The 2017 National Dairy Shrine Student Recognition award winners have been announced! The NDS Student Recognition program recognizes graduating seniors planning a career related to the dairy industry who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic ability, and a sincere interest in dairy cattle. Each university is allowed to nominate up to two candidates for this recognition in any given year. The highest winner receives a $2000 award, the second a $1500 award and the other winners receive $1000 awards.
The top award winner is Amber Gabel from Newport, Pennsylvania who majored in Animal Science at Penn State University. Amber has been active in dairy judging, Dairy Challenge and the Penn State Dairy Club, as well as serving as a summer intern for the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding. Ms. Gabel hopes to obtain a position in the dairy genetics industry or possibly to obtain a PHD in Dairy Genetics.
The second award goes to Crystal Siemers Peterman of Cleveland, Wisconsin. She is graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Agricultural & Food Business Management. Crystal has excelled in dairy judging being on the national champion team of 2016. She also has been very active in NAMA, Gopher Dairy Club, Collegiate Agri-Women, Lambda Delta Phi Sorority and the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association. Crystal will be starting her marketing career serving as the Wisconsin’s 2017 Alice in Dairyland.
The next recipient is Elizabeth Endres from Waunakee, Wisconsin, who has pursued a Dairy Science major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Ms Endres has been very successful in dairy judging, Dairy Challenge, Dairy Bowl, Dairy Jeopardy and the Dane County Junior Holstein Association. Elizabeth is currently attending the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical School with a goal of becoming a bovine veterinarian.
Next is Ethan Dado of Amery, Wisconsin, who is a double major in Animal Science & Agricultural Education at the University of Minnesota. Mr. Dado has excelled in dairy judging and dairy bowl. Ethan served as the Secretary of the Gopher Dairy Club and President of the Agricultural Education Club and the Farm House Fraternity. Mr. Dado is working on a Masters Degree in agricultural education and plans to be an educator after college.
Following is Mariah Schmitt of Fort Atkinson, Iowa, who majored in Dairy Science and Agriculture & Society at Iowa State University. Mariah has served as the President of the Midwest ADSA-SAD organization and served on the Iowa State Agricultural & Life Sciences Student Council. She belongs to the American Guernsey Association & the National Red & White Dairy Cattle Association. This summer she will start her career as the Iowa Dairy Center Coordinator at the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation.
Next is Sydney Endres, of Lodi, Wisconsin, who was a Dairy Science and Life Sciences Communication double major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Sydney has been active in the Badger Dairy Club, the Association of Women in Agriculture, NAMA, Collegiate Farm Bureau and has served as a UW College Ambassador. Her ultimate goal is to return to the family Jersey farm and start an Agri-tourism business.
The final senior recognition honoree is Kayla Alward from Guyton, Georgia, who was a major in Dairy & Animal Science at the University of Georgia. Kayla has been active in Dairy Challenge, Dairy Bowl, and is President of the University of Georgia Dairy Club. Kayla has been a member of the prestigious Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society of Georgia. Also while at college Kayla has led 3 dairy research projects and has become very skilled at reproductive technology. Ms Alward would like to pursue a Masters in Reproductive Physiology and pursue a career in dairy reproduction.
The annual National Dairy Shrine Scholarship & Awards Banquet will be held in Madison, Wisconsin, on Thursday October 5th at 5:30 PM. For more information about the students being recognized by National Dairy Shrine or tickets for the Awards Banquet, contact the NDS office at [email protected]. Additional information on National Dairy Shrine membership or other activities is also available at www.dairyshrine.org.Dairy enthusiasts are encouraged to become a part of the most important dairy organization helping to inspire future dairy leaders, honor current dairy leaders, preserve dairy history, and promote the dairy industry.