Holstein USA Press Releases - National Holstein Convention part II
Six finalists were named in the 2008 Distinguished Junior Holstein Member (DJM) competition at the National Junior Holstein Convention on June 26. The contest recognizes Junior Holstein members for outstanding work with their projects and is the highest honor that can be received by a Junior Holstein member.
This year’s finalists are Andrew Birch, Derby, Vt.; Julia Hudyncia, Fort Plain, N.Y., Heather Petersheim, Viroqua, Wis., Lucas Sjostrom, Lafayette, Minn., Michael Stewart, Oelwein, Iowa, and David Wilson, Port Royal, N.Y.
“The knowledge and passion these individuals have for the Holstein cow and the dairy industry is just incredible,” said Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA Youth Program Specialist. “I am confident that with this caliber of youth, our industry will remain strong for many years to come.”
The field was narrowed down from twelve semifinalists by interviews that took place at the convention. The six finalists receive annual renewed memberships to Holstein Association USA.
The DJM contest is designed to honor Junior Holstein members ages 17 to 21 who have excelled in their junior project work, involvement on their farm, and in their communities. Twelve semifinalists are selected based on an entry book that includes the story of their junior Holstein work, information about their cattle, involvement in school and community activities, and personal view questions.
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Over 700 youth gathered in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. last week for the National Junior Holstein Convention, making it one of the largest in history.
“Enthusiasm and knowledge for the Holstein cow and the dairy industry was at an all-time high as the week was filled with a variety of exciting programs and events,” said Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA Youth Programs Specialist. “Youth had the chance to meet Junior members from coast to coast who share similar interests, which offered them a tremendous networking opportunity.”
Public Speaking Contest
Forty-eight contestants participated in this year’s Prepared Public Speaking competition. In the junior division, first place went to Crystal Siemers-Peterman, Wisconsin, with her speech, “Opportunities with U.S. Holsteins.” Second place was Lucia Cerasoli, Pennsylvania, with “Classical Music Geeks,” and third was Collin Stoltzfus, Pennsylvania, “The First 24 Hours of Calf Care.”
In the intermediate division, Nancy Jackson, Missouri, placed first with “Ride that Wave!,” second was Jessica Budge, Oregon, “Methane Generated Power,” and in third was Kelly Lee, Wisconsin, “Technology Isn’t A Bad Word.”
Heidi Scapanski, Minnesota, captured first place in the senior division with her speech, titled “The Assembly Line.” Coming in second was Malorie Rhoderick, Maryland, with “Inbreeding,” and third place went to Abigail Andrew, New York, “B.S.E.”
Folding Display Competition
The second annual Folding Display competition, in which participants create a free-standing display on a dairy industry topic, received 20 entries in three divisions.
Megan Rauen, Iowa, had the winning entry in the junior division with her display titled “Queen of the Breed.” In second was Christy Achen, Minnesota, with “Are You Smarter Than A National Holstein Member?.” Third place went to Thomas DiGiovanni, Ohio, with “Cow Groupies.”
In the intermediate division, Corbin Wood, Pennsylvania, had the winning display, “Junior Holstein Programs – New and Old.” Joseph Martinelli, New Jersey, placed second with “Life Cycle of a Holstein Cow,” and in third was Allison Janes, Ohio, with “Could These Be Lurking on Your Farm?.”
For the senior division, first place was Keri Bickel, Ohio, with “Milk: Udderly Delicious,” second place went to Leah Henkes, Iowa, with “Show Me Your ID,” and third place went to Jarrett Remsberg, Maryland, with “Removal of Compounds in Dairy Waste Lagoons by Ferrate.”
State Scrapbook and Banner Competition
The state scrapbook contest gives each state the opportunity to showcase the Junior Holstein activities they do throughout the year. Ten states submitted entries this year, with Pennsylvania having the winning scrapbook, New York placing second, and Iowa placing third.
A new contest this year was the digital scrapbook competition. This division is judged on the same criteria as a traditional scrapbook, but must be presented on a computer, DVD player, or other digital format. Winning the first digital scrapbook contest was California, with Iowa placing second and Minnesota coming in third.
States have an opportunity to show off their creativity in the state banner competition. Seventeen entries were displayed throughout the convention. First place in the banner contest went to Iowa, second to Washington, and third was Missouri.
Junior Advisory Committee Election Results
At the Junior Forum on June 26, two new members were elected to the Junior Advisory Committee (JAC) to replace outgoing youth committee members Kalli Keen, Area IV, and Matt Mitchell, Area II representative. For Area II, Jason Miley of Ohio was elected. To represent Area IV, Kate Probert, Missouri, was elected. Current committee member David Wilson was also announced as the new committee chairman.
The JAC is the governing body of the Junior Association and oversees the organization’s activities. The committee is elected by the membership at the National Junior Forum, and members serve two-year terms. The committee experience helps Juniors learn about running an organization while strengthening leadership skills.