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2003 National Jersey Youth Achievement Awards

September 2004

Hard work and dedication, along with a life long love for the Jersey cow, helped Davis Peeler, Starr, S.C., win the 2003 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.

The contest recognizes Jersey youth from across the country for their leadership activities, the breeding and management of their own Jersey cattle and their participation in Jersey activities.

This year there were 15 total applicants in the contest and five in the top 10 are newcomers to the list. Ranking second through tenth respectively are: Joshua M. Parks, Morristown, Tenn.; Kevin Cline, Decorah, Iowa; Amanda Johnson, Molalla, Ore.; Brett Barlass, Janesville, Wis.; Brittany Marcoot, Greenville, Ill.; Kevin Hatfield, Leon, Iowa; Melissa R. Kortus, Lynden, Wash.; Lauren Black, Saluda, S.C.; and Sarah LaFever, Sparta, Tenn.

Nominations for the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest are made by state Jersey organizations. The competition is open to individuals who were between the ages of nine and 19 on January 1, 2003, and who own at least one Registered JerseyTM. The AJCA provides cash awards totaling $3,000 to the top 10 individuals.

The top 10 juniors will be recognized during the Junior Banquet on November 6, 2004, in Louisville, Ky., at the All American festivities.

Davis Peeler
Davis Peeler placed second in last year’s contest, but over the past year, his continuous hard work and dedication with his Jersey herd and the Jersey breed has made him the winner of the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.

Davis’ Registered JerseyTM herd consists of 42 heifers and 44 cows, which are housed at his parent’s dairy, L.D. and Sherrie Peeler, Milky Way Farm, Starr, S.C. In 2003, his herd had a DHIR average m.e. of 20,924–802–699 on 44 completed lactations. In his herd Davis owns five cows that are appraised Excellent and 30 that are Very Good.

Davis’ love affair for the Jersey cow started at a very young age, “When I was tall enough to stand on a milk crate and dip cows’ (teats) I began to participate in farm activities,” explains Davis.

Now, years later he has taken this early responsibility and developed a skill base that aids him in continuously improving his herd. The responsibilities he takes on at home are far more than just the pre-milking ritual. He has a hand in just about everything that goes on at the farm including, milking, feeding, estrus detection, mating and breeding cattle.

Breeding quality Jerseys is a goal that Davis, in spite of his young age, has already achieved. He has bred five bulls that have entered A.I. sampling and for the past five consecutive years, Peelers Brass Major Lissa has been on the national JPI list, where she currently ranks 30th. “Lissa,” is a daughter of Maple Lawn Lester Liza, the foundation of his herd, whom Davis purchased at the 1993 National Heifer Sale, Greensboro, N.C.

To buy this first heifer, Davis saved money he earned showing his Jerseys at various shows and fairs, another love of his. Over the past several years, he has exhibited Jerseys at numerous regional, state and local shows, where he has shown over 20 grand champion females.

On the national level, Davis has participated in the All American festivities, showing in the junior and open shows as well as the National Jersey Jug Futurity. He has been recognized with parent average protein awards at the All American countless times and received the Henry P. Knolle Trophy for the first place-milking yearling of the open show in 1993.

The rigor of preparing his animals for shows educated Davis of the work ethic it takes to be successful not only in the show ring but also in life.

“Through the Jersey cow I have learned that a job worth doing is a job worth doing well. Davis commented, “Cutting corners only costs you more time in the long run.”

This motto is helping Davis sculpt his future. Currently, he is employed full-time on the farm, while his father recovers from a back injury. When his father heals, Davis hopes to attend Clemson University, earning an agri-business degree. Along with this he aspires to market raw milk sales from his farm and implement a processing plant to manufacture All-Jersey products.

