Pictured: The 2023 Distinguished Junior Member finalists pictured from left to right: Quinn Dum, Lauren Siemers, Madeline Hensel, Ainsley Noble, Kylie Konyn, and Jacob Schaefer.
Holstein Association USA named three outstanding young adults from Wisconsin as Distinguished Junior Member finalists. Another three Wisconsinites are Young Distinguished Junior Member Finalists.
The Distinguished Junior Member is the highest honor given to a Junior Holstein Member. The award has been recognizing young adults for their dedicated work with Registered Holsteins and involvement in the dairy industry since 1922.
“The commitment these young adults have to the future of the dairy industry is inspiring,” says Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA event and program lead. “It’s been a joy to watch these Junior Holstein members develop a passion for the Registered Holstein cow throughout the years.”
Holstein Association USA named the DJM finalists on June 27 during the National Junior Holstein Convention Awards Banquet in Lexington, Kentucky. Congratulations to the 2023 Distinguished Junior Member finalists!
2023 DJM Finalists:
- Madeline Hensel, Pittsville, Wisconsin
- Ainsley Noble, Lancaster, Wisconsin
- Lauren Siemers, Kiel, Wisconsin
- Quinn Dum, Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania
- Kylie Konyn, Escondido, California
- Jacob Schaefer, Little Falls, Minnesota
DJM judging is a two-part process. Youth members competing put together a book highlighting their Junior Holstein work, activities and projects, breeding program, and personal views. The Junior’s entry book is worth 60 percent of the final score. Based on their book score, the top 12 individuals are DJM Semifinalists.
Phase two of the contest takes place at National Junior Holstein Convention. A committee of judges interviews the semifinalists. The interview is worth 40 percent of the final score. The six individuals with the highest combined scores are DJM finalists.
Young Distinguished Junior Member Finalists
Eight Junior Holstein members ages 9 to 16 were selected as Young Distinguished Junior Member finalists. The applicants were judged on their YDJM books, which highlight their accomplishments and leadership with the Junior Holstein Association and beyond.
Pictured: The 2023 Young Distinguished Junior Member finalists pictured in the front from left to right are Kiara Konyn, Mykel Mull, Sarah Craun, and Jesslyn Risser. In the back from left to right are Alexis Schultz, Christopher Gunst, Cathryn Gunst, and Dylan Ryan.
Congratulations to these outstanding Junior Holstein members for their impressive accomplishments!
- Cathryn Gunst, Pine River, Wisconsin
- Christopher Gunst, Pine River, Wisconsin
- Dylan Ryan, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
- Sarah Craun, Mount Crawford, Virginia
- Kiara Konyn, Escondido, California
- Mykel Mull, Chowchilla, California
- Jesslyn Risser, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
- Alexis Schultz, Marion, New York
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