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Holstein Association USA is thrilled to support two Junior Holstein members with college scholarships. The National Judi Collinsworth Outstanding Junior Exhibitor Memorial Scholarship award recognizes National Junior Holstein Exhibitors who have shown committed involvement and interest in the Holstein industry.

Receiving the top $1,000 scholarship this year is Brianna Meyer of Wisconsin. Brianna is currently studying Dairy Science and Life Sciences Communication at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She has hopes of attending vet school and working with dairy cattle as a large-animal veterinarian in the future. In addition to serving on the Junior Advisory Committee, Brianna was a youth council member for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

Brianna says showing Registered Holsteins has been an incredibly valuable experience, and taught her many life lessons, including humility and openness to learning. A recent highlight in Brianna’s showing career was exhibiting Hilrose Curshabull Prizm in the Fall Calf Class at the International Junior Holstein Show at World Dairy Expo and taking home the first-place prize.

“I plan to stay involved in Holstein Youth programs to give back to the next generation of dairy youth. Being involved in Junior Holsteins has made a huge impact on my life, specifically from the people who believed in my abilities and pushed me to be my best,” Brianna says. “I wish to give future generations the same invaluable opportunities that I have been granted and provide them the same help and support the way that others in the dairy industry have supported me.”

Receiving the $500 scholarship is Hayley Daubert of Virginia. Hayley attends South Dakota State University where she is active as the Dairy Club Activities Coordinator, serves as a South Dakota Dairy Ambassador, is the SDSU Emergency Medical Services Club Secretary, and is on the SDSU Little International Milk Quality Contest Committee.

Although Hayley attends college far away from home, she remains involved on her family’s farm by running the website and social media accounts. Hayley continues to show her Registered Holsteins when she can, an experience she says has taught her about teamwork.

“In addition to growing my own herd and selling farm-fresh, artisan cheese, I plan to pursue a career in the medical field as a paramedic to help my small community,” Hayley shares about her future goals.

About the Award

Judi Collinsworth worked at Holstein Association USA in Brattleboro, Vermont as the Executive Director of Member and Industry Relations. She spent a great deal of time working to improve and expand the programs available to Holstein youth and was responsible for telemarketing, member-related programs, State Association communications, member services and Association external affairs.

Scholarship recipients must be a National Junior Holstein member and enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college or university. Youth must also have exhibited their animal at a National Junior Holstein Show during the current show season. Applicants are judged on their leadership profile, Holstein involvement and interest, and participation in other activities. More information can be found at www.holsteinusa.com/pdf/forms_apps/collinsworth_award.pdf.

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.