Twenty one exceptional students from 16 states have been awarded the American Kennel Club (AKC®) Junior Scholarship for 2016. The scholarships are offered to high school, college and graduate school students, and range from $1,000 – $2,000.
“These young men and women are dedicated not only to the sport of purebred dogs, but to their academics as well,” said Mari-Beth O’Neill, VP Sport Services. “It gives the AKC great pleasure to reward these students with the Junior Scholarship. We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors in their studies and involvement with dogs and the American Kennel Club.”
Applicants are evaluated based on academic performance and involvement in AKC events. They are also required to submit an essay detailing how they plan to stay involved in the sport of purebred dogs and with the AKC in the future.
This year’s recipients are a diverse representation of the fancy. They range from being born into the sport to attending dog shows by chance and discovering a love of showing. They have accomplished a great deal in the dog world and participate in many sports, including conformation, agility, coon hunting, obedience, and more. These young men and women plan to continue in the sport, as well as judge and continue their families’ breeding programs.
2016 Junior Scholarship Recipients
Brooke Aimar – MI
Alexandra Backos – PA
Ashley Barnes – CA
Ashlee Claggett – TX
Jessica Cobban -MO
Taylor Crisman – IN
Kaitlyn Dreese – PA
Erika Franzen-Ackerman – IA
Grace Freeman -MO
Jenny Greger -MT
Katharina Grohowalski – PA
Zachary Gulaboff-Davis – OR
Amy Judge – WA
Rachel Kennedy -TN
Allison Kirk -NM
Courtney Kramer -IL
Rachel Robertson -PA
William Swanson -NY
Shanaea Vanderpol – WA
John Woodworth -CT
Rebekah Woodworth -CT
These young men and women are dedicated not only to the sport of purebred dogs, but to their academics as well.