The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest dog registry and leading industry authority and advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce that eleven exceptional students from 10 states have been awarded the American Kennel Club (AKC®) Junior Scholarship for 2021. The scholarships are offered to high school and college students, ranging from $500 – $3,000.
“These young 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 us great pleasure to reward these students with our AKC Junior Scholarships. 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 required to submit documentation that they are members of a club and have volunteered to work, and an essay on how the applicant has been involved with providing education about purebred dogs within their school and or community. This years’ applicants were asked to share how they maintained their involvement with their dogs and AKC events as a result of COVID.
The recipients are a diverse representation of the sport of dogs. They have accomplished a great deal in the dog world and participate in several sports, including Conformation, Agility, Hunt Tests, Obedience, and more. Additionally, they plan to continue in the sport, as well as judge and carry on their families’ breeding programs.
2021 Junior Scholarship Recipients
| First Name | Last Name | State |
| Matelyn | Cobban | MO |
| Grace | Freeman | MO |
| Ariella | Harris | TX |
| O’Malley | McGee | SC |
| Haleigh | McKeithan | NC |
| Lindsay | Meyers | CT |
| Olivia | Persinger | VA |
| Isabella | Pine | KS |
| Amelia | Smith | NY |
| Morgan | Stolba | MD |
| Alison | Yoho |
MN |