It never seizes to amaze us about how incredible these kids are who apply for our HCF scholarships. We say “our”, but really they are “your” scholarships, only possible due to all the giving Highland breeders who purchase genetics, donate to silent auctions, send unsolicited donations and find other ways to support the program throughout the year. It’s humbling that you entrust us to find the very best for these awards and we are never surprised at the caliber of candidates. They all care for and love their Highland cattle. More often than not, they write about how the breed has helped them grow and has changed their lives for the better. Kudos are well deserved for stellar grades, top notch athletic abilities and working hard at part time jobs. Yet what really strikes us, is how they serve their communities and help others through countless hours of volunteering and their very personal stories about moving through life challenges. Join us in celebrating these youth and their accomplishments so far. We have no doubt there is much more to come!
HAYDEN BALL Joplin, MO
Hayden is the son of Eric and Tammy Ball and their family has owned their farm for six years and Highlands for one. He’s been working on and off the farm since he was 15. FFA was a huge part of high school, earning his FFA Chapter Degree, FFA chapter top 10% leadership participation, serving as Parliamentarian, and being selected to attend the National Convention all 4 years. His ag experience didn’t end there, he raised and sold quail and went to the Graham School for Cattlemen where he learned to preg check, AI, deliver calves and all facets of herd health and nutrition. His junior year he started his own herd of AHCA registered cattle with a $10,000 loan which he paid off in July 2024. He says he has a tremendous bond with his starter herd and his family’s cattle. Hayden plans on continuing to help with the farm through college. Job shadowing a radiologist last year, he realized how much he enjoys the medical field. Always being exposed to it, since his mom is a nurse, Hayden now plans to attend Pittsburg State University for his Pre Med classes and will finish his radiology degree at University of Missouri-Kansas City. Kristina Alford, faculty at Carl Junction High School, fondly states, “He has a biting wit and sometimes ridiculous sense of humor that ensures our senior enrichment class was always interesting. I wish every student had the ability to look beyond the self, the way Hayden does”.
TRISTIN CARMACK Pleasureville, KY
Tristin, along with her parents Jeremy and Kristin, have been very active on the Highland show circuit for the last 6 years along with running a busy agri-tourism business where visitors learn about the farm and interact with the animals. They have attended many shows including MAHA, Southeast, NWSS, Cornhusker Classic, North Central, NAILE and Tristin has also been to several showmanship clinics. While in high school, she served as FFA President. Also active in Ren Crew, students contributed to improving the school culture and fostering a positive environment. Rock Squad was yet another place she played a key role, promoting school spirit, helping to create an atmosphere of enthusiasm and pride. Marlee Lewis, ELA teacher at Shelby County High School, says, “Tristin’s academic excellence is complemented by her natural curiosity and a drive to succeed. Her social nature and ability to connect with others make her an asset to any community she is part of”. Tristin is now at the University of Kentucky studying Agricultural Economics. Her biggest goal is to own and operate a reproductive service company, where she can perform artificial insemination and have a vet work under her while handling the embryo transfer work. Breeding their Highlands sparked her interest in reproduction and genetics and pushed her to get AI certified.
SIDNEY ERTEL South Williamsport, PA
Sidney lives with her parents Kenneth and Shana and siblings near South Williamsport. Super involved in high school she was Class Secretary, Key Club Editor, Minithon Fundraiser Chair and part of Select Choir, theater and the Penn College Leadership Program. In addition she served as President, Secretary and Vice President for the Keystone Kountry 4-H Club. Varsity tennis was a favorite where her coach Theresa Summerson tells us, “Every year I give an award to who best displays team spirit. I usually give it to a parent or fan and have never given it to a player until this year. Sidney was the recipient as she created a culture on the team of kindness. Any time the team was planning to do something outside of practice or matches, she would invite all the girls. Although she was a talented varsity player, she was always aware of girls who might not feel included. She exemplifies the finest qualities of team spirit”. Growing up with Highlands most of her life, she and her family traveled across country on an unforgettable trip to the 75th Anniversary Gathering in June 2023. The goal to exhibit Highlands at the Lycoming County Fair was accomplished recently, first of the breed ever at her fair. Pennsylvania State University is her chosen college. She is majoring in the Division of Undergraduate Studies. With a passion to become a doctor, teacher or even a scientist, this pre-major helps undecided students narrow down their career path.
GRACYN FOSTER Laurel, MS
Hailing from Mississippi where Gracyn lives with her parents, Tim and Anderle, she is finishing up at her local community college then headed to either Mississippi State or Texas A&M. Her goal is a bachelors degree in Animal Science, then to pursue a law degree focused on ag law and policy. She has seen the challenges that come with raising livestock along with how complicated laws and lack of representation can create barriers for those in the industry. Her road to success is well paved as she served recently as the Mississippi State FFA Vice President, was FFA Chapter President and National Delegate and also Jasper County 4-H President. Traveling nationally and mentoring other members was an important part of serving as the National Santa Gertrudis Director and Queen. She brought a Highland female into the show ring, believed to be the first time in her state’s history, which gave her the opportunity to create an agtourism and ag education system around her cow. Kenneth Paker, Ag Educator at West Jones High School, boasts that, “Through participation in these organizations, Gracyn has developed exceptional leadership skills and served admirably in helping students across the state and nation realize their full potential. She is a true leader with a servant’s heart and I have no doubt that she will continue her pattern of excellence”.
