Summer 2020 | 33

Junior Highlights

AHCAj Spotlight

Banner Year for Youth Scholarships

Maryn is the daughter of Shawn and Melinda Cowell of Ellendale, MN. She plans to graduate from PSEO with her AA degree from South Central College and transfer that degree over to the University of WI-River Falls in the fall of 2021. She will then pursue a major in Animal Science, while also majoring in Pre-Vet. After achieving a double major at UWRF, she will transfer those majors over to the U of MN to complete the professional veterinary degree. After vet school, she will pursue a certificate in large animal chiropractics. This talented young lady has been involved in the breed for 9 years and has represented Highlands across the country at many shows. Maryn held offices in the NCHCA Juniors including two

Daughter of Laura McDowell-May and Gerry May, Jackie is in her second year at Bryant University for Business Management. She would like to expand her skills and knowledge so that she may continue to support her agriculture background and its endeavors, continue to promote the Highland breed and keep to her heartfelt passion of representing and exhibiting her cattle across new borders and territories. She’s had Highland cattle for 14 years and is/was a NEHCA Junior, member of the Massachusetts 4-H Beef Team, MA 4-H State Ambassador and regular in the New England youth beef circuit. She added playing Sturgis Girls Lacrosse and Varsity

terms as President (second term is still active until September 2020) and was the MSHCA Junior Incentive Program Champion 2017-2019. She has also done local promotional events such as FFA Ag Day. Holly Munch, her Biology and Anatomy Instructor said, “she has been a quiet leader who rises to the challenge of rigorous coursework while sharing her love for and dedication to her cows”. Maryn added basketball, volleyball, softball and 4-H trapshooting to her full schedule. In addition, she was active in 4-H for 4 years and won the 2018 4-H Senior Beef Interview at her county fair. FFA leadership events and competitions, along with serving as Treasurer and Reporter, rounded out her busy days.

Captain (4 years) of the Field Hockey Team, to her packed schedule. In college she is a Student Government Class of 2023 Senator, in Rotary Interact Club and on the Student Programming Board. Jackie has consistently shown at the NWSS for the Highland rotation as a junior for seven years, gone to various conventions, spring meetings and also represented the breed at McPeak’s Be A Champ Camp for three years. Her friend and neighbor, Kate Byron said, “Jackie is not afraid of hard work nor to think outside of the box. She brings a positive and enthusiastic approach to her work and conversations”.

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Maryn Cowell

Jacquelyn May

34 | Summer 2020

Reilly is the daughter of Tom McConnell and Kelly McConnell and hails from Balaton, MN. She starts at South Dakota State University this fall. After obtaining her Political Science undergraduate degree, she has her sights on going to law school for her master’s degree in Agricultural Law. Having owned Highland cattle for 15 years, Reilly has spent 13 years in the Amiret Busy Bee’s 4-H and served as Secretary 2017-2018 and President 2018-2019. Active in the Tracy Area FFA Chapter for 6 years, she held the Vice President position for two. She enjoys golf and played 1st trumpet in the marching, pep and concert bands. Highland activities are some of her favorites: cow camp in MI, the National Show & Sale and

Mary lives in Cass City, MI and is daughter of Dale and Catherine Muter. Yes, her twin is Marla! Mary was first in her class academically and was accepted to University of Michigan and Michigan State University. The latter of which invited her to attend the prestigious Alumni Distinguished Scholarship Competition. She chose University of Michigan where she will get her Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, followed by a Doctoral Degree in Biochemistry. She plans to work for a pharmaceutical company where she would use compounds found in plants and other living sources to create medicine to cure or manage diseases so that those suffering with them can live comfortable and fulfilling lives.

Marla’s home is in Cass City, MI with her family including parents Dale and Catherine Muter. She plans to attend University of Michigan, majoring in Chemistry. She dreams of being a research chemist so will also minor in Biochemistry or Biology with plans to get her PhD in Chemistry. Marla was second in her class and Team Captain for the Academic Games Team, inducted into the National Honor Society and served on Prom Committee and Publications. She also ran cross-country and track where she achieved her goal of 1st Team All-Conference for the 3200 meter relay while also receiving All Conference Scholar Athlete awards. She has volunteered extensively in

all the junior events in Denver for the past 10 years, many regional shows and NCHCA Junior Secretary in 2017. Elizabeth Johnson, her FFA Advisor shares that, “Reilly is very passionate about everything that she does and puts forth 110% in every job that she completes”. Ms Johnson added that she is nothing short of impressed by what a well-rounded individual she is. Reilly says her association with the breed has been completely positive and she believes it has instilled the drive and will to take the path less traveled and not to ever get discouraged by others’ opinions. She is proud to be known as “that girl that shows Highlands”.