Joshua M. Parks
The runner-up in this year’s contest did not let the obstacle of not living on a milking dairy farm stand in his way of success. Joshua M. Parks, Morristown, Tenn., may not live on the same farm as his Jersey cows, but that hasn’t stopped him from achieving goals within his herd.
Joshua, who ranked third in the 2002 contest, is the breeder of Sir Patrick of Aspen Grove, who ranked as high as 10th on the Active A.I. Sire List in 2002. Over the years, Joshua has had 11 cows appraised Excellent and 58 appraised Very Good.

Although his 23 milk cows are housed at Nehs Dairy, Parrottsville, Tenn., Joshua is very involved in the management practices for his Jerseys.

“I am actively involved in evaluating pedigrees and sire summaries to determine mating selections for each cow,” Joshua explained.

Currently, Joshua is focusing on increasing production levels of his herd while maintaining a low inbreeding percentage. In 2003, his 23-cow herd produced a DHIR average m.e. of 19,629–841–707.

Joshua stays busy enough at home with the 25 heifers he manages, together with his father. Here, Joshua is responsible for the total care of the heifers including, feeding, cleaning stalls, vaccinating, dehorning and deworming. He also decides which animals to sell and studies sale catalogs to find animals to buy at sales.

Buying animals at sales has proven successful for Joshua. At the 2000 All American Sale, Louisville, Ky., he purchased Tenn Montana GID Maid. In 2003, Joshua and “Maid” ranked second in the Pot O’Gold Production Contest. He as also had cows grace the AJCA’s Elite Cow List as well as the Honor Roll and Hall of Fame lists. Another highlight individual he purchased is BRJ Berretta Regent Rose. “Rose” was obtained at the first Bush River Treasure Chest Combination Sale. In 2003, “Rose” placed eighth in Division II Youth Production Contest.

Home isn’t the only place Joshua reaps the rewards for his hard work and dedication. Joshua has an avid interest in showing his Jerseys. He has bred and exhibited Aspen Grove Kodis Mirage, three-time supreme champion bred by exhibitor at the Tennessee Valley A&I Fair. He has shown at many other local, state and regional fairs as well as the All American Junior Show.

“Showing my Jerseys has taught me to exhibit good sportsmanship as well as sharpen my abilities in selecting and fitting for the competitions,” Joshua attested.

Currently, Joshua is a sophomore at Walters State Community College, Morristown, Tenn., concentrating on Animal Sciences. Upon graduating with an Associates Degree he has plans to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va., to major in Dairy Science.

My participation in Jersey activities has aided in my personal development, giving me confidence in my abilities as well as mapping out my career choice,” Joshua said.

Kevin Cline
During the winter of his tenth grade year of high school third-ranked Kevin Cline, Decorah, Iowa, experienced a football injury that made him unable to go to complete his chores on the farm. It was then that his father found a new job for him, the farm’s financial records. This was interesting and challenging for Kevin but opened his eyes to his future.

A sophomore at Iowa State University (ISU), majoring in finance, Kevin, son of Dennis and Cheryl Cline, knows that the experiences from his time on Golden Dream Farm has instilled a work-ethic and professionalism that will benefit him and his future career.

Kevin, who placed fourth in last year’s contest, is able to come home from school on the weekends and during breaks to work on the farm. Kevin mixes and administers the total mixed ration (TMR) to the milking herd. During the summer break Kevin is responsible for maintaining the rotational grazing system used at the farm. This includes rotating cows to new pastures, moving the water supply and mineral blocks, maintaining fences and clipping the paddocks. His current herd consists of three bulls, four heifers and seven cows. On five completed records, his herd produced a 2003 DHIR average m.e. of 15,190–769–557.

He continues to be an asset in record keeping for the farm. He records heats, births and information for individual cow health records on the farm. With continuous test results coming in there are always updates to be done.

These responsibilities on the farm and a class load would be enough to keep anyone busy. However, Kevin still finds time to participate in local and state shows and activities. He has shown at the Iowa State Fair for many years placing in the top ten numerous times. At the Winneshiek County Fair, he has won countless champion honors as well has production awards with his Jerseys. He has also been named top Jersey showman at the state fair and has taken the blue ribbon in each of the showmanship classes offered at his county fair.

