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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. Holstein Association USA is pleased to support two college students with the 2024 scholarships.

Receiving the top $1,000 scholarship is Jacob Harbaugh of Marion, Wisconsin. Jacob attends the University of Minnesota where he is studying animal science with an emphasis in industry and business. He is also pursuing a minor in applied economics and hopes to take on a managerial role on a dairy farm or pursue a career in sales after graduation.

Jacob has shown Registered Holsteins® with much success at the local and national levels, including exhibiting the Junior Champion Bred & Owned Heifer of the International Junior Holstein Show in 2022. Additionally, Jacob was named a Distinguished Junior Member and was a team member of the second place Senior Division Dairy Bowl team at National Holstein Convention in 2024. Jacob says he looks forward to passing on the knowledge he’s gained during his Junior Holstein Association participation to younger dairy project youth.

“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to travel and learn new things because of the Holstein cow, and I am excited to pursue a career in the dairy industry because of these many experiences,” Jacob says.

Receiving the $500 scholarship is Keenan Thygesen of Tunbridge, Vermont. Keenan is also a student at the University of Minnesota studying animal science with a concentration in industry and business. After graduation he plans to launch his own auctioneering and real estate business specializing in livestock, farm equipment, and estate auctions.

Keenan placed fourth in the Senior Dairy Jeopardy contest at the National Holstein Convention for the past two years and was recognized as a Distinguished Junior Member in 2024. Keenan has also exhibited several prize-winning Registered Holsteins and was recognized with the Merle Howard Award from World Dairy Expo in 2022. He is thankful for the many mentors who have helped shape his path and supported his dreams in the dairy industry.

“These lessons have given me the confidence to continue supporting others in the Holstein community and to keep giving back in meaningful ways,” Keenan says.

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.