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The American Kennel Club® is pleased to announce that 26 Junior Scholarships have been awarded to students from 16 states. The scholarships for high school, college and graduate school students range from $1,000 to $3,000 for each student.

“These awards have been given to successful students who have also reached the highest levels of competition in many AKC events,” said Mari-Beth O’Neill, AVP of Customer Service. “The honorees are the future leaders of our sport, and we feel that their dedication to dogs should be rewarded.   It is our hope that with these scholarship funds help them continue their growth and development.”

Applicants were evaluated based on academic history and involvement in the sport of purebred dogs with special consideration for those who were active in AKC clubs and events. In addition, applicants were required to submit an essay describing their experience in the fancy, the significance of the sport in their lives and ways in which they have been an ambassador for purebred dogs in their schools and communities. 

The 26 recipients represent a cross section of the fancy today, with participation in many different AKC events. Students range from third and fourth generation exhibitors to those who found their way to their first dog events by chance. Their achievements include winning the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Junior Showmanship Competition, winning a height class at the AKC National Agility Championship, and becoming National Merit Scholars and Class Valedictorians. Future aspirations of this year’s winners include veterinary and law school, entering the business and teaching fields and, of course, remaining involved in AKC events and clubs.

2009 AKC Junior Scholarship Recipients

Name

State

Lindsey Jo Beckendorf

Minnesota

Zena Corin Brenner

California

Caroline Michelle Bruton

Maryland

Caitlyn J. Darnell

Colorado

Katherine Vern Eldredge

New York

Leah Elise Escalante

Wisconsin

Elizabeth Kara Goodman

North Carolina

Heather Ann Grodi

Pennsylvania

Michelle Lynn Hibbard

Wisconsin

Raquel Vanessa Hipskind

Arizona

Lindsey Leigh  Kuhn

Ohio

Christopher John Matthews

Florida

Emily Louise Meyer

North Carolina

Evan Wayne Muller

Ohio

Krysta Rose Nelson

Minnesota

Samantha E. Newton

Texas

Nora Nieminski

Utah

Nicholas Theodore Ogburn

Florida

Elizabeth Peppin Ridley

Minnesota

Hannah R. Rivard

Minnesota

Lucas L. Ruff

Illinois

Shannon Kimberley Soafer

Georgia

Anders J. Thoreson

Washington

Lauryn M. Vanderwerff

Wisconsin

Ashley Laine Wilde

Georgia

Lauren Marie Zimmerman

Pennsylvania