My name is Mason Givens and I am a recipient of the AKC Scholarship. I am thankful for the American Kennel Club and their Junior Scholarship program for such great opportunities.
Currently, I am a senior at Franklinton High School, with a 4.0 GPA. I have enjoyed playing football, power lifting and competing in track throughout my high school career.
After high school, I plan on attending college and majoring in Biology with a wildlife and forestry concentration. I have been accepted into Southeastern Louisiana University. I am excited to enroll at SELU this fall and begin classes.
Helping others and volunteering for community service projects are important to me. I have volunteered countless hours with programs such as youth football camps and with the American Kennel Club or AKC Beagle Field Trials. Also, I am a member of Canaan Baptist Church.
I understand the importance of hard work and perseverance. After school, my time is spent helping my parents on our farm and kennel. Indeed, I have spent many hours raising and training my own beagles. I am a member of the Pelican State, Sabine River and Greater Amite Beagle Clubs. Also, I am an AKC Junior Handler and have completed the judges training program.
Furthermore, as a Junior Handler I have trialed my beagles in both AKC Large Pack and Small Pack options formats. I have traveled and trialed my beagles throughout the United States and even in Canada at the Canadian Nationals. During my trialing career, I have participated, placed, and won many AKC Field Trials. Through hard work, long hours of training and trialing, I have my own AKC registered National Field Champion Rabbit Dogs.
I would like to see more youth involved in the AKC Juniors Program and AKC events. I have learned so much from other beaglers’ and the sport. I want to encourage other young people to invest their time and rescores into something they enjoy and can continue to do in the future. The AKC’s Juniors Program allowed me to travel, meet new people and make friendships to last for a lifetime.
Additionally, hunting and fishing are two of my hobbies. I enjoy being in the great outdoors. I hope to have a long career as a Wildlife Biologist studying and protecting many different species of animals. I truly believe that wildlife education and conservation programs are vital to ensure wildlife for future generations.
Finally, I am thankful for all the opportunities I have been given throughout high school and in my life. I have worked hard to maintain my grades, while playing sports, and working on the farm and kennel. My future is bright, and I am grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way.