Kevin has been a member of the Iowa State Dairy Club for two years. He has attended the American Dairy Science Association-Student Affiliated Division (ADSA-SAD) regional conference and has been involved in many of the club’s other events.

Kevin is currently working with researchers from ISU to study the content of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) in milk from grazing herds and comparing Jerseys to other dairy breeds.

“The Jersey cow is the most profitable converter of feed and forage to milk,” Kevin said. “She needs to continue to improve, it may be for a fluid milk market, for processor who needs higher component milk or a specialty product such as pharmaceutical use. This kind of Jersey will not only be profitable for her current owners but will draw more interest of those dairy producers wanting to compete in an even more competitive dairy industry.”

Amanda Johnson
“My Jersey cows have given me so many opportunities during my life and it is exciting just thinking about what they will help me with in the future,” Amanda Johnson, Molalla, Ore., says as she thinks about her past and dreams of her future.

Amanda, daughter of Reed and Shirley Johnson, ranked fourth in this years contest, moving up two places from last year.

Through her many years of work with Registered Jerseys, Amanda has developed a herd that consists of two bulls, 22 heifers and 28 cows. She takes advantage of many of the programs offered by the AJCA, including type appraisal. The September 2003 evaluation gave Amanda 20 Very Goods, two Excellents and a herd average of 83.1%. On 26 lactations her herd produced a DHIR average m.e. of 18,679–915–704. Last year she was honored as the 10th place winner in Division II of the 2002 National Jersey Youth Production Contest with Poseidon Kitty of Fallen Oak.

On the farm Amanda’s early responsibility was to care for all calves less than four months of age and the fresh and sick cows. Within the last year she underwent knee replacement surgery and since has been limited to keeping records and driving a clutch-free tractor. Instead of letting this discourage her, she found it to be a great learning experience.
“I do book work for our farm,” Amanda explained, “This helped me learn more about farming than I ever realized.”

While her work on the farm has given her a sound set of skills, Amanda credits her show ring, FFA and 4-H experiences for broadening her horizon even more.

“By showing at the fairs, dairy judging and other Jersey related competitions, my Jerseys have helped me be more outgoing and gain more confidence,” Amanda says.

She has shown at her county fair for many years, winning junior and grand champion honors several times. She has also exhibited at the Western National show, and in 2002 exhibited Futures Nichole of Fallen Oak, the first place five- year-old cow.

These experiences helped Amanda become the 2002 Oregon State Jersey Queen, win a gold at national FFA contests and be named the State Star Farmer of Oregon.

Amanda is a freshman at Oregon State University where she is majoring in general agriculture. Upon receiving her bachelor’s degree, she aspires to obtain a master’s degree in agricultural education, staying true to her love for the FFA.

Brett Barlass
“My experience growing up working with Jerseys has been one of the leading factors influencing my growth and maturity,” says fifth-ranked Brett Barlass, Janesville, Wis.

Through his years at Barlass Jerseys, Brett has been responsible for just about everything dealing with his Jersey cows, from feeding and milking to caring for calves. He administers vaccinations, dehorns and tattoos calves, detects heats and does some breeding on the farm. All of this work allows him to be the manager in charge when his parents are not at the farm.

Brett, son of William and Marion Barlass, is currently a sophomore at Cornell University, majoring in animal science with an emphasis on dairy. Upon graduating, he has hopes of returning to the family farm. With this in mind, Brett helps his family make improvements to the farm, building a new commodity shed, cleaning fence rows and assisting with field work.

“When I am home from college, I try to make improvements on the farm that will make our dairy run more efficiently, cows more comfortable and increase profits,” Brett said.

Brett’s Registered Jersey herd currently consists of one bull, eight heifers and 11 cows. In 2003, his herd completed 10 lactations for a DHIR actual production average of 19,619 lbs. milk, 1,061 lbs. fat and 716 lbs. protein. Brett takes part in the type evaluation program. Since 2000, Brett has had 12 cows appraised Excellent and 21 appraised Very Good.

