Bases Loaded with Opportunity
Over $290,000 in scholarships awarded at the 2026 NJAS in Louisville.
July 24, 2026
These junior members received the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Undergraduate Scholarship at the 2026 NJAS, July 11- 18 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured (from left) are Peyton Alexander of Nemo, Texas; Dalton Birdwell of Bryson, Texas; Ella Coulter of Wentzville, Mo.; Maggie Davis of Bidwell, Ohio; Brooklyn Davis of Winchester, Va.; Ella Ethington of Avon, Ill.; Molly Hansen, Carrington, N.D.; Lilly Jefferies, Canmer, Ky.; Sam Jordan, Savannah, Mo.; Rosalind Kidwell of Gentryville, Ind.; Kaylyn Kiser of Proctor, Texas; Matya Kraft of Fort Collins, Colo.; Claire Murnin of Pompeys Pillar, Mont.; Lyle Perrier of Eureka, Kan.; Hannah Perrier of Eureka, Kan.; Will Phillipello of Bryan Texas; Sydney Sanders of Leesburg, Ohio; and Lauren Wolter of Aviston, Ill.
With the bases loaded for the future, Angus juniors stepped into the spotlight in Louisville, Ky., earning scholarships from the Angus Foundation during the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS). Beyond the banners and the ring, the week celebrated the hard work, dedication and big-league aspirations of young leaders from across the country.
“I was extremely appreciative to receive an Angus Foundation scholarship at NJAS this year,” says Jackson McCurry, Colwich, Kan., recipient of an Angus Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship. “I am thankful for all of the Angus supporters who donate to the scholarship fund. Being given the award motivates me for the upcoming school year and the Angus breed.”
McCurry says the award will help him pursue a degree in agribusiness.
“This scholarship will go directly toward my tuition for the 2026-27 school year at K-State,” he explains. “The award will allow me to pursue a degree while helping mitigate the financial stress of attending a university.”
Like many recipients, McCurry sees the scholarship as an investment not only in his education, but also in the future of the beef industry.
“It has always been my career goal to go home to my family's ranch and continue the legacy my great-great-grandfather built in 1928,” he says. “While I'm interested in opportunities in agricultural lending or cattle procurement after graduation, my dream is to continue our family’s fifth-generation Angus operation in south-central Kansas."
Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded nearly $5 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships.
“The Angus Foundation is thankful for our donors who graciously give to support our young leaders and their future endeavors,” saays Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “We’re proud to be able to make an impact on so many of our outstanding Angus leaders.”
The impact of donor support is not lost on scholarship recipients like McCurry.
“To the donors, I am extremely grateful for your generous support,” McCurry says. “You directly allow me to attend college without accumulating significant financial debt. Your dedication to the breed motivates me and inspires me to do well in the classroom and on the farm.”
Growing up in the Angus breed has played a defining role in shaping McCurry’s character and future aspirations.
“The Angus breed has taught me how to work hard, be determined and be a good person,” he adds. “The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) has given me opportunities to exhibit cattle, compete nationally and strengthen my leadership skills. This industry has shaped me into the person I am today because of the Angus mentors, breeders and Angus family who have invested in me.”
For more news, information and to support the mission of the Angus Foundation, visit www. Angus.org/foundation. A list of scholarship winners follows.
