KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jalyn Davis, Maple Hill, Kan., was awarded the Gary Bishop Memorial Scholarship during the 2024 American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting and Conference in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 25. During the award ceremony, the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) and its donors awarded $165,500 in scholarships to 27 National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members to help support their higher-education goals.

 Davis is a sophomore at Butler Community College where she is majoring in agribusiness and a member of the livestock judging team. She plans to transfer to Kansas State University and major in agricultural communications or marketing. 

“Whatever my future holds, I know the leadership skills I have gained through 4-H and the NJHA will help me along the way,” Davis said.

The Gary Bishop Memorial Scholarship, given on behalf of HYFA, is a $2,500 scholarship in memory of Gary Bishop. Bishop, an Oklahoma native, first began working for the AHA in 1973. He served as the assistant director of Total Performance Records, director of feedlot and carcass programs and director of field services. Bishop was also named the director of youth activities during his career with the Association. He held this role in high esteem throughout his life. Bishop dedicated much of his energy to the betterment of Hereford youth organizations. His namesake scholarship is awarded to a deserving NJHA member to continue their college education.

The selection committee continues to be impressed by the high caliber of applicants. “It’s a true pleasure to review the HYFA scholarship applications. So many of the applicants have stellar records and have interesting and creative career ambitions that reviewers can’t help but be certain the future of the industry is in good hands,” said George Sprague, HYFA scholarship committee member. 

The scholarship fund serves as the bedrock of HYFA, and countless youth benefit from its mission. Since its inception, HYFA has awarded scholarships fueling educational opportunities. For years, these scholarships have been lighting the way for youth in the Hereford breed. Recently, the foundation celebrated awarding more than $2 million in scholarships to assist Hereford youth further their education, since its founding in 2000.

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The Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) was established in 2000, when the American Hereford Youth Foundation and the American Polled Hereford Youth Foundation, Inc., merged. HYFA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the scholarship and educational support of young people in the Hereford industry. Its mission is to encourage, recognize and reward the development of life skills and values in the next generation of leaders by providing education, scholarship and leadership opportunities for Hereford youth.