TUNKHANNOCK, Pa.—Nine deserving college students were awarded $750 to $3,000 each through the 2019 Wayne Dudley Scholarship Program. The program offers financial support to eligible college undergraduates enrolled in agricultural majors.
Kavita Bushong, daughter of Neil and Donna Bushong, is a sophomore at Virginia Tech majoring in dairy science. Bushong comes from her family’s dairy farm in Columbia, PA. She takes part in the “Can I Vet Yet” mentor program, dairy judging, U.S. Pony Club and Dairy Club. After completing her undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech, she plans to attend veterinary school and eventually pursue a career as part of a dairy practice.
Daniel Kitchen, son of Randall and Patricia Kitchen, is a junior at Penn State University majoring in animal science. Kitchen comes from Kitch-Vue, his family’s custom heifer raising operation in Danville, PA. He participates in many activities including dairy judging, 4-H and Junior Holstein Association. He holds various leadership positions in agricultural organizations, church and school. After graduation, he hopes to find a job working with dairy cattle genetics.
Sandra Krone, daughter of Amy Krone, is a senior at Virginia Tech majoring in dairy science. Krone is from Fountainville, PA and has worked for several years at Black Hollow Dairy. She has been involved with Dairy Club, dairy judging, Dairy Challenge and 4-H, and served as Virginia Tech College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Ambassador, PA Guernsey Queen and Bucks County Dairy Princess. After graduation, she would like to work on a farm as an assistant herdsman.
Cady McGehee, daughter of Dr. Kerry and Teresa McGehee, is a sophomore at Kaskaskia College majoring in dairy science and business management. McGehee is from Okeechobee, FL, where she and her siblings have developed a small herd of elite show cattle. She is involved in 4-H, FFA, the Guernsey and Holstein Associations, Collegiate Farm Bureau and the Professional Agricultural Students Organization. Cady would like to obtain a Ph.D. in Bovine Reproduction, as well as a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.
Emily Mikel, daughter of John and Sue Mikel, is a sophomore at SUNY Morrisville majoring in dairy management. Emily comes from Mikelholm Holsteins, her family’s dairy farm in Stafford, NY. Her involvements and leadership positions include Junior Holstein Association, 4-H, dairy and livestock clubs. She has also served as Genesee Dairy Princess. After graduation, she hopes to return to her family farm and expand the operation. She would like to pursue a career in the AI industry as well.
Jessica Skellie, daughter of Kim and Beth Skellie, is a senior at Cornell University majoring in animal science. Skellie comes from her family’s dairy farm in Newark, NY. Her involvements and leadership positions include Collegiate Farm Bureau, Sigma Alpha Professional Agriculture Sorority, and Dairy Science Club. She has also served as Wayne County Dairy Princess. After graduation, she hopes to work as a dairy consultant or return to a farm.
Sarah Thomas, daughter of Jean Bullis and Donald Thomas, is a junior at Virginia Tech majoring in dairy science. Thomas has raised beef and dairy cattle on her family’s farm in Pittsboro, NC. Involvements include Dairy Club, dairy judging, National Junior Holstein Association, Sigma Alpha Pi Chapter, 4-H and FFA. She has held various leadership positions, even serving as a North Carolina state FFA officer. After graduation, she hopes to obtain a career in agriculture working with youth.
Kayla Windecker, daughter of Dale and Deborah Windecker, is a senior at Cornell University majoring in animal science. Windecker comes from her family’s registered Holstein farm in Frankfort, NY. She takes part in dairy judging, Sigma Alpha Sorority, Junior Holstein Association, Cornell Dairy Fellows and 4-H. After graduation, she plans to enter a management role on a large dairy farm, or enter a nutrition/business consultant role, and continue to help on her family’s farm.
Taylor Wolfe, daughter of Ray and Dawn Wolfe, is a sophomore at Penn State majoring in animal science. Taylor comes from her family’s registered Holstein farm in Milton, PA. She is involved with the PA Holstein Association, Dairy Science Club and 4-H. She has held various leadership positions within those activities. After graduation, Taylor plans to return to the farm, and obtain an off-farm sales or consulting position.
The Wayne Dudley Scholarship Program provides additional return to Premier Select Sires’ member-owners by supporting the next generation of young people desiring to study and work in the industry. Since 2000, more than $165,000 has been given to future farmers and agricultural leaders through this scholarship.
Premier Select Sires is one of eight member cooperatives that form Select Sires, Inc., North America’s largest and most successful AI company. Covering 23 states in the Eastern United States, Premier is committed to providing member-owners with the genetics, services and products necessary to succeed. Dairy and beef cattle producers can trust Premier Select Sires to deliver all of their genetic, reproductive and herd management needs.