Angus Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships – $4,000
- Cailee Flood of Oakdale, CA
- Alyson Friesen of Arnett, OK
- Bryce Hofing of Coatesville, IN
- Jackson McCurry of Colwich, KS
- Lauren Phillips of Centerville, IA
Angus Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships – $3,000
- Erin Driscoll of Williamsburg, IA
- Sam Greiman of Perry, IA
- Blane Smith of Russell Springs, KY
- Melaina Thiltgen of Republic, MO
- Ava Wood of Willow Spring, NC
Angus Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships – $2,000
- Tymber Billman of Rigby, ID
- Madalyn Carpenter of Wadesboro, NC
- Remi Gardner of Paris, TN
- Cale Jensen of Plainfield, IA
- Charley Johnson of Orlando, OK
- Jacob Marksbury of Buffalo, KY
- Adam Miller of Gridley, IL
- Cohen Navinsky of Winchester, KS
- Karis Waterman of Anderson, IN
- Peyton Wood of Montague, CA
Angus Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships – 13,000
- Bethany Blackwell of Iowa Park, TX
- Erica Driscoll of Williamsburg, IA
- Antoinette Grimes of Winchester, OH
- Clara Henderson of East Troy, WI
- JessaLynn Hudson of Belvidere, NE
- Lucy Jeffries of Canmer, KY
- Charlee Klink of Garden, MI
- Carly Sanders of Leesburg, OH
- Bailey Schuering of Thompson, MO
- Makayla Walker of Toney, AL
Angus Foundation Graduate Scholarship - $5,000
- Alexandria Cozzitorto of College Station, TX
- Alexandra Duckworth of Afton, TN
- Ellie Kidwell of Walhonding, OH
- Blake Long of Big Cabin, OK
- Eliza Patchin of Mitchellville, IA
Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Undergraduate Scholarship – $5,000
- Payton Alexander of Nemo, TX
- Jonwyn Ayres of Powers, OR
- Dalton Birdwell of Bryson, TX
- Ella Coulter of Wentzville, MO
- Margaret Davis of Bidwell, OH
- Brooklyn Davis of Winchester, VA
- Ella Eathington of Avon, IL
- Molly Hansen of Carrington, ND
- Lily Jeffries of Canmer, KY
- Samuel Jordan of Savannah, MO
- Rosalind Kidwell of Gentryville, IN
- Kaylan Kiser of Proctor, TX
- Mataya Kraft of Fort Collins, CO
- Drew Mickey of Taylorville, IL
- Claire Murnin of Pompeys Pillar, MT
- Lyle Perrier of Eureka, KS
- Hannah Perrier of Eureka, KS
- Will Philipello of Bryan, TX
- Sydney Sanders of Leesburg, OH
- Lauren Wolter of Aviston, IL
Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Graduate Scholarship – $10,000
- Ryan Borer of Buchanan, VA
- Catie Collison of Lake City, IA
- Amelia Miller of Gridley, IL
2012 NJAS - In A League of Their Own Kentucky Scholarship – $500
- Lucy Jeffries of Canmer, KY
2012 NJAS - In A League of Their Own Ohio Scholarship – $500
- Margaret Davis of Bidwell, OH
2012 NJAS - In A League of Their Own Tennessee Scholarship – $500
- Remi Gardner, TN
Lou Ann Adams Scholarship
- Morgan Eng of Fitchburg, WI
Adam & Julie Conover Angus Scholarship – $500
- Selby Hulse of Hannibal, MO
C.L. Cook Angus Scholarship – $2,000
- Keely Shultz of Danielsville, GA
Cory Watt Memorial Scholarship – $2,500
- Bryanna Smith of Russell Springs, KY
DeEtta Wood Memorial Scholarship – $1,500
- Ellie Shuping of Morganton, NC
Gordon & Robin Keys & Family Maryland Angus Scholarship – $1,250
- Hayden Hahn of Thurmont, MD
Gordon & Robin Keys & Family Virginia Angus Scholarship – $1,250
- Hayden Hahn of Thurmont, MD
Howard & JoAnne Hillman/ Bon View Farms - State Scholarship – $1,000
- Rylee Erdmann of Lisbon, ND
Howard & JoAnne Hillman/ Bon View Farms - National Scholarship – $1,000
- Gavin Rhode of Stewartsville, MO
Iowa Junior Angus Association – State Scholarship – $750
- Madie Deutmeyer of Ryan, IA
Iowa Junior Angus Association – National Scholarship – $750
- Audrey Curtin of Blue Mound, IL
James & Mary Henderson/Bradley 3 Ranch Angus Scholarship – $1,500
- Carlee Hoffmann of Schertz, TX
Jean Ann (Neumeyer) Bojorquez Memorial & Robert and Hollyce Neumeyer Angus Scholarship – $1,000
- Pheiffer Rosenberger of Hayden, ID
Joe Bill Meng Memorial Angus Scholarship – $750
