New York, NY – Nineteen outstanding students from 14 states have been awarded American Kennel Club® (AKC®) Junior Scholarships for 2013. The scholarships – ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 – are offered annually to high school, college and graduate school students.
“This year’s scholarship recipients have distinguished themselves through their commitment to academics, their dogs and participation in AKC events and clubs,” said Mari-Beth O’Neill, AVP of Sport Services. “It’s wonderful to be able to reward the accomplishments and the enthusiasm of the young people in our sport through the AKC Junior Scholarship program. We wish them well as they complete their education and move onward to even greater success in their careers and the dog world.”
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 future involvement in purebred dogs and with the AKC.
The 19 recipients represent a cross section of the fancy today, with participation in many different AKC events. Students range from second and third generation exhibitors to those who found their way to their first dog events by chance. Their accomplishments include achieving conformation, agility, obedience, AKC Rally®, tracking, hunt test and therapy dog titles on their dogs, qualifying for the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Junior Showmanship Competition, becoming a Junior Showmanship judge, competing at the AKC National Agility Championship, winning first place and a Gold Medal at the FCI Agility World Championships, and becoming Honor Society members, Dean’s Lists members and Class Valedictorians. Future aspirations of this year’s winners include veterinary school, earning degrees in such diverse fields as biology, business, film, Japanese, English and zoology and, of course, remaining involved in AKC events and clubs.
2013 AKC Junior Scholarship Recipients
Taylor Ault (Powell, TN) attends the University of Tennessee and has participated in Junior Showmanship, AKC Rally®, Agility and therapy dog work with her Golden Retrievers.
Sarah Broom (Chehalis, WA) attends Washington State University (Pre-vet) and has participated in Junior Showmanship and 4-H with her Basset Hounds.
Lauren Duckworth (Leeds, AL) attends Auburn University and competes in Agility. She has attended the AKC National Agility Championships and owns Papillons and Border Collies.
Katherine Eldridge (Vernon, NY) attends Cornell University and has participated in Junior Showmanship, tracking, and therapy dog work. She has bred dogs and is a published author. She owns Belgian Tervuren and Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
Lauren Hay-Lavitt (Westminster, CA) attends Long Beach City College and participated in Junior Showmanship with her German Shorthaired Pointer.
Allison Kirk (Corrales, NM) is a high school senior and has participated in Junior Showmanship, Conformation and AKC Rally®. Her breed is the Silky Terrier.
Amanda Lofthus (Nampa, ID) is a high school senior who competes in Agility. Her breed is the Border Collie.
Lauren Moore (Norman, OK) is a high school senior who has participated in Junior Showmanship, AKC Rally® and Earthdog with her English Cocker Spaniels and Border Terriers.
Samantha Parsons (Canal Winchester, OH) attends Ohio State University. She competes in Agility and has attended the AKC National Agility Championship. Her breeds are the Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie and Toy Fox Terrier.
Haley Pemble (Snohomish, WA) attends Everett Community College and has competed in Junior Showmanship and AKC Rally® with a Shetland Sheepdog.
Melinda Pope (Hearne, TX) attends Texas A & M University and has participated in Agility, Herding and 4-H with Border Collies.
Amanda Prince (Agoura Hills, CA) attends UC Davis and has competed at the AKC National Agility Championship and AKC Agility Invitational. Her breeds are the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Border Collie.
Bridget Ratcliffe (Millersville, MD) attends Johns Hopkins University and has participated in Junior Showmanship and AKC Rally® with Smooth Fox Terriers, Papillons and Border Terriers. She is also a breeder.
Victoria Self (Orlando, FL) attends the University of Florida and has competed in Agility with a Labrador Retriever and Border Collies. She has won a National Agility Championship, represented the AKC at Crufts and won a gold medal as part of the AKC/USA World Agility Team.
Cali Shattuck (Lake Mary, FL) attends the University of North Florida. She is a former Junior Showmanship participant and breeder of Basenjis.
Kylie Soafer (Roswell, GA) is a high school senior. She has competed in Juniors with Weimaraners and Great Danes and is also a breeder.
William Swanson (Jamestown, NY) is a high school senior who has participated in Junior Showmanship, Obedience, AKC Rally®, Herding, therapy dog work and 4-H with Australian Shepherds.
Emma Thomason (Petaluma, CA) is a high school senior and has competed in Agility with her Papillon.
Kali Young (Chelsea, MI) is a high school senior and has participated in hunt tests with her Vizslas.