Seven Magic Valley youths were awarded scholarships in conjunction with the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program at this year’s Twin Falls County Fair. The scholarships were awarded on the basis of excellence in program participation.

Kayleigh Reitsma of Jerome, Idaho was awarded $500 by the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program Scholarship Committee. Kayleigh was active in the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program for eight years as a member of the Rappin Dairy Heifer Brigade 4-H Club. During her participation Kayleigh earned reserved grand champion showman honors. Kayleigh is a recent graduate from Magic Valley Christian High School.

Taylor Davis of Twin Falls, Idaho was awarded $750 by the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program Scholarship Committee. Taylor was active in the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program for four years as a member of the Milky Way 4-H Club, serving as its vice president and secretary. Taylor recently graduated from Filer High School and will be continuing her education as she pursues a nursing degree.

Lael Schoessler of Kimberly, Idaho and a recent graduate of Kimberly High School, was awarded $1000 by Vantage Dairy Supplies. As a member of the Kimberly FFA Lael completed two years in the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program. Lael’s future plans are to attend College of Southern Idaho and complete his studies at the University of Idaho. Lael’s career goal is to become a successful dairyman.

Gabrielle Machado of Buhl, Idaho and a recent graduate of Castleford High School, was awarded $1000 by Amalgamated Sugar Company. Gabrielle participated in the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program for six years as a member of the Funny Farm 4-H Club and Castleford FFA. Gabrielle is continuing her education at a private college in the Midwest, studying journalism.

Kimberly Dolecheck of Twin Falls, Idaho was awarded $1000 by D. L. Evans Bank. Kimberly participated in the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program for six years as a member of the Bovine Brigade 4-H Club, serving in various leadership positions. Kimberly represented Idaho at the National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. Future plans are to pursue a nursing degree.

The Magic Valley Dairyman’s Golf Tournament Association awarded two scholarships at this year’s event; a $1500 scholarship to Jessica Callen of Hazelton, Idaho, who was active in 4-H programs for 10 years and completed her fourth year in the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program by selling a springer heifer at this year’s Program Sale. Jessica was an active member of the Animals R Us 4-H Club. Jessica is headed to BYU-Idaho, where she will begin her studies in pre-veterinary science.

Fifteen-hundred dollars was also awarded by the Magic Valley Dairyman’s Golf Tournament Association to Katie Busby of Buhl, Idaho. Katie participated in 4-H programs for nine years and the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program for four years as a member of the Milky Way 4-H club. Katie earned grand champion 4-H dairy record book honors for eight years straight at the Twin Falls County Fair. A recent graduate of Buhl High School, Katie is attending Boise Bible College, where she is studying for a degree in theology, with emphasis on Greek studies.

Because of generous donations of local businesses and individuals, more than $7,200 dollars in scholarships were awarded to qualifying participants, helping them to pursue their college careers. The Magic Valley Dairy Heifer Program, in its nineteenth year, is an educational program whose purpose is to increase the knowledge and interest of the dairy industry in the youth of Idaho’s Magic Valley. PD