Robert Kubacki, a family friend told us that, “besides having academic achievements, Mary has also accomplished much in terms of leadership. She had the honor of attending the Michigan American Legion Auxiliary Girls’ State (a leadership camp that promotes civic engagement), was Student Body Treasurer and very involved in Student Council”. She volunteered at Thumb Octagon Barn, Cass City Chamber of Commerce Craft Show, Thanksgiving Community Dinner and Science Fair. She also spends time as an altar server at her church, assists elderly neighbors and handles results and times races at junior high track meets. She’s raised Highlands for 11 years and believes the beef will surpass any other!

the community including playing saxophone in the Christmas Eve band at church, sewing garments for the less fortunate with Felix Followers, and working the robotics station at the school’s STEM Fair. She also assisted at the high school’s blood drive, helped vendors at the Christmas in the Village craft show, set up the Thanksgiving Community Dinner, altar served and manned the 4-H building at Huron County Fair for three years. Amy Tamlyn, math teacher says she, “has observed many of Marla’s positive qualities; she is determined, disciplined, trust-worthy, responsible, respectful and kind which makes her a pleasure to have in class and also a role model for other students”.

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Reilly McConnell

Mary Muter

Marla Muter

Junior Highlights

Summer 2020 | 35

The Highland Cattle Foundation (HCF) awards Memorial Junior Scholarships each year. These are granted in honor of achievements and in celebration of young breeders carrying on the Highland legacy. Each scholarship is $1,500 and can be used towards any college expenses. The selection process is blind and based upon merit. Criteria includes academic performance, involvement with Highland and other cattle breeds, demonstrated leadership and interest in agriculture-based careers. Eligible applicants must be a junior member of AHCA who is currently in his or her senior year of high school or attending college and not over 21 years of age. Applications are sent each spring to all junior members who meet the age requirements and must be postmarked by the due date. There is no limit on reapplying, however, the scholarship is awarded only once to an individual.

Lexi is the daughter of Sheila Washburn and Roger Washburn and makes her home in Elmira, NY. She plans to attend Clarkson University this fall and study Physical Therapy. Her senior year, she was selected through an application/interview process to participate in a rigorous program called New Visions Honor Academy. Eight weeks out of the school year they completed rotations which involved observing different areas in the hospital including ICU, ER, OR, Radiology and Physical Therapy. This assured her that PT is what she wants to do. She’s been involved with the breed for 7 years and is currently a Junior Representative for NEHCA and MAHA, as well as a member of the Massachusetts 4-H Beef Team and NYS Beef Association. Lexie is

Abby lives in Brogue, PA and her parents are Richard and Melissa Wurzbach. She is going to York College of Pennsylvania and majoring in Secondary Education/Mathematics. Her love for education started young and she got involved with the York County Dairy Court where she educated people about agriculture and the dairy industry in Pennsylvania. Abby plans to use her platform in the classroom to continue advocating for farmers and ag. In high school, she played tennis, ran track and field, was Student Council Representative and received the Principal’s Award. Now in college, she participates in Intramural Rock Climbing, is a Graham Scholar, IMPACt York Team Leader, Student Ambassador/Tour Guide, Orienta-tion Leader and member of the InterVarsity

active in East Hill Camo (current President) and Barnstable County 4-H Clubs and was in Key Club, Junior Rotarians, Yearbook Club, National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society while in high school. Elizabeth Woodard, New Visions Coordinator says, “What makes her a standout student is her passion and drive to do her best in all aspects of her life. The high level of accountability, responsibility, confidence, poise and presentation skills that Alexis learned showing cattle have truly helped to make her an exemplary student. She has worked with over thirty medical professionals and they have all given her the highest marks for communication, maturity and professionalism”.

Christian Fellowship and Student Education Association. Honored as the PA State Fair Queen Alternate 2020, York Fair Queen 2019 and York Fair Queen Alternate 2018, Abby continues to promote agriculture. Candise Henson, English instructor reports, “Abby is constantly optimistic and her service to those around her is unparalleled. She is highly opinionated and maintains her integrity, even when she is pressured to compromise her values”. Fifteen years she has been involved with the breed and is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Highland Association. She has enjoyed showing at York Fair, Virginia Beef Expo, MAHA Spring Classic, Keystone International and attended multiple other Highland events and workshops.

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Abigail Wurzbach

Alexis Washburn

Junior Highlights