To say the Highland Cattle Foundation is enthusiastic about supporting our young breeders, is an understatement. Over the past 24 years we have been privileged to support 80 youth in their journey through education and training, totaling a whopping $108,500! Wow, not bad for this little Foundation that was started by a small group of producers who wanted to better the breed and Association. This math equation makes us smile as encouraging these youth is one of our missions. This year we bring you three AHCAj members who have started their postsecondary education in three completely different fields. Let us introduce you to this wonderful group of ladies.
Claire Grimes Waynetown, IN
Claire is from Waynetown and is the daughter of Jason and Krystal Grimes. In high school at North Montgomery, she was active in FFA as Reporter and Treasurer and also kept busy in 4-H as a ten-year member. She played girls golf and community service included Kids Against Hunger, packages for needy kids, college care packages and volunteering at the farmers market. McPeaks Be a Champ Camp and participation in Highland shows across the country are a highlight, including the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis and National Junior Show in Denver. Shelle Norman, North Montgomery English teacher, says, “I have been very impressed with her exceptional drive and work ethic both in my classroom and everyday life. She is a highly motivated student and an even better person, and I am confident that she will continue to succeed in all of her future endeavors”. Claire is attending Purdue University and majoring in Animal Science. Her goal is to become an embryologist and work to improve the percentage of conception. She has already learned and practiced artificial insemination. AHCA member Pearl Walthall writes, “After meeting Claire, the questions to learn and thrive in the cattle industry have been endless. She looks at the livestock industry with a scientific viewpoint and has a quest to succeed in the field of cattle management with an emphasis on reproductive physiology”.
Abigail Hagge Buffalo, WY
Abigail moved to Buffalo not long ago with her parents Danielle and Regg and jumped right into school. She is an avid athlete playing basketball, soccer and participating in dance. She also was actively involved in 4-H, FFA, FBLA and volunteered for Special Olympics as a mentor, Friends Feeding Friends, Santa’s Workshop and Meals on Wheels. Buying her first cow in 2011, she has since attended more Highland sales, showed at her county fair and at the Cornhusker Classic in York, NE. Beverly Boden, Agriculture Education instructor, states, “Abigail has shown strong initiative and responsibility through her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) where she raises Highland cattle”. For many years she was planning to be a paramedic. When she was 14, she was diagnosed with epilepsy and realized she needed a lot of sleep which she says was hard as a teenager. Soon after she shadowed a kindergarten teacher for a year and knew this would still allow her to help others but just in a different way. Her love for small children may come from being one of six kids and she hopes to be a well-loved K-2 teacher. She’s studying at Sheridan College majoring in Elementary Education. Buffalo Business teacher Kami Kennedy says, “Her cheery personality and upbeat spirit will help her accomplish her goals. She is well-rounded and has proven what she can accomplish in many different areas of her life”.
Addison Upton Sheridan, IN
Addison lives with her mom, Danielle, in Sheridan and has recently started her cosmetology program at Freestyle Academy for Hair in Lebanon. This trade school has a rigorous program with a 1500 hour curriculum. She plans to work as an apprentice in a salon after graduation. In high school she had an impressive 3.5 GPA while staying busy playing softball, participating and holding officer positions in FFA and performing community service at the Hamilton Humane Society. She always enjoyed her Highlands and says they taught her responsibility, patience and time management while building her confidence. Co-worker Image Warren says, “Addison excels in being punctual with time and demonstrates this every day. She shows up to work 15 to 30 minutes early to learn her tasks for the day before her shift even starts. Beyond professional excellence, Addison is just an all-around positive person to be associated with”. Ashlynn Green, Social Studies teacher explains, “As Addison’s teacher, I quickly noticed her desire to better herself in the classroom. Her commitment to assignments and projects demonstrated her capabilities and attention to detail. Throughout the years, Addison has proven that with hard work and determination, any goal can be achieved. Her creativity and strive for success not only make her stand out, but it is a prime characteristic of who she is”.