A 12-year veteran of 4-H and a six-year member of the National FFA Organization, Brett found himself at numerous fairs and events. He has been a member of the dairy judging team for Wisconsin 4-H and his FFA chapter. At his county fair, Brett was in charge of his show string and won production awards from 1995 through 2003. At the state level, Brett also won production awards and exhibited many class winners. Brett also takes animals to the All American Junior Jersey Show and World Dairy Expo.

Taking care of these animals for the show, has taught Brett a lot of responsibility. He was in charge of his 4-H club’s display at the county fair and was named herdsman of the 40-head county exhibit at the state fair.

In everything he has done, Brett has learned career developing skills. “Working with other dairy youth has taught me leadership skills. Judging taught me communication skills. Working with animals taught me patience and persistence,” Brett said.

Brittany Marcoot
For many people, finding one’s passion could take years. This is not the case for the sixth-ranked Brittany Marcoot, Greenville, Ill. She found her passion some 19 years ago.

With her passion leading the way, Brittany has built her herd to 17 Registered Jersey heifers and 25 Registered Jersey cows. In 2003, her herd completed 24 lactations and produced a DHIR average m.e. of 18,106–712–604. She has owned four Excellent cows and 44 Very Goods and many production and JPI leaders in her state. This success came from a lot of hard work on her parent’s, John and Linda Marcoot, Marcoot Jersey Farm, Inc.

“Working on the farm all of my life has provided me with a good work ethic,” Brittany explained, “I have learned that in all that I do, I need to work hard and do it to the best of my ability and responsibility for everything I do.”

Although a freshman at Kaskaskia College majoring in Food Science with an emphasis on dairy foods, Brittany still manages to put in 30 to 40 hours per week on the farm. She is responsible for raising the calves and the afternoon milkings. She also maintains all the calf registrations, transfers, breeding information and all other records on the farm. Another responsibility of Brittany’s is the show string in the summer and fall months. She does all of the clipping and training of show and sale animals.

During these months Brittany exhibits Jerseys at the Illinois State Fair as well as many other county fairs in her area. She has prepared several class winners of these shows as well as production winners at the state fair and high PA protein winners at the All American Jersey Show.

Another passion for Brittany has been the FFA organization. Through the FFA, she was the 2003 winner of the Dairy Production Entrepreneurship in the state of Illinois. She also has judged on dairy judging teams through the organization, where she was ranked 10th high individual in the state for 2003. She has been recognized as Most Outstanding Agricultural Student in 2003 and received the Dekalb Award in the same year.

With her associate’s degree Brittany plans to attend a university with a high quality Food Science program, emphasizing in dairy foods. Her future career choice is to be a product developer.

“I want to develop products that will appeal to consumer’s desires for a more flavorful, more nutritious product: products that contain Jersey milk,” Brittany stated.

With her deep passion for the Jersey breed driving her, Brittany knows she will experience future success in achieving her goals.

Kevin Hatfield
For the third consecutive year, Kevin Hatfield, Leon, Iowa has been in the top 10 of the National Youth Achievement Contest. In this year’s contest he ranks seventh. He is the son of the 1980 National Youth Achievement Contest Winner, Jerry and Terri Hatfield.

Kevin is employed full-time at the family’s Hatfield Jersey Farm as a farm and herd assistant. His herd, consisting of 16 cows and eight heifers, are housed there. Being at the farm full-time, allows Kevin to be instrumental in the development and improvement of his herd and family dairy. He assists in all aspects of the herd including administration of vaccinations, regular pregnancy checks and identifying calves through tattoos. He also determines the rations, mixes and distributes the feed to proper animals. An added responsibility is mowing, raking and baling hay while maintaining the farm’s machinery.

