KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lauren Jones, Darlington, Wis., was awarded the Perks Ranch 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.

Jones is a senior at Oklahoma State University pursuing a degree in animal science with a pre-veterinary concentration. Upon graduation, she plans to return to Wisconsin and attend the University of Wisconsin - Madison’s Veterinary Program, specializing in large animal chiropractic or mixed animal surgery.

“I hope to be remembered as someone who uplifted others, stood strong in the face of adversity and embraced change that benefited my community and the people around me,” Jones said. “Whether it’s mentoring Hereford youth, participating in service activities with my fellow sisters in agriculture or giving my best effort in everything I do, I want my legacy to reflect leadership, hard work and a commitment to serving others.”

The $5,000 Perks Ranch Scholarship, awarded by HYFA, honors the Perks Ranch of Illinois and highlights Doug Perks’ legacy and leadership during his time on the HYFA board of directors. He helped lead the $5 million capital campaign, which laid the groundwork for the foundation’s pillars — scholarships, leadership, education and research.

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.