The National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) Scholarship Committee selected 21 high school seniors and college students as recipients of $750 scholarships. Judges evaluated applicants on scholastic achievements, leadership in school and community activities, and responses to DHI- and career-related questions. To be eligible for a National DHIA scholarship, applicants must be a family member or employee of a herd on DHI test, a family member of a DHI employee, or an employee of a DHI affiliate. The DHI affiliate for the herd or affiliate employee must be a National DHIA member.This year's National DHIA scholarship winners are: Allyson Balmer, Manheim, Pa.; Casey Baxter, Columbia Cross Roads, Pa.; Anna Culbertson, Pine Island, Minn.; Malinda Heisey, Manheim, Pa.; Haley Hinrichs, Goodhue, Minn.; Natalie Horning, Manchester, Mich.; Morgan Krause, Buffalo, Minn.; Haely Leiding, Fountain, Minn.; Kayla Leiding, Fountain, Minn.; Riley Lewis, LaGrange, Ind.; Haley Peterson, Filer, Idaho; Matthew Raak, Jasper, Minn.; Austin Schmitt, Rice, Minn.; Katie Schmitt, Rice, Minn.; Jacob Shaffer, Beavertown, Pa.; Sierra Solum, Rice Lake, Wis.; Libby Venema, Deford, Mich.; Madysen White, Ogden, Utah; Kayla Windecker, Frankfort, N.Y.; and Deanna Zernicke, Bonduel, Wis.
This year marks the seventh consecutive year for awarding a scholarship in memory of Joe Drexler, who worked for NorthStar Cooperative DHI Services. Kaila Wussow, daughter of Ron and Nicolle Wussow, Cecil, Wis., is this year's recipient. NorthStar members and employees, friends and family contributed nearly $10,000 to establish this scholarship fund.
Money generated from the annual National DHIA Scholarship Auction primarily funds the organization's scholarship program. Investments and donations also help build the fund. To make a donation to the fund, contact National DHIA Communications and Events Manager JoDee Sattler at 608-848-6455, ext. 112, or jdsattler@dhia.org.
On July 1, 2015, the 2016 National DHIA Scholarship application will be posted on the National DHIA web site at: www.dhia.org/scholarship.asp. Applications are due Oct. 15, 2015.
National DHIA, a trade association for the dairy records industry, serves the best interests of its members and the dairy industry by maintaining the integrity of dairy records and advancing dairy information systems.
3.4.2015