Junior Holstein Achievements Highlighted at National Holstein Convention

Junior Holstein members showcased their passion for Holstein cows and the dairy industry at the 2026 National Holstein Convention in Orlando, Florida. From June 22 to 25, 2026, over 250 enthusiastic Junior Holstein members participated in the Convention. Throughout the week, youth members engaged in contests and educational speaker sessions, enjoyed the resort venue and tours, and forged new connections.

“It’s great so many people come here with the same passion, and we can all share this experience together,” said Junior Holstein member Mason Ziemba from Durhamville, New York.

Prepared Public Speaking
Forty-nine youth members from across the country showcased their presentation skills during the Prepared Public Speaking contest. Speech topics covered a broad range of dairy industry topics, including whole milk in schools, beef on dairy, social media, the history of Holsteins, auctioneering, and connections between sports and dairy farming.

Junior Division (ages 9-13 as of January 1)
1st place: Annette Clougherty, Maryland
2nd place: Kinley Martin, California
3rd place: Reid Foerder, Illinois

Intermediate Division (ages 14-17 as of January 1)
1st place: Abby Meyer, Wisconsin
2nd place: Brynley Bossard, New York
3rd place: Alivia Wiese, Wisconsin

Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Sophia Geppert, Missouri
2nd place: Elsie Donlick, New York
3rd place: Hadessa Adsit, New York

The Extemporaneous Speaking Contest is the newest Junior Holstein contest and is open to members in the senior division. The contest is designed to help youth develop the ability to think on their feet and broaden their knowledge of current dairy industry topics. Contestants were judged on organization of material, power of expression, voice, stage presence, and response to questions.

Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Sadie Innerst, Pennsylvania
2nd place: Sara Stoltzfus, Pennsylvania
3rd place: Larsen Swan, New York

Folding Display Contest
This year’s Folding Display competition had fifty-two entries. Participants create a free-standing display educating people about a dairy industry-related topic of their choice. Youth are divided into three age divisions, and each division has two categories: Scientific and Creative.

Creative Division
Junior Division (ages 9-13 as of January 1)
1st place: Hailey Willrath, Ohio
2nd place: Hunter Thomas, Washington
3rd place: Rylee Willrath, Ohio

Intermediate Division (ages 14-17 as of January 1)
1st place: Amy Adolphsen, Washington
2nd place: Carson Rauen, Iowa
3rd place: Stratton Wright, Idaho

Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Lillian Finke, Ohio

2nd place: Maya Bicksler, Pennsylvania

Junior Division (ages 9-13 as of January 1)
1st place: Violet Mendez, California

2nd place: Liliana Hackett, Minnesota

Intermediate Division (ages 14-17 as of January 1)
1st place: Emma Uhall, South Carolina
2nd place: Alivia Wiese, Wisconsin
3rd place: Kylee Miller, Minnesota

Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Chelsea Empet, Pennsylvania
2nd place: Madalyn Perry, Vermont
3rd place: Allison Younker, Pennsylvania

Digital State Scrapbook
The Digital Scrapbook Contest gives each state the chance to tell the story of activities and events their Junior Holstein associations take part in each year. Entries are judged on their photo organization, originality, and variety of activities.

1st place: Ohio
2nd place: California
3rd place: Virginia
4th place: Utah
5th place: New England

State Banner
The state banner competition allows states to creatively showcase their associations, displayed throughout the week at the Convention. Judges assess the banners based on promotion of state, Holstein-related content, attractiveness, originality, and overall appearance.

1st place: Ohio
2nd place: California
3rd place: Washington

Mission Membership
One state is recognized each year for increasing their membership. The award is based on percentage growth in Junior memberships from January 1 to June 1 of the current year. Ohio took home the honor for the second consecutive year, adding 22 new members during the period.

NHWSO Awards Scholarships
Six Junior Holstein members were awarded scholarships by the National Holstein Women’s Scholarship Organization (NHWSO) during the National Junior Holstein Convention. Receiving $3,000 scholarships were Ashley Brandel of Wisconsin and Natalie Yoder of Pennsylvania. Receiving $1,500 scholarships were Sara Stoltzfus of Pennsylvania, Ava Kaskela of Pennsylvania, Mykel Mull of California, and Alexis Hoefs of Minnesota.

New Representative Elected to Junior Advisory Committee (JAC)
Three new youth representatives were elected to the National Junior Advisory Committee (JAC) during the National Junior Forum. Abby Meyer was elected to represent Area III, Sophie Geppert was elected to represent Area IV, and Jillian Anderson was elected as the new At-Large member.

The JAC is the governing body of the Junior Association and oversees the organization’s activities. Youth committee members are elected by the Junior membership at the National Junior Forum, and members serve two-year terms.

For more information about Holstein Association USA’s youth programs, visit www.juniorholstein.com or contact Kelli Dunklee, Convention & Youth Programs Manager, at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124, or by email.