American Gelbvieh Foundation Awards Scholarships

The American Gelbvieh Foundation recently awarded four scholarships to deserving American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) members based on their involvement within AGJA and the beef industry. The scholarships were presented during the 2011 AGJA Twister Classic held in Kearney, Neb., July 3-8.

The Leness Hall Memorial Scholarship, honoring an instrumental figure in importing Gelbvieh genetics to the U.S., in the early 1970s, was presented to Dustin Aherin from Phillipsburg, Kan. Aherin, the son of Dennis and Joyce Aherin, is a sophomore seeking a degree in animal science at Allen Community College where he is a member of the livestock judging team and currently serves as president of the AGJA Board of Directors.

The Earl Buss Memorial Scholarship, recognizing one of the founding members of the American Gelbvieh Association, was presented to Justin Taubenheim of Amherst, Neb. Taubenheim is the son of Mike and Renee Taubenheim and is a sophomore at Colby Community College where he is an animal science major and is also on the livestock judging team. Taubenheim currently serves as the vice president of the AGJA Board of Directors.

Selected to receive a $500 AGJA scholarship was Kaisha Jurgens from Miller, Neb. Kaisha is studying animal science at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln where she a member of the Beef Scholars program and is the daughter of Brad and Leann Jurgens. Jurgens also serves as president of the Junior Gelbvieh Association in Nebraska.

Selected to receive the Bob Rea Sr., Memorial scholarship, which honors the father and grandfather of an American Gelbvieh Association family, is Britney Volek from Highmore, S.D. Britney is the daughter of Keith and Janice Volek and recently completed a term with the AGJA Board of Directors. Volek attends Lake Area Technical Institute and is studying to be a physical therapy assistant.

The American Gelbvieh Foundation is dedicated to Gelbvieh genetics, merit advancement, and strengthening the breed influence with the changing beef industry, accomplished through breed promotion, growing demand, member education, research, and junior support.

The AGJA serves youth of all ages through 21 years. With more than 500 members coast to coast, AGJA provides leadership opportunities, scholarships, and competition for its members.

For more information about the American Gelbvieh Foundation, the American Gelbvieh Association or AGJA, please visit www.www.gelbvieh.org or call 303-465-2333.

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