Samantha Coppin to represent Narrabri Show at Sydney Royal

Narrabri High School teacher Samantha Coppin has been selected to compete in Sydney at the Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman competition.

“It’s such an honour and a privilege,” Samantha told The Courier.

“I was a bit gobsmacked when they made the announcement, I was standing there and heard them say ‘Narrabri’ and it took me a few seconds to process that it was me.

“So, I’m a bit overwhelmed but excited, and excited to represent Narrabri in Sydney and experience everything that comes with these once in a lifetime moments.”

Samantha said the connections she’s made during the Young Woman program have really helped her confidence throughout the judging process, and a highlight has been forming friendships with other rural ambassadors.

“Emily from Walcha was interviewed before me and she was so welcoming afterwards, I just felt an instant sense of relief,” said Samantha.

“It was one of those moments where you forget you’re actually competing against each other.

“All the girls were amazing, I felt so proud watching them and afterwards they came up and said congratulations.”

Samantha will head to the big smoke with Moree’s Jess Towns who was also chosen to represent Zone 4 at the Walcha finals on the weekend.

“I can’t wait to go to Sydney with Jess,” said Samantha.

“She is such an eloquent speaker and it will be great to help each other in the lead up to Sydney,” said Samantha.

“I’ve made a lot of friends through the competition – it’s more about building each other up rather than tearing each other down.

“I also want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me get this far, it’s a testament to them and our local community.

“Friends and family were coaching me up until the weekend and just encouraging me to have fun and enjoy it.”

Samantha described the support from the Narrabri School community as “heart-warming”, and as well as working as an English teacher, she is the NHS girls’ advisor and mentor through her wonderful work with the Rotaract Club of Narrabri.

The talented 25-year-old is also a poet and keen horse rider.