BOZEMAM, Mont. — The American Simmental Association announced the 2017 American Simmental-Simbrah Foundation Merit Award winners at the 37th Annual American Junior Simmental Association National Classic Awards banquet, on July 14, 2017, in Hattiesburg, Miss. The Gold Merit recipients received $3,000 and Silver Merit recipients received $2,000 in scholarship money to put toward their education upon enrollment in the college of their choice. Selection is completed by a committee, and it is based on a combination of factors including leadership, scholarship, extracurricular participation, and direct involvement in the beef industry.

Established in 1981 by the ASA Board of Trustees, the Merit Award program is designed to provide recognition to junior members who have made “significant contributions to their community, home, family, school and the Simmental or Simbrah breeds of cattle.” As college tuition continues to increase, the foundation continues to support AJSA members each year by giving over $25,000 in scholarships, to help them continue their education. All AJSA members over the age of 16 are welcome to apply; applications are due June 1, of the current year. Merit Awards are funded through donations made to the American Simmental Simbrah Foundation.

Recipients of the 2017 Silver Merit Award in The Fence Post readership area include the following:

Silver Award Winner Biographies:

Kaitlin Houck, serves as her state association president, and has been actively involved with her state junior association for 11 years. This year, she competed in the Science Academic Quadrathalon with her school. She has assisted her state association in maintaining a positive on-line presence and would even like to implement an office for a media specialist on her state association’s junior board. Houck is currently attending Kansas State University, working towards a degree in Animal Science with an option in production and management. She is an active member of the Block & Bridle and Collegiate Cattlewomen’s Club. She is from Americus, Kansas, and is the daughter of Jeff and Lori Houck.

Jody Baragary describes the AJSA as an outlet of endless opportunities. After serving as a member for only three years, she was elected to the Board of Trustees where she has been able to step outside her comfort zone, challenge herself, and take on new experiences. She currently attends Kansas State University where she is majoring in Business Marketing and Animal Science and Industry. While at school, she served as a co-chair for the Tough Enough to Wear Pink Campaign, hosted by the Collegiate CattleWomen. She is from Tonganoxie, Kansas and is the daughter of William and Kathy Baragary.