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The National Dairy Shrine is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2020 Maurice Core Scholarships. These $1000 scholarships are given in honor of Maurice Core, the long-time Executive Secretary of the American Jersey Cattle Association, and former Executive Director of the National Dairy Shrine. The funds for this award were donated by the friends of Maurice Core. The Core Scholarships are given to freshman status students working toward a degree in dairy/animal science or related majors and demonstrating growing leadership skills.

Receiving Maurice Core $1000 Scholarships are:


Ashley Hagenow of Poynette, Wisconsin, is a student at the University of Minnesota, where she is majoring in Agricultural Communications and Marketing with a minor in Animal Science. Ashley has been very active in 4-H and FFA attending leadership conferences and participating in dairy judging and showing. She spent a year serving as the Wisconsin State FFA Reporter. On campus she has been active in the Gopher Dairy Club, Midwest SAD, Agricultural Education, Communication & Marketing club, and NAMA. Ashley plans on a career as an editor or as a communications specialist.


Mikara Anderson of Three Springs, Pennsylvania who is a student at Penn State University majoring in Animal Science with a Business Option. Mikara was named the 2019 Pennsylvania FFA Star Farmer, 2019 Pennsylvania Fair Queen, and has been active in Huntington County 4-H, FFA, and County Fair organizations. At college she is a member of the Dairy Club, Northeast SAD, and an active Junior Holstein Association member. Mikara plans on becoming an agricultural lawyer and work with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.


Kendra Waldenberger of Spring Grove, Minnesota, is majoring in Animal Science and Agricultural Communications & Marketing at the University of Minnesota. Kendra did not grow up on a dairy but started her dairy career by leasing Brown Swiss calves to show. She quickly developed a passion for dairy and has been involved in Brown Swiss activities as well as Houston County Dairy Activities (serving as Houston County Dairy Princess). Kendra has had numerous leadership roles in youth organizations and loves being a mentor to younger members. Kendra has a goal of attending graduate school and becoming a dairy cattle geneticist.


The final recipient is Alexis Payne of Glenfield, New York who is majoring in Animal Science at the State University of New York-Cobleskill. Alexis served as President of the New York Junior Holstein Association, a New York State Dairy Princess and as an Ambassador for the New York State Agricultural Society. At school Alexis is involved in the Dairy Club, Agricultural Business Club, and the NE American Dairy Association’s Dairy Food Advocacy Program. Ms. Payne is going to follow her passion by enjoying a career in the dairy industry either in dairy management or communications.


For more information about the students being recognized by National Dairy Shrine or details about a future NDS Awards Banquet, contact the NDS office at info@dairyshrine.org. Additional information on National Dairy Shrine membership or other activities is also available at www.dairyshrine.org. Dairy enthusiasts are encouraged to become a part of the most important dairy organization helping to inspire future dairy leaders, honor current or past dairy leaders and preserve dairy industry history.