Media Contact:
Anne Kimmey
anne@cultivateagency.com
940-648-8891
  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
         

Every year as a way of encouraging continued involvement in the dairy industry, Dairy MAX, the local dairy council, provides scholarships to regional students with a dairy background, studying an agricultural-related field and have outstanding scholastic achievements, leadership abilities and community involvement. This year Dairy MAX is proud to award two $2,500 scholarships to Dianne DeVos , Plainview, Texas and Kelcea Cundiff, Mulhall, Oklahoma.  Dianne is currently attending Texas Tech University, majoring in AgriBusiness.  Kelcea plans on attending Oklahoma State University and majoring in Animal Science. Congratulations once again to our 2011 scholarship recipients!

What has always set Dianne and Kelcea apart from other students is their ability to help manage their family’s dairy operation with academics, organizations and athletics. Both of these exceptional individuals show a passion for agriculture and the dairy industry.

Growing up on a dairy farm, Dianne could always be found helping with the daily management of the operation. From feeding cows and driving a tractor to office work and managing records, she has always been very passionate about her family’s farm and looks forward to using the knowledge she has gained from these experiences to benefit her future.  

Within the community, she serves on the Hale County State Bank Junior Board of Directors and she is also a board member of the Hale County Junior Literacy Council.  Dianne’s name is well-known in the dairy world as she is the daughter of John and Pauline DeVos, owners of Fox Dairy. Also, you might have heard her voice on the radio as she can often be heard across the panhandle promoting the industry as a Dairy MAX Spokesperson.

Dianne is a student at Texas Tech University where she is studying AgriBusiness and is involved in leadership organizations on campus. Post graduation, she plans to pursue a career as an agricultural lender and continue to support and promote the American dairy industry though communication endeavors.

Kelcea distinguishes herself from other students by her ability to manage her involvement with raising Brown Swiss cattle, with her academics, organizations and athletics. Throughout her high school career, Kelcea has been completely emerged in her local FFA chapter. She has served as an officer for the last three years, including Reporter, Secretary and Treasurer. Kelcea’s involvement in FFA goes much farther than showing animals. This year Kelcea and her team are headed to the National Dairy Judging Contest. She was third high point individual at the State competition, and her team was in the top ten.

Currently, Kelcea is a senior in high school and after graduation, she plans to attend Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK to major in Animal Science and then proceed onto OSU Veterinary School. Kelcea hopes to open her own veterinary practice and would like to stay in the Stillwater area. When asked how this scholarship would impact her future she stated, “Well, considering I am going to be in school for 7-8 years any little bit helps. In this case, it was a huge bit!”

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Dairy MAX is a non-profit organization affiliated with the National Dairy Council and funded by the dairy farming families in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and southwest Kansas.  We are a dedicated team of professionals devoted to the promotion of dairy’s lifelong health benefits and enjoyment of nutrient-rich foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt as supported by the US dietary guidelines. We provide timely, research-based nutrition information to the media, health professionals, schools, educators, consumers and others committed to fostering a healthier society. For over 35 years, our team has supported the demand for dairy foods via strategic partnerships and programs while proudly representing the dairy farming industry’s positive image.