Distinguished Junior Holstein Finalists Announced
Published: Friday, July 10, 2026
Six outstanding young adults have been named Distinguished Junior Member finalists by Holstein Assn. USA. Established in 1922, the award is the highest honor National Junior Holstein Assn. members can earn.
"For 104 years, this incredible program has celebrated exceptional young people whose hard work, leadership, and commitment to Registered Holsteins have left a lasting mark on the dairy community. We are honored to continue this tradition by recognizing today's outstanding youth and the bright future they represent," said Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Assn. USA convention and youth programs manager.
Holstein Assn. USA named the DJM finalists on June 25 during the National Junior Holstein Awards Breakfast in Orlando, Fla.
They include: Abbie Ainslie, Clayville, N.Y.; Jon Chapman, Keyes, Calif.; Elizabeth Gunst, Hartford, Wis.; Logan Harbaugh, Marion, Wis.; Tristen Ostrom, De Pere, Wis.; and Madison Wiese, Greenleaf, Wis.
The Distinguished Junior Member selection process has two parts. Applicants compile a book highlighting their Junior Holstein activities, projects, breeding program, and personal views. Each entrant's book is worth 60 percent of their final score, and the top individuals are named DJM semifinalists based on their book score.
The second phase takes place at National Junior Holstein Convention, where the semifinalists are interviewed by a committee of judges. The interview is worth 40% of the final score, and the six individuals with the highest combined scores are named DJM finalists.
Eight Junior Holstein members ages 9-16 were selected as Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) finalists. The applicants were judged on their entry books, which highlight their accomplishments and leadership with the Junior Holstein Association and beyond.
The YDJM finalists were recognized during the 2026 National Junior Holstein Convention.
They include: Addison Brown, Preble, N.Y.; Trey Daubert, Dayton, Va.; Madison Harbaugh, Marion, Wis.; Emma Hutchison, Ridgley, Md.; Vivian Lichty, Beaver Dam, Wis.; Brady McConnell, Lancaster, Wis.; Georgia Sellers, Lebanon, Pa.; and Alivia Wiese, Greenleaf, Wis.
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