The Distinguished $20,000 Sullivan Supply / Stock Show University Scholarship 2018 Recipients
Since the inception of the Distinguished $20,000 Sullivan Supply/Stock Show University Scholarship in 2008, we have gifted over $200,000 to an elite group of young individuals with unmatched talent. This year we received 1,479 applications from 44 states and Canada. It’s been our great pleasure to see these kids grow within this great livestock industry. It’s because of them that we are so highly encouraged about what we do, from this scholarship program to Stock Show U clinics, to Junior National sponsorships, to introducing new products to the industry, we are so honored to be a part of it all.
We want to thank our scholarship selection committee of industry leaders (non-Sullivan Supply employees or family members) who spend many hours of volunteer time to help us with this mission.
Congratulations to all 1,479 applicants.
Sincerely,
John Sullivan, Founder Sullivan Supply and Stock Show University
Kiersten Jass, Garner, IA
Kiersten is the perfect example of what we believe the Sullivan scholarship stands for. Competitive, humble and a true leader that excels with her cow herd, on the American Junior Simmental Board and showmanship. She is responsible for all day to day activities in the show barn and her cow herd.
Sydney Zehnder, Stanchfield, MN
President of the Junior Red Angus Event, champion senior showman at the North American Junior Red Angus Event, has shown numerous national level champions in the Red Angus and Charolais breeds. Develops mentoring programs for youth, a true leader.
Garrett Stanfield, Manchester, OH
Garrett believes in giving back with his time to the community and the ag industry. His involvement includes nursing home visits, Ronald McDonald house, American Junior Simmental Association Board and FFA President. Yet, he finds the time to advance his show career by attending Stock Show University Clinics and being the 2016 Ohio State Fair Premier Exhibitor.
Sponsored with Highland Livestock Supply, White Show Supply, Ohio Valley Show Supply and Provico Show Supply.
Hannah Williams, Kearney, NE
This National Junior Hereford Association Board Director and third generation Hereford breeder has been highly involved with a decorated FFA career. She is the winner of elite showmanship competitions and a highly competitive Hereford heifer exhibitor that has turned her interests to embryo transfer, and a possible future vet.
John Gellerman, Petersburg, IL
The humble fighter with passion that won’t give up. John’s bred and owned champions and involvement in nighttime cow checks, responsibilities in the show barn and the cow herd can’t be matched. His love for livestock leads to his motto, “Cattle is life is cattle.”
Macey Goretska, Corydon, IA
A state FFA livestock judging champion, President of her 4-H club, along with Grand Champions at the National Western Stock Show, American Royal, and Iowa State Fair. This Stock Show University Clinic graduate can fit and clip with the best of them.
Austin Berenda, Earl Park, IN
Austin is a highly decorated National FFA leader. He is President and on the boards of multiple junior organizations. A tireless work ethic, 4.0 GPA, a list of outstanding community services and activities that make him a genuine all-star in every arena.
Sponsored with Sullivan Supply, Justin Shoufler.
Shelby Weinrich, Willows, CA
A powerhouse swine showman with Champions at the World Pork Expo and Arizona National Livestock Show. This future lawyer believes failure is a great motivator and teacher. California Pork Producer’s Junior Board President, 4-H, and FFA President. She is committed to her industry.
Sponsored with Sullivan Supply West.
Jake Sims, Edmond, OK
Highly involved Director in Oklahoma Junior Cattleman’s Association and Junior Hereford Association of Oklahoma. National accomplished show wins include: National Hereford Show Heifer of the year, major wins at the American Royal, National Western Stock Show, Oklahoma Youth Expo and Tulsa State Fair. Future pre-med student is as bright as he is competitive.
Sponsored with Sullivan Supply, Charles Hill.
Savannah West, Channing, TX
Can you say Madam President? Savannah is President of Texas Junior Hereford Association, County 4-H Council, her FFA chapter, National Honors Society and her High School class. All this while showing the 2016 and 2017 Hereford Steer Champions at Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.
Tyler Bush, Britton, SD
An All-American 4-H livestock evaluator and winner of the coveted South Dakota U Fit It contest. This sixth generation cattleman has a burning fire to make a big impact on the Angus breed. His commitment to lead a purebred operation is his passion.
Ben Jensen, Courtland, KS
Ben is an outstanding example of the Sullivan Supply scholarship program. He is highly successful in multiple arenas, state livestock judging team champion, captain of his football team, president of his 4-H club, scholars bowl captain, FFA awards and champion steer at the Kansas Junior Livestock Show. Ben is that workhorse with integrity that people respect.
Sponsored with Valley Vet Supply.
Cade Van Vliet, Otley, IA
Cade is an outstanding livestock exhibitor with multiple champions at National Western Stock Show, North American International Livestock Exposition and the American Royal. He is the leader and captain of a three-time state champion football team. And rounds it off with numerous junior national team fitting championships. A polite and humble winner.
Keanna Smith, Ignacio, CO
Keanna focuses on her Simmental bred and owned program. Highlights include breeding a triple crown winning Simmental bull. This American Junior Simmental Association board of trustees member does her own genetic mating selection and has a deep passion for helping others.
Sponsored with Freeman Show Supply.
Kathy Lehman, Shelby, OH
A powerhouse junior livestock exhibitor that has had champions at numerous major livestock shows. Yet, the most impressive thing about Kathy is how she quietly does her own daily show barn work and can fit and show with the best of them.
Sponsored with Highland Livestock Supply, White Show Supply, Ohio Valley SHow Supply and Provico Show Supply.
Blakelee Hayes, Ada, OK
Blakelee blazed her own trail. Her desire to succeed in the livestock ring started at a young age and was her choice. That lead to numerous champions. Her 24-head herd is her bred and owned pride. She is a highly decorated national 4-H and FFA member.
Sponsored with Sullivan Supply, Charles Hill.
Tyler Allan, Schulenburg, TX
Tyler is a national champion with his cattle and in showmanship but that does not define him. He is a highly accomplished FFA livestock evaluator, tremendous athlete with academic excellence awards. Being one of the best young fitters in the country, rounds out a complete package.
Cameron Catrett, Luverne, AL
This Alabama FFA State President, Alabama Junior Cattleman’s Association President, and future veterinarian has developed a love for clipping and fitting cattle as well. Cameron is success driven and can do it all.
Sponsored with Twisted Fitterz Show Supply.
Mason Walker, Prairie Grove, AR
Many are familiar with Mason’s success on the national show circuit, with over 40 grand champions in 14 different breeds. What’s even more impressive is Mason is one of the nicest young men you will ever meet. His work ethic and respect for fellow exhibitors is unmatched.
Kenzie Kretzmeier, Fowler, IN
Powerhouse collegiate livestock evaluator, number one high All-American with Champion teams at both the North American International Livestock Exposition and National Western Stock Show. Past FFA president for the state of Indiana, 4.0 GPA, highly competitive showman in three species.
Sponsored with Sullivan Supply, Justin Shoufler.