HENRY HOISINGTON Baltimore, OH
Henry is the son of Ryan and Amber Hoisington and was extremely involved with a lengthy list of extracurricular activities including FFA, 4-H, varsity soccer, band camp counselor, junior fair board and several more. Some of the highlights include: Junior Varsity Soccer Defensive Player of the Year; Front Percussion Ensemble for State Award Winning Superior HS Marching Band; FFA State Winner Ag Sales, National Convention 5th Place Parliamentary Procedure, First Place Team in National Critical Thinking Test; Fairfield County Junior Fairboard President; Wild About Animals 4-H Club President and 4-H State Achievement Award Winner for Ohio Township Association Local Government Award. The journey to where he is today started with buying three Highlands and he is thankful. He was recently elected as the Ohio State FFA Vice President and is serving that role now. Henry plans to obtain a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at Ohio University; designing new pieces of hardware to benefit the medial industry. Joe Carter, Life Science Educator at Bloom Carroll High School says, “I do not doubt Henry’s integrity and he is one of the students that I would trust completely. He is a man of his word and I know that he will do what he says to the best of his ability. He is one of the most all around talented and respected students I have ever had and I know he will go on to make a difference to help others”.
JACOB HOUSEHOLDER Somerset, OH
Ohio is home to Jacob along with parents Tim and Shelley. He has started his Animal Science/Pre-Vet degree at Eastern Oklahoma State College where he is also on the livestock judging team. He has shown livestock for as long as he can remember. His family has been heavily involved in raising club lambs, show pigs and Shorthorn and Highland cattle. This was a hobby he always enjoyed and led him to his college ambitions. He never thought he would be showing Highlands as he knows they are still kind of “foreign” to many in the show ring. The family decided to take a chance and since then he has brought home banners at two shows in the Ohio Best Series as well as multiple other jackpots. He won Reserve Champ AOB Heifer at the Ohio Beef Expo, one of the biggest shows in the state. In high school he wrestled, played football, was a member of the National Honor Society and served as Vice President and Secretary of the Sheridan FFA. He worked with Brinker Livestock the last two years. Ian Brinker tells us, “Jacob’s ability to apply academic knowledge to real-world situations has been impressive and he continuously seeks to learn and improve his skills. Time management has allowed him to balance work commitments, with academic and athletic excellence, demonstrating the same level of dedication in all areas. His passion for the industry will make him an asset”.
SOPHIE PARROTT Chesterfield, MA
Sophie, daughter of Jonathan and Kate Parrott, has raised Highlands with her family for the last 15 years. She has been a JAM Fund sponsored bike racer for the last 8 years and the 2024 U19 New England Cyclocross Champion. In addition to this unique sport, she also lettered in Cross Country and competed regionally as a Nordic Ski racer. She is concerned about the impacts of climate change and can see the repercussions on the farm. The family’s sugar maples release their sap unpredictably and it is increasingly more difficult to track their cycle. These consequences of climate change are affecting financial security of her rural community. Neighbors can’t seem to produce enough hay, crops or syrup. Sophie wants to be part of the solution, especially in rural American farm towns. She believes she can best help her community by influencing both the regulatory structure and environmental law. This has led to her starting her major in Pre-Environmental Law at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Tom Hoogendyk with Northampton Cycling Club has known Sophie since she first participated in their programs at age 10. He says, “Sophie was always quick to offer encouragement, support and praise when a rider struggled with a difficult obstacle or steep incline. Rather than focusing on being first or best, she was most concerned about keeping the groups she led together in the woods and making sure everyone was doing well on the trail”.
EASTON SCOTT Franklin, KY
Easton is the son of Gina and Bobby Scott. He was busy in high school with Beta Club, FFA, FBLA and 4-H. He started working on a Highland farm, Twisted T Ranch, that he found on Facebook almost two years ago. He wasn’t raised on a farm but was always interested in them. He realized working there that he loves cattle! Raising them, breeding, selling and watching new life be brought into the world are intriguing to him. Before working on the farm he didn’t know what he was going to do after high school. However, he just started Agribusiness at Western Kentucky University and is planning to run his own cattle business someday. Abigail Phillips, Franklin-Simpson High School Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor, says, “Easton has been a remarkable student in my agriculture program over the past few years. I have had the privilege of teaching him in several greenhouse courses and have witnessed firsthand his dedication, hard work and resilience. He has excelled as a member of the Floriculture Team, demonstrating not only his passion for agriculture but his ability to work collaboratively with peers. His strong performance on the Nursery Team further showcases his commitment and skill in the field. His work experience has provided him with practical skills and a robust work ethic that will serve him well in his future endeavors”.
EMMA SYVERSON Clinton, WI
Emma is the daughter of Ashley and Kevin Hoffman and Rick Syverson. She grew up raising Highland cattle and showed livestock through 4-H. Showing has taught her hard work and dedication and it has also given her life long friendships. In high school she was Captain of Varsity Cheer, on the Southern Wakes United Water Ski Team and an active member of FFA, where she competed on their Dairy Cattle Evaluation Team at the World Dairy Expo. Jessica Clapper, former Walworth County Swine Superintendent tells us, “Emma is an outstanding student who excels in her coursework, including multiple advanced placement classes. Beyond her academic achievements, she is a role model for younger students in our community. She actively engages with them, inspiring them to pursue their own goals with determination and confidence. She approaches challenges with resilience and enthusiasm, qualities that will undoubtedly serve her well in her future career pursuits”. Emma is attending University of Wisconsin- Whitewater at Rock County (URock) to get her general education courses completed for Speech and Language Pathology. Then she plans to transfer to UW-Whitewater to get her master’s degree. Always with a passion for helping others, this has led her to her career aspirations. She hopes to work in a school where she can help kids in need learn the proper ways of speech to feel comfortable and confident in the way they talk.