SDFB Announces Junior Point Show Scholarship Winners Two students from Highmore, as well as students from Parkston and Andover have been chosen as recipients of scholarships from the South Dakota Farm Bureau for their SD Junior Point Show efforts. In addition to accumulating points for showing beef cattle, scholarship applicants were judged on their leadership accomplishments, past accomplishments with cattle, and extracurricular activities. In addition, each applicant submitted a 500-word essay on an important issue facing the cattle industry. Recipients are: Dustin Volek, Highmore - $1,000 scholarship Volek is a sophomore at SDSU. In addition to his activities in the SD Jr. Point Show, Dustin participates in collegiate judging, Little International, and is on the Dean’s List at SDSU. His scholarship essay was about the onset of BSE, its history, and the effects it has on the beef industry worldwide. Staci Anderson, Parkston - $750 scholarship Anderson is completing her first year at SDSU. She participates in Block & Bridle, Little International, and intramural volleyball. Her scholarship essay was about the benefits of a National Animal Identification System and the impacts it could have for the future. Ashley Pigors, Andover - $500 scholarship Pigors attends SDSU and has participated in Block & Bridle, Little International, FFA, and 4-H. Her essay was about the growth of Pulmonary Hypoplasia with Anasarca (PHA) and the impact it has on the cattle industry. Kristina Weidenbach, Highmore - $250 scholarship Weidenbach is a senior at Highmore High School. In addition to being class president, Weidenbach is active in volleyball, National Honor Society, and FCCLA. Her essay was about the drought conditions the SD cattle industry is facing and relief that could help. The South Dakota Jr. Point Show was organized to recognize youth who participate in showing beef animals throughout the state. Exhibitors range in age from 8 to 21 and accumulate points at different sanctioned shows across South Dakota. Points are awarded to exhibitors, not each individual animal, based on placing in each breed class. Season finale is during the South Dakota State Fair after all breed specials are complete. According to SD Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal, Volga, “The South Dakota Farm Bureau started the Junior Point Show scholarship in 2005 to increase interest in beef showmanship by the state’s youth. Our organization was interested in rewarding youth who are participating in local and regional beef shows, as well as the SD State Fair.” “The number of participants increased dramatically last year, and appears to be headed for another increase in 2007,” he added. Scholarship winners are required to go to a South Dakota college or vocational school. - 30 -
For more information see the Junior Points
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