Holstein Association USA is pleased to announce twelve semifinalists in the annual Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) competition. Open to any National Junior member ages 17 to 21, the DJM award is the highest honor that can be given to a Holstein Junior member.
This year’s semifinalists are: Abigail Andrew, Newark, N.Y.; Jacob Brey, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.; Elizabeth Cloninger, Centre Hall, Pa.; Laura Elliot, Marshall, Wis.; Jenna Fox, Rockwood, Pa.; Katie Hanehan, Stillwater, N.Y.; Leah Henkes, Luana, Iowa; Megan Herberg, St. Peter, Minn.; Benjamin Kinnard, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.; Maureen Lee, Johnson Creek, Wis.; Austin Schwartzbeck, Union Bridge, Md.; and Mark Simon, Farley, Iowa.
“The amount of leadership and personal development skills, and overall knowledge that I have gained from this organization [the Junior Holstein Association] makes me so grateful to have grown up in the dairy industry,” said Jacob Brey in his Story of Junior Holstein Work.
Katie Hanehan explained in her Junior Project Story, “I am so thankful for all the opportunities that owning Registered Holsteins has brought me and I will continue to give back to the industry that has given me so much. I know I will use these skills in the future as I develop into the businesswoman, entrepreneur and leader I want to be.”
These twelve outstanding young people have shown a strong commitment to not only the Holstein breed, but also their communities and agriculture in general. Contestants are judged on an entry book highlighting their Junior Holstein project work and involvement with activities, both in the Holstein and dairy industries, and their schools and communities. They will participate in interviews at the National Junior Holstein Convention, June 26-29 in Bloomington, Minn., to compete for six spots as finalists. All finalists receive annual renewed membership to Holstein Association USA.
Source: Holstein Association USA