“I have been helping with chores on the farm since I was very young,” commented Kevin, “Now, with time and experience, I feel confident doing any activity required on the dairy farm.”
Kevin’s herd produced a DHIR actual average production of 17,592 lbs. milk, 726 lbs. fat and 637 lbs. protein on 12 completed lactations. On his last herd appraisal, Kevin had 11 Excellent cows and three Very Good cows. To retain his herd’s type and production Kevin breeds his animals for production longevity while emphasizing feet and legs.

“My cows are on cement at all times, therefore a larger strain is placed on the feet and legs. Because of this cows may have decreased production and are taken out of the herd at an early age,” Kevin said.

One activity that Kevin has excelled in is showing his Registered Jerseys at the Iowa State Fair and other local shows. At the state fair, Kevin has exhibited countless class winners and champions along with production contest winners. He has won the showmanship contest from 1994 to 2003, at the Decatur County Fair.

For the past 15 years Kevin has been involved in a variety of agricultural organizations. He has been recognized as the winner of the District Dairy award through 4-H and received other medals and belt buckles for leadership, scholarship and citizenship. In the FFA organization he was named his chapter’s Star Chapter Farmer and helped the chapter organize events for the community, including petting zoos that he provided with Jersey calves.

The future remains bright for Kevin and his herd. He plans to stay at the family farm caring for his Jersey cows and hopes to expand with beef cattle.

Melissa R. Kortus
Twelve years ago, eighth-ranked Melissa R. Kortus asked her parents, Randy and Jana, for either a horse or a Jersey calf for her birthday. She got the calf and hasn’t looked back.

Currently, Melissa’s Registered Jersey herd, consisting of two bulls, 20 heifers and 20 cows, is housed on her family’s Mainstream Jersey Farm, Lynden, Wash. Since 1999 her herd has had a DHIR actual average production of over 20,000 lbs. milk. In 2003 her herd set new records for milk, fat and protein production. On 19 completed records Melissa’s herd produced an impressive 25,904 lbs. milk, 1,221 lbs. fat and 900 lbs. protein, the best in the nation among all herd sizes.

In the summer of 1996, Melissa purchased a group of heifers that included one very special individual. That was Lagerweys 285 Silky. In 1999 “Silky” won the National Youth Production Contest. Melissa made the decision to breed “Silky” to Mason Boomer Sooner Berretta, the result, a heifer calf she named Mainstream Berretta Joy. One year after “Silky” won the National Youth Production Contest, “Joy” took home the same title. In 2002 and 2003 “Joy” and Melissa received the president’s trophy. Also in 2003, “Joy” set the world production record for milk.
Another successful purchase for Melissa was Enchanted Valley Mannix Winter, who placed second in the 2004 Pot O’Gold Production Contest.

On the farm, Melissa’s main chore is caring for the baby calves. She is in charge of feeding and general care of the calves.

“Caring for the calves is a great joy for me,” Melissa said, “Watching them grow and develop their personalities has always captured my imagination.”

The early care that the calves receive is what she attributes their success to. “Jersey calves need care and devotion every day. If this is done, they will grow up and perform for me,” Melissa commented.

Along with champions in the milk pail, Melissa also exhibits champions in the show ring. She has received numerous grand champion banners from the Northwest Washington Fair. In 2002, she exhibited Lagerweys LS Dixie at the Western National. “Dixie” was named Reserve Senior Champion of the junior show and was the production award winner of the open show.

During high school, Melissa was involved in the FFA organization. Through FFA she was honored with leadership awards and won the state dairy proficiency award.

She is currently a freshman at Ashmead College where she is majoring in massage therapy. Along with traditional massage therapy courses, Melissa is taking large animal massage therapy classes. In the future she plans to use her degree not only on her farm but on others as well. She plans to carry on the traditions she started for herself and continue to milk Jersey cows on her family farm.

Lauren Black
In 1996, ninth-ranked Lauren Black and her family dispersed their Jo-Ren herd. This would have been a big discouragement for most, but Lauren, daughter of Joel and Gail Black, wanted to stay involved. On her family farm, they currently raise replacement heifers but that still isn’t enough. She loves being around the daily activities of a milking herd. So she found a milking herd to “adopt” her and her herd.

