Scholarship Recipients Announced
Published: Friday, January 10, 2025
The National Judi Collinsworth Outstanding Junior Exhibitor Memorial Scholarship award recognizes National Junior Holstein exhibitors who have shown committed involvement and interest in the Holstein industry. Holstein Assn. USA is pleased to support two college students with the 2024 scholarships.
Receiving the top $1,000 scholarship is Jacob Harbaugh of Marion, Wis. He attends the University of Minnesota where he is studying animal science with an emphasis in industry and business. He is also pursuing a minor in applied economics and hopes to take on a managerial role on a dairy farm or pursue a career in sales after graduation.
Harbaugh has shown Registered Holsteins with much success at the local and national levels, including exhibiting the junior champion bred and owned heifer of the International Junior Holstein Show in 2022. Additionally, Jacob was named a distinguished junior member and was a team member of the second place senior division dairy bowl team at National Holstein Convention in 2024. He said he looks forward to passing on the knowledge he's gained during his Junior Holstein Assn. participation to younger dairy project youth.
"I am forever grateful for the opportunity to travel and learn new things because of the Holstein cow, and I am excited to pursue a career in the dairy industry because of these many experiences," Jacob said.
Receiving the $500 scholarship is Keenan Thygesen of Tunbridge, Vt. He is also a student at the University of Minnesota studying animal science with a concentration in industry and business. After graduation he plans to launch his own auctioneering and real estate business specializing in livestock, farm equipment, and estate auctions.
Thygesen placed fourth in the senior dairy jeopardy contest at the National Holstein Convention for the past two years and was recognized as a distinguished junior member in 2024. Keenan has also exhibited several prize-winning Registered Holsteins and was recognized with the Merle Howard Award from World Dairy Expo in 2022. He is thankful for the many mentors who have helped shape his path and supported his dreams in the dairy industry.
"These lessons have given me the confidence to continue supporting others in the Holstein community and to keep giving back in meaningful ways," He said.
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