- Bryanna Smith of Russell Springs, KY
John R. Mrotek Family Technical Education Scholarship – $2,000
- Nate Bowman of King, NC
John Rucker Family Angus Scholarship – $1,500
- Hailey Hendershot of Round Hill, VA
Kansas Angus Association Scholarship – $1,500
- Creed Caldwell of Parker, KS
Mike McCravy/MM Cattle Co. Scholarship – $1,250
- Reese Anderson of Chrisman, IL
NJAA Alumni and Friends Scholarship – $2,000
- Tucker Stagemeyer of Page, NE
Oliver A. Hansen/Laudemere Farm Angus Scholarship – $500
- Cheyenne Houk of Blakesburg, IA
Ed & Wilma Minix/Black Witch Farm Angus Youth Scholarship – $3,000
- Raegan Gilbert of Lula, GA
Pat Goggins Memorial Angus Scholarship – $1,000
- Claire Murnin of Pompeys Pillar, MT
Ray Sims Angus Scholarship – $1,500
- Ava Leibfried of Platteville, WI
Richard L. Spader Scholarships – $5,000
- Anne Dameron of Towanda, IL
- Adelaide Haverkamp of Bern, KS
Roscoe L. Richardson Memorial Scholarship – $500
- Adeline Tommell of Fonda, NY
Texas Angus Association Scholarships – $1,000
- Daisy Plaschke of Hallsville, TX
- Garrett Sanders of O'Donnell, TX
- Parker White of Grandview, TX
Western States National Junior Angus Show Scholarship – $1,000
- Tucker Stagemeyer of Page, NE
Woodlawn Farms Scholarship – $1,500
- Audrey Curtin of Blue Mound, IL
- Mack C. Olson Memorial Angus Scholarship - $500
- Thea Zidlicky of Decorah, IA
Dr. Teddy E. Morelock, Jane M. Morelock and Leslie Morelock Roye Memorial NJAA Scholarship - $500
- Grace Gunther of Bigelow, AR
Joseph & Ruby Schaff/Schaff Angus Ranch Scholarship - $500
- Molly Hansen of Carrington, ND
Vocational Technical/Trade School Scholarship - $2,500
- Nate Bowman of King, NC
Richard and Wanda Wilson Scholarship - $1,250
- Blane Smith of Russell Springs, KY
Montana Angus Youth Scholarship - $2,500
- Claire Murnin of Pompeys Pillar, MT
Pennsylvania Angus Association Scholarship - $1,000
- Madison Bowen of Centre Hall, PA
James E. Horton Junior Angus Scholarship - $5,500
- Sara Beth Faust of Oneonta, AL
Doug Kuykendall Scholarship - $1,000
- Savahannah Martin of Graford, TX
White Fox Ranch Scholarships - $1,500
- Kelly Shultz of Danielsville, GA
- Amberlyn Christenbury of Starr, SC
Joel Harrison Memorial Angus Scholarship (Champion Bred & Owned Cow/Calf Pair) - $1,250
- Houston Ferree of Sullivan, IN
Robert and Marillyn Schlutz Angus Scholarship (Champion Bred & Owned Female) - $1,750
- Anne Dameron of Towanda, IL
John Grimes Memorial Scholarship (Premier Exhibitor Phenotype and Genotype Show) - $1,000
- Gage Long of Vinita, OK
John and Lucile Patton Memorial Scholarship (Supreme Bred and Owned Animal) - $1,000
- Anne Dameron of Towanda, IL
Gary Brost Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Award
- Reese Anderson of Chrisman, IL
- Macie Carroll of Mount Carroll, IL
- Ella Eathington of Avon, IL
- Karis Waterman of Anderson, IN
Pat Grote Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Cookoff Award (Intermediate Steak Team)
- Ella Eathington of Avon, IL
- Claire Kuipers of Le Roy, IL
- Addison Tebbe of Breese, IL
Joseph R. Bush III Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Award
- Bradley Carlson of Hereford, TX
Thomas A and Catherine Chambers Leaders Engaged in Development (LEAD) Awards
- Hadlee Brown of Homedale, ID
- Chandolin Chopic of Roy, WA
Stan J. Prox Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD Award)
- Anna Parr of Mason City, IL
- Gary M. Stoller Jump Start Your LEADership Award
- Peyton Wood of Montague, CA
Tom Burke Young Angus Achievement Awards
- Drew McCurry of Hutchinson, KS
- Piper Cates of Modoc, IN
View results of the 2026 NJAS, including show placings, contests, awards and scholarships at www.njas.info. Additional coverage is also available on the NJAA Facebook page and in the September issue of the Angus Journal.
Topics: Association News
Publication: Angus Journal
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