Currently, Lauren’s herd is housed at Bush River Jerseys, Newberry, S.C. Her herd consists of five heifers and 13 cows. In 2003, her herd completed 10 lactations with a DHIR average m.e. of 21,205–966–711.

A native of Saluda, S.C., Lauren makes the nearly 25-mile trip to assist with daily farm operations. She has had the opportunity to assist with preparing the show string for local, state, regional and national shows. This has provided Lauren with a sense of responsibility and respect.

Lauren has shown at various fairs over her 14-year career with Jerseys. She has exhibited numerous top 10 animals at the All American Junior Show. She also shows at the South Carolina State Fair, where she has won many blue ribbons and banners for the Jerseys she exhibits. In 2002 she was crowned South Carolina Jersey Queen and competed in Louisville, Ky., for the National Jersey Queen Contest.

“Participating in county state and national events has given me respect for other dairy producers and youth,” Lauren said. “At the various shows I have attended, I am always amazed at the work ethic and responsibility that the Jersey cow has given not only to me but to other youth participating.”

Through her Jersey activities, Lauren had the opportunity to find a passion for another organization, 4-H. While in 4-H she won trips to the National 4-H Dairy Conference, was selected to represent South Carolina as a delegate at the National 4-H Conference, and was awarded with a $500 scholarship to the 4-H National Congress.

At Bush River, she has had the opportunity to assist in many of the embryo transfer procedures that take place on the farm. After many rides along with the veterinarian, Lauren had her career path laid out. She is currently a freshman at Piedmont Technical College where she is working on an associates of Science degree. Upon graduation she aims at a degree in Dairy Science and Food Nutrition from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Sarah LaFever
Rounding out the top 10 in the 2003 National Youth Achievement Contest is Sarah LaFever, Sparta, Tenn. Sarah’s herd consists of 24 heifers and 34 cows, which are housed at LaLu Farms, owned by her parents, David and Linda LaFever. In 2003, her herd produced a DHIR average m.e. of 15,994–734–566.

On the farm, Sarah is responsible for the farm’s 60 replacement heifers and the young stock. In the heifer barn, Sarah is in charge of mixing and feeding the ration to the heifers as well as detecting heats and disease. Sarah also feeds the bottle calves and has become skilled at this.

“By feeding the bottle calves everyday, I have learned to recognize when one is sick or when one is ready to be weaned,” Sarah commented.

Because the lessons she has learned on the family farm are so valuable to her, Sarah and her family host kids from neighboring cities to learn more of the same lessons. They are taught about the many hours of care and dedication it takes to prepare a calf for the show ring.

“My family and I work one-on-one with the children to teach them all the aspects of fitting and showing a dairy heifer,” Sarah explained. “This program has taught me the importance of being a mentor to younger kids and that sometimes paying attention to the smallest detail can make the biggest difference.”

Showing her Registered Jerseys is something that brings Sarah great pride. She has exhibited at county fairs in her area for many years, winning countless blue ribbons. She has also shown at the Tennessee State Junior Show, where she has exhibited numerous production winners. In 2002, Sarah exhibited the Junior All-Tennessee senior yearling in milk.

Through FFA Sarah has had the opportunity to participate in judging contests. She and her team placed first at the 2003 Middle Tennessee Region FFA dairy judging contest, where she was second place individual. In the same year, Sarah was honored with her State FFA Degree.

She is also a member of the Tennessee Junior Jersey Cattle Club. Last year, Sarah was named Outstanding Senior Jersey Girl and crowned the 2003-2004 Tennessee Jersey Queen.

Sarah will graduate from White County High School this year. She then plans to attend Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tenn., majoring in Animal Science. She will continue working on the farm and has plans to increase her herd size.

National Youth Achievement: A Family Tradition

Since it’s beginning in 1957, the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest has been a goal within many families. The list of siblings taking the top spot in the contest started just two years after it was established and continues to grow. This year’s winner, Davis Peeler, adds his name to the list with his sister, Iris, who won in 1997, making them the ninth duo to capture this elite honor.

