, proteins, and the nine essential nutrients for a post-workout drink.