Reynoldsburg, Ohio—Jonathan Merriam,
President of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), today announced the
class for the sixth Jersey Youth Academy, July 14 to 19 in Columbus, Ohio.
“The 36 young people from 17 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,” Merriam said.
“Continuing the impact of the national Jersey youth programs
offered by the association,” he continued, “the Jersey Youth Academy is an
intensive educational program focused specifically on the Jersey cow and the
many elements of the Jersey dairy business. Academy challenges participants to
understand the long history and current growth of the Jersey breed in this
country and shows them the opportunities and challenges of the dairy business
in the future.”
Participants in the sixth Jersey Youth Academy, with their
current academic institutions, are:
California: Hayley
Fernandes, Tulare (California Polytechnic State University); Nathan Merriam,
Hickman (Hughson High School); Madisen Petersen, Hilmar (California Polytechnic
State University); Hannah Sanders, Hilmar (Modesto Junior College).
Florida: Amber Foley, Sarasota (Berry College).
Iowa: Meghan Hettinga, Orange City (South Dakota State
University); Mary Holtz, Maquoketa (Maquoketa High School); Lakaya Lyon,
Clarence (Des Moines Area Community College).
Illinois: Elizabeth
Reis, Barry (John Wood Community College).
Kentucky: Elise
Carpenter, Russell Springs (Marion County High School).
Maine: Ruth Kuettner,
Monson (Kennebec Valley Community College).
Maryland: Sydnie
Grossnickle, Union Bridge (gap year, Maryland FFA); Isabella Kukor, Frederick
(Berry College).
Massachusetts:
Gregory Norris, Westhampton (The Pennsylvania State University); Abigail
Shaw, Oxford (Assumption College).
Minnesota: Abigail
Grimm, Milaca (Ridgewater College); Alaina Johnson, Dakota (La Crescent-Hokah
High School).
Missouri: Maria
Poock, Boonville ( State Fair Community College).
New York: Lydia
Chittenden, Schodack Landing (Maple Hill High School); Kennedy Crothers,
Pitcher (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University); Megan Gilligan,
East Chatham (State University of New York -Cobleskill,); Caroline Lafferty,
Schodack Landing (Maple Hill High School); Rileigh Mumbolo, Edmeston (State
University of New York -Morrisville).
North Carolina:
Austin Baker, Staley (Providence Grove High School and University of
Mount Olive).
Oregon: Natalie
Berry, Sherwood (Sherwood High School); Joshua Seals, Tillamook (Nestucca High
School).
Pennsylvania: Sarah Alexander, Liberty (The Pennsylvania
State University); Caroline Arrowsmith, Peach Bottom (Solanco High School);
Hannah Diehl, McVeytown (The Pennsylvania State University); Naomi Diehl,
McVeytown (Mifflin County High School); Camryn Moyer, Roaring Branch (North
Penn-Liberty High School).
Tennessee: James
Ozburn, Lewisburg (Forrest High School).
Washington: Bailie
Shultz, Seattle (Oregon State University); Luke Wolfisberg, Everson (Washington
State University).
Wisconsin: Grace Vos,
Maribel (Manitowoc Lutheran High School); Colin Wussow, Cecil (University of
Wisconsin -River Falls).
Applications were evaluated by a committee appointed by
Merriam and chaired by AJCA Director and chair of the Development Committee,
Sam Bok. 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.