As one looks over the list of previous winners, one can see the caliber of winners as familiar names of today’s growing industry are among the leaders.

Listed are the siblings and their winning years: J. Howard and Clifford H. Stiles, 1957 and 1959, Mt. Airy, Md.; Kent and Kris Kinzie, 1970 and 1971, Cushing, Okla.; Boyd H. and Calhoun B. Parr, 1971 and 1975, Newberry, S.C.; Tracy E. and Debra L. Stiles, 1973 and 1979, Clear Brook, Va.; V. David and Glenn Calfee, 1978 and 1983, Cleveland, Tenn.; Alan O. and Karin Chittenden, 1988 and 1994, Schodack Landing, N.Y.; Kimberly A. and Timothy A. Billman, 1990 and 1992, West Salem, Ohio; Brian and Kristin Barlass, 1995 and 1999, Janesville, Wis.; and Iris D. and Davis Peeler, 1997 and 2003, Starr, S.C. The father-son duo to win the contest is Ray E. and Kenneth G. Ropp, 1960 and 1991, Normal, Ill.

Winners of the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest:

1957 J. Howard Stiles, Mt. Airy, Md.
1958 David W. Spahr, Findlay, Ohio
1959 Clifford H. Stiles, Mt. Airy, Md.
1960 Ray E. Ropp, Normal, Ill.
1961 Roger Mabry, Springdale, Ark.
1962 William H. Diley, Jr., Canal Winchester, Ohio
Carol J. Rowzee, Newton, Miss.
1963 James Edgerly, Dinuba, Calif.
1964 Stephen P. Bachelor, Angola, Ind.
1965 David G. Bixler, Tulare, Calif.
1966 Allen Kinzie, Cushing, Okla.
1967 Robert Lyon, Traer, Iowa
1968 Loretta J. Armentrout, Jonesboro, Tenn.
1969 Kenneth Kelly, Tupelo, Miss.
1970 Kent Kinzie, Cushing, Okla.
1971 Boyd H. Parr, Newberry, S.C., Kris Kinzie, Cushing, Okla.
1972 Larry A. Schirm, Canal Winchester, Ohio
1973 Tracy E. Stiles, Clearbrook, Va.
1974 Mark G. Smith, Picayune, Miss.
1975 Calhoun B. Parr, Newberry, S.C.
1976 Charles Y. King, Newark, Ohio
1977 Alta Mae Keightley, Harrodsburg, Ky.
1978 V. David Calfee, Cleveland, Tenn.
1979 Debra L. Stiles, Clearbrook, Va.
1980 Jerry Hatfield, Newton, Iowa
1981 Karen Casale, Denair, Calif.
1982 Paula Cloud, Chandler, Okla.
1983 Glenn Calfee, Cleveland, Tenn.
1984 Timothy M. Abbott, Cabot, Vt.T
1985 Denise Smith, Arab, Ala.
1986 Todd Rinkenberger, Atwater, Calif.
1987 Herbert D. Lutz, Jr., Chester, S.C.
1988 Alan O. Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.
1989 Stuart R. Schooley, Niangua, Mo.
1990 Kimberly A. Billman, West Salem, Ohio
1991 Kenneth G. Ropp, Normal, Ill.
1992 Timothy A. Billman, West Salem, Ohio
1993 Julie Kirchdoerfer, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
1994 Karin Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.
1995 Brian Barlass, Janesville, Wis.
1996 Denise Josi, Tillamook, Ore.
1997 Iris D. Peeler, Starr, S.C.
1998 Bryan Marcoot, Greenville, Ill.
1999 Kristin Barlass, Janesville, Wis.
2000 Julia Marie Snodgrass, Morristown, Tenn.
2001 Veronica Steer, Cottage Grove, Tenn.
2002 Rebecca Ferry, Johnstown, N.Y.
2003 Davis Peeler, Starr, S.C.