JUSTIN, Texas — Amy Schilderink of Nazareth, Texas is a 2020 Dairy MAX scholarship recipient because of her outstanding scholastic achievement, leadership and achievement in agriculture. Schilderink is one of four students with dairy roots receiving a $2,500 scholarship from Dairy MAX.
Dairy farmers not only produce a nutritious food for the world, but play a vital role in helping their local communities thrive. The Dairy MAX scholarship program is a way of giving back to dairy farm families, while investing in the future of dairy.
“With the scholarship program, not only are we recognizing outstanding students, but we are empowering the next generation of the dairy farmers and advocates through supporting their higher education,” said Marty McKinzie, Dairy MAX’s vice president of industry image and relations.
The dairy industry has always been a part of Schilderink’s life. She grew up working various jobs on her family’s dairy operation, Spandet Dairy in Dimmitt, while also raising, showing and selling dairy cows through 4-H and FFA, and attended numerous dairy events and conventions. Schilderink plans to attend Texas A&M University to major in nutrition and food sciences.
“After earning my bachelor’s degree, I hope to travel and experience the different ways nutrition is incorporated and prioritized at dairies around the world,” said Schilderink. “I am open to any opportunities that may come my way, but my planned career choice is to become a dairy nutritionist.”
To be eligible for the Dairy MAX scholarship, students must reside in the Dairy MAX region, be a graduating high school senior or undergraduate student currently enrolled in college and be a child of a dairy farmer, child of a dairy farm employee or an FFA/4-H dairy show participant.
“It is a privilege to work for dairy farm families,” said McKinzie. “We are pleased to support these students with dairy roots as they start this next chapter. They all have big plans to ensure a bright future for the dairy industry.”
Investing in the recipients’ education, propels dairy forward to continue feeding the world, while nourishing communities.
“Our dairy farm families play an important role in the success of their communities,” said McKinzie. “We are honored to recognize these outstanding students for their achievements within the dairy industry and their communities through the scholarship program.”
The 2021 Dairy MAX Scholarship application will open in January 2021. To see a full list of eligibility requirements and information about applying, visit DairyMAX.org/dairy/scholarships.
–Dairy MAX
For more articles out of Texas, click here.