Anna Siekierzycki was awarded the $1,000 2025 Justin Parish Memorial Bursary during the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
Siekierzycki’s 4-H journey began in 2025 as a University of Guelph student intent on becoming a large animal veterinarian. She approached the Grey 4-H association about joining the dairy club to gain practical hands-on experience with the animals. Although a new member, she’s become a strong mentor and role model to others and willingly shares her passion for agriculture.
“No stranger to hard work, Anna comes to work with her calf between four and five times a week, asking questions and wanting to learn as much as she can, not only about showing but about the animal itself,” said 4-H volunteers Brian O’Neill and Shelley Barfoot-O’Neill. “Her hard work, dedication and enthusiasm paid off as she was named grand champion dairy show person at our Grey County 4-H showdown in September.”
The Parish family established the bursary to support a team member, fitter or herd person to attend the Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic Show, in honour of their son, Justin’s dream of attending it.
“(Justin was) a very talented individual with a consistent desire to improve, utilizing the 4-H program to help develop and learn new skills, all while displaying the 4-H motto at its fullest,” said Ryan Parish of his brother.
4-H Dairy Club leaders submit nominations for members in good standing who demonstrate agricultural dedication and want to attend the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic Show.
People like the Parish family, who invest in the Ontario 4-H Foundation and the TD Classic, to honour their son and the TD Classic “keep the future of 4-H bright in Ontario,” said Theresa Wever, Ontario 4-H Foundation chair.
