Youth were the stars of the show during the Holstein Foundation's national Holstein youth competitions, held in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., last week, as part of the 2016 National Holstein Convention. Over 196 youth from around the country participated between three contests, most of whom qualified at the state level before moving to the national competition.
Dairy Jeopardy
Nearly eighty participants competed in the Dairy Jeopardy competition, divided into three age divisions. This competition is based on the popular television game show, featuring a wide range of dairy-related questions in a number of categories. Following are the top three individuals in each age division.
Junior Division (ages 9 to 13)
1st: Cassy Schilter, Wash.
2nd: Henry Hamlett, Iowa
3rd: George Andrew, N.Y.
Intermediate Division (ages 14 to 17)
1st: Gregory Norris, Mass.
2nd: Michael Fioretto, Fla.
3rd: Ayla Blatt, Pa.
Senior Division (ages 18 to 21)
1st: Alex Gambonini, Calif.
2nd: Emily Irwin, Ill.
3rd: Stephanie Bishop, N.Y.
Dairy Bowl
In the National Dairy Bowl contest, four-person teams compete within two age divisions; Junior, ages 9-15, and Senior, ages 16-21. A total of twenty-eight Junior and Senior teams participated this year, with 17 states sending teams in each division.
The Junior division championship came down to the teams from California and Pennsylvania, with California emerging as the victor in the final match. Team members included Hayley Fernandes, Jacob Fernandes, Abbi Prins, and Kylie Konyn, coached by Kirsten Areias. The runner-up Pennsylvania team members included Caroline Arrowsmith, Nicole Arrowsmith, Amber Pownall, and Roy Bramn, with coaches Mandy Arrowsmith. Rounding out the top five teams in the Junior division were New England in third, Iowa in fourth and New Jersey in fifth.
The Senior division finals saw California squaring off against New York, with California claiming the championship. California team members were Hannah Van Dyk, Hannah Mancebo, Siana Barret, and Mackenzie Elmer, coached by Kirsten Areias. Representing New York were Alton Rudgers, Allison Herrick, Nick George, Tracy Rudgers, with coach William Herrick. Other teams placing in the top five in the Senior division were Pennsylvania in third, Washington in fourth and Florida in fifth.
J. George & Anna Smith Sportsmanship awards are given to one team in each division who best exemplify the principles of courtesy, friendliness and team spirit throughout the competition. Each team receives a cash award and plaque. The Junior team receiving this award hailed from the state of Maryland, with team members Jordyn Griffin, Ryan Allen, Robert Hahn, and Jill Allen, coached by Laurie Savage. In the Senior division, the honor went to the Oregon team, consisting of Matt Ruby, Jake Ruby, Brooke Ruby, and Faith Wilson, coached by Michele Ruby.
Dairy Knowledge Exam
The Dairy Knowledge Exam is open to any youth attending the National Junior Holstein Convention who wants to put their brain to the test with a 25-question written test. Like Dairy Bowl, youth are divided into two groups by age. The top three individuals in each division for the Dairy Knowledge Exam were as follows.
Junior Division
1st: Jacob Fernandes, Calif.
2nd: Christine Putman, N.Y.
3rd: Hayley Fernandes, Calif.
Senior Division
1st: Elizabeth Endres, Wis.
2nd: Doug Boop, Pa.
3rd: Mackenzie Elmer, Calif.
For more information about Holstein Foundation youth programs, visit www.holsteinfoundation.org, or contact Kelli Dunklee, youth programs specialist, at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124, or kdunklee@holstein.com.
7.08.2016
