Matt Henkes of Luana, Iowa, is the 2011 Overall Judi Collinsworth Outstanding Junior Exhibitor Memorial Award recipient, presented by Holstein Association USA. As the overall winner, Henkes, the eighth youth to be presented with this honor, will receive a $500 scholarship. "Receiving this award was truly a great honor because I have always looked up to the past winners and appreciate the impact they have had on the dairy industry," said Henkes. "I also always look forward to the quiz bowl question of the Overall winner and am very excited to be the answer!" He added, "Showing Registered Holsteins has taught me many life lessons, from preparing animals for shows to daily farm chores. I would like to thank my family for all the help and guidance they have given me as I would not be where I am today without them." Henkes received the Collinsworth Award at the 2011 International Junior Holstein Show in Madison, Wis. The son of Trent and Leslie Henkes, Matt is very involved on his family's Registered Holstein farm, Henkeseen Holsteins, taking part in all phases of their 65-cow operation. He especially enjoys working with their breeding, showing and merchandising activities. An honor Matt is especially proud of is placing in the top 10 of all three age division in the World Dairy Expo showmanship contest; first in the Junior division, second in the Intermediate division; and sixth in the Senior division this past fall. Matt is a long time member of the Iowa and National Junior Holstein Associations, participating in a variety of activities. He has held leadership positions with the Iowa Junior Holstein Association, including president in 2011. He was named a National Young Distinguished Junior Member finalist in 2008, the highest honor given by Holstein Association USA to a Junior member ages 9 to 16. Henkes is a student at Iowa State University, majoring in dairy science, with a minor in agricultural education. On campus he is very active with the Dairy Science Club, currently serving as vice president, and received the Outstanding Sophomore award in 2011. He has also participated on the dairy judging team, a member of the second place team at the NAILE Dairy Judging Contest in 2010, and placing first in World Dairy Expo's Post-Secondary Judging Contest in 2009, judging for Northeast Iowa Community College. The Judi Collinsworth Award is presented annually in honor of former Holstein Executive Director of Member and Industry Services, Judi Collinsworth. The award recognizes youth for their work and involvement with Holstein cattle and dairy activities. Recipients are selected based on sportsmanship, herdsmanship, and level of participation in Holstein activities. One Judi Collinsworth Award recipient is selected at each of the four National Junior Holstein shows. All winners receive a $250 cash award and are invited to apply for the Overall Judi Collinsworth Award. Other winners from the 2011 National Junior Holstein Shows include Taylor German, Cushing, Okla., Southern Spring National Junior Holstein Show; Taylor Leach, Linwood, Kan., Grand National Junior Holstein Show; and Lauren Nell, Gettysburg, Pa., Premier National Junior Holstein Show. Applications for the Judi Collinsworth Award are available online at www.holsteinusa.com/juniors , or at any of the 2012 National Junior Holstein Shows. For more information on Holstein Association USA youth programs, contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124, or kdunklee@holstein.com. 2.20.2012