BRATTLEBORO, Vt. – Holstein Association USA
recently recognized six finalists as 2018 National Distinguished Junior Members
(DJM) at the National Junior Holstein Convention on July 3 in Acme, Michigan.
This is the highest honor a Junior Holstein member may receive and is based on
outstanding work throughout their dairy project career.
The contest, held since 1922, has honored 376 outstanding dairy youth for their
contributions to the Association and the dairy industry as a whole.
The finalists for this year's competition are Alexandra Gambonini, Petaluma,
Calif.; Kayla Leiding, Fountain, Minn.; Erin Norris, Westhampton, Mass.; Joseph
Opsal, Blue Mounds, Wis.; Nicholas Logan Potts, Purcellville, Va.; and Mary
Scott, Westgate, Iowa.
Applicants completed two judging phases. Phase one, the Junior's entry book, is
worth 60-percent of the final score. The book highlights the Junior's Holstein
work, activities and projects, breeding program and personal views.
Phase two takes place at the National Junior Holstein Convention, where the
twelve semifinalists are interviewed by a second committee. The interview
accounts for 40-percent of the final score. The six individuals with the
highest combined scores are recognized at the National Junior Awards Banquet as
Distinguished Junior Member Finalists and receive an annual renewed membership
to the Holstein Association.
“The Distinguished Junior Member program recognizes the future of the dairy
industry. This honor is a coveted title that celebrates youth from across the
country working with Registered Holsteins. These members are leaders in their
community, role models for other youth in addition to being spokespeople for
the dairy industry,” Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA & Holstein
Foundation Program Specialist states.
The Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) Contest selected eight Junior
members as finalists and were also recognized at the National Convention. The
YDJM winners were judged on similar criteria to the Distinguished Junior Member
Contest, but do not complete the interview phase.
The Young Distinguished Junior Members for 2018 are: Eliza Endres, Waunakee,
Wis.; Nathan Erbsen, Lanark, Ill.; Matthew Gunst, Hartford, Wis.; Julia
Heijkoop, Webster, Fla.; Hannah Hockerman, Westfield, Wis.; Samantha Pitterle,
Watertown, Wis.; Audrie Risser, Lebanon, Pa.; and Blake Wright, Verona, Mo.
For more information about Holstein Association USA’s youth programs, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors.