The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.
Alan Chittenden, President of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), today announced the class for the eighth Jersey Youth Academy, July 9 to 14 in Columbus, Ohio.“The 28 young people from 15 states selected for this class exemplify the many talented, interested Jersey youth across the United States that our organization wants to encourage to pursue careers in the Jersey dairy business,” Chittenden said.
We are excited to be inviting another group of outstanding Jersey youth to participate in all Jersey Youth Academy has to offer. The opportunity to spend a week learning, interacting with leaders and professionals from both the USJersey organizations and the dairy industry will be invaluable to these young adults. For many it will help define and maybe alter career paths. For all, the chance to spend a week with like-minded Jersey enthusiasts will create relationships that last a lifetime.”
Participants in the eighth Jersey Youth Academy, with their current academic institutions, are:
California: Mykel Mull, Chowchilla (Chowchilla Union High School).
Illinois: Tyler Bohnert, East Moline (University of Wisconsin-Platteville).
Indiana: Sophia Bollenbacher, Argos (Purdue University); Emma Townsend, Lafayette (Purdue University).
Iowa: Kerigan Alexander, Clermont (North Fayette High School); Nathan Knapp, Larchwood, (Southeast Tech) .
Minnesota: Jamie Gibbs, Rollingston (Lewiston-Altura High School).
Missouri: Treasure Clark, Seneca (McDonald County High); Cade Claycomb, Spickard (Trenton R-IX High School).
New Hampshire: Regan Johnson, Northwood (Homeschool).
New York: Hope Avedisian, Hilton (SUNY-Alfred); Patrick Bosley, Malone (SUNY-Cobleskill); Meganne Chapman, Cattaraugus (University of Akron); Sarah Cox, Warsaw (University of Nebraska); Brae Dunham, Summit (Cobleskill-Richmondville Central High School).
Oregon: Clancey Krahn, Albany (Scio High School); Logan Lancaster, Tillamook (Tillamook High School); Coltan Seals, Tillamook (Fox Valley Technical College).
Pennsylvania: Mindee Anderson, Orbisonia (Southern Huntingdon County High School); Sara Reed, Columbia Crossroads (Troy Area Jr./Sr. High School).
Texas: Baylee Bowen, Como (Como-Pickton CISD).
Vermont: Sarah Hill, New Haven (SUNY-Cobleskill); Karissa Livingston, New Haven (University of New Hampshire); Addison Hubbell, Bristol (SUNY-Cobleskill).
Virginia: Regan Jackson, Boyce (Louisiana State University).
Washington: Lauryn Young, Chehalis (W.F. West High School).
Wisconsin: Summer Hammann, Baron (Barron High School); Lilly Johnson, River Falls (River Falls High School).
(Introduction video is posted on USJersey Facebook page)
Applications were evaluated by a committee appointed by Chittenden and chaired by AJCA Director and chair of the Development Committee, Garry Hansen. Selection was based on merit, motivation and preparation for the program as reflected in the written application and goal statement.
Presenters will include representatives of key support agencies and allied industry. The group will also meet and interact with leaders from the Jersey community to gain their unique insights about the future of the dairy business with a specific focus on the Jersey cow.
All program costs, including round-trip transportation for participants, are paid by the Academy.
The Jersey Youth Academy is a 501(c)(3) educational foundation administered by the American Jersey Cattle Association. Contributors represent a broad spectrum of Jersey breeder and dairy industry support.