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Six outstanding young adults have been named Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) finalists by Holstein Association USA. The highest honor given to a Junior Holstein Member, the award has been recognizing young adults for their dedicated work with Registered Holsteins and involvement in the dairy industry since 1922.
“The commitment these young adults have to the future of the dairy industry is inspiring,” says Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA Event and Program Lead. “It’s been a joy to watch these Junior Holstein members develop a passion for the Registered Holstein cow throughout the years.”
Holstein Association USA named the DJM finalists on June 27, 2023, during the National Junior Holstein Convention Awards Banquet in Lexington, Kentucky. Congratulations to the 2023 Distinguished Junior Member finalists!
The 2023 Distinguished Junior Member finalists were named on June 27, 2023, at the National Holstein Convention in Lexington, Kentucky. The finalists, pictured from left to right, are Quinn Dum, Lauren Siemers, Madeline Hensel, Ainsley Noble, Kylie Konyn,
2023 DJM Finalists:
- Quinn Dum, Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania
- Madeline Hensel, Pittsville, Wisconsin
- Kylie Konyn, Escondido, California
- Ainsley Noble, Lancaster, Wisconsin
- Jacob Schaefer, Little Falls, Minnesota
- Lauren Siemers, Kiel, Wisconsin
DJM judging is a two-part process. Youth members competing put together a book highlighting their Junior Holstein work, activities and projects, breeding program, and personal views. The Junior’s entry book is worth 60 percent of the final score, and the top 12 individuals are named DJM Semifinalists based on their book score.
Phase two of the contest takes place at National Junior Holstein Convention, where the semifinalists are interviewed by a committee of judges. The interview is worth 40 percent of the final score, and the six individuals with the highest combined scores are named DJM finalists.
Young Distinguished Junior Member Finalists
Eight Junior Holstein members ages 9 to 16 were selected as Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) finalists. The applicants were judged on their YDJM books, which highlight their accomplishments and leadership with the Junior Holstein Association and beyond.
The YDJM finalists were recognized during the 2023 National Junior Holstein Convention in Lexington, Kentucky. Congratulations to these outstanding Junior Holstein members for their impressive accomplishments!
The 2023 Young Distinguished Junior Member finalists were recognized during the 2023 National Holstein Convention. Pictured in the front from left to right are Kiara Konyn, Mykel Mull, Sarah Craun, and Jesslyn Risser. In the back from left to right are Alexis Schultz, Christopher Gunst, Cathryn Gunst, and Dylan Ryan.
2023 YDJM Finalists:
- Sarah Craun, Mount Crawford, Virginia
- Cathryn Gunst, Pine River, Wisconsin
- Christopher Gunst, Pine River, Wisconsin
- Kiara Konyn, Escondido, California
- Mykel Mull, Chowchilla, California
- Jesslyn Risser, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
- Dylan Ryan, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
- Alexis Schultz, Marion, New York
For more information about the Distinguished Junior Member and Young Distinguished Junior Member awards and other Holstein Association USA youth programs, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors.
Holstein Association USA, Inc., provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, consulting services, and Holstein semen.
The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, VT., represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the United States. To learn more about Registered Holsteins® and the other exciting programs offered by the Holstein Association, visit www.holsteinusa.com, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
