Last month we talked about the new Ag Youth Leader of The Year program and our first ever recipients. This month, I’d like to take time and introduce the 2023-2024 Ag Youth Distinguished Alumni Scholarship winners. For those who are not familiar with the Ag Youth Distinguished Alumni scholarship program, this is a merit-based scholarship designed to provide aid to former Ag Youth of the Month students with their continued collegiate endeavors. This an exclusive honor open to previous Ag Youth of The Month recipients that requires an application process and formal interview. Each year three students are selected to receive a scholarship ranging from $3,000 - $10,000. One of those students is elected the Star AgVocate and receives the highest amount of scholarship money AgTexas awards which is $10,000. Here is a little bit about this year’s Distinguished Alumni Scholarship winners:
Jett Bradford was born and raised in Panhandle, TX and is currently a junior at Texas Tech University majoring in animal science with a minor in agricultural business. Growing up, he was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA and was very passionate about showing livestock. At Texas Tech, he is currently serving as the President of the Block and Bridle Club and as an Ag Council Representative for Texas Tech University Ambassadors for Agriculture. After graduation he plans to pursue his masters in agricultural business at Texas Tech. Jett was honored at the South Plains Ag Youth Banquet and received a $3,000 scholarship.
Kate Munson is from Shallowater, TX and she is currently a junior at Oklahoma State University and is double-majoring in agricultural communications and agribusiness. She plans to receive her dual degree in May of 2025. Upon graduation she desires to attend law school in Texas and wants to work in the agricultural industry writing policy for the state of Texas. She grew up showing steers with her sister, Caroline, and wants to continue her family’s legacy in the beef cattle industry. Kate was also honored at the South Plains Ag Youth Banquet and received a $3,000 scholarship.
Carmen Kuiper is from Hico, TX and is currently a freshman at Oklahoma State University double-majoring in animal science production and agricultural business farm and ranch management. During her time in Oklahoma, she has been involved in the Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlemen's Club, the Dairy Science Club, and the OSU Undergraduate Stockmans Program. Upon graduation in 2027, she plans to pursue a career within the dairy industry owning and operating her own large scale dairy heifer operation. Carmen was recognized at our Central Texas Ag Youth Banquet where she received the Star AgVocate honor and a $10,000 scholarship. As mentioned earlier, this is the most money AgTexas gives in a single scholarship.
These Distinguished Alumni students are definitely cream of the crop and should feel incredibly proud of themselves for being selected out of several qualified applicants across Texas. We’re excited to see the amazing things they do for the agricultural industry! It’s an honor to play a small role in helping them achieve a higher education. We know they’ll go far! Congratulations Jett, Kate, and Carmen, on a job well done! For all former Ag Youth students, keep a lookout on our social media pages this fall to apply for an Ag Youth Distinguished Alumni Scholarship.
Ag Always,
Hadley Chote
