GRAND ISLAND, Neb., — Three outstanding college-aged National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members were awarded the Golden Bull Achievement Award during the 2024 VitaFerm^®Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) Scholarship, Award and Maroon Jacket Ceremony on July 11 in Grand Island, Neb.

The Golden Bull Achievement Awards are given to three collegiate students each summer. This is one of the most coveted honors awarded at the JNHE, as these young people not only receive a bronze bull, but also a $2,500 scholarship to help further their education. 

The following are the 2024 Golden Bull Achievement Award winners: 

1. Blake Bruns, North Platte, Neb. 
2. Paige Lemenager, Hudson, Ill. 
3. Lydia Shaw, Caldwell, Idaho 

Blake Bruns, North Platte, Neb. 

Blake Bruns is a senior at Kansas State University where he is majoring in animal sciences and industry. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Bruns plans to pursue a master’s in beef cattle nutrition. Bruns has been a member of the NJHA for 18 years, and is now looking at how he can give back to the organization that has shaped him. 

“I think the greatest impact I can offer is by recruiting youth to be members of their state association and mentor them with their projects and to be successful in contests,” Bruns said.“My past experiences will help me to coach youth livestock judging teams and encourage youth to be involved in the many contests that the NJHA offers.” 

Paige Lemenager, Hudson, Ill.

Paige Lemenager is a junior at Texas Tech University where she is pursuing a degree in animal science with a minor in agricultural economics. After completing her undergraduate degree, Lemenager plans to pursue a career as an agricultural attorney. She hopes to serve as an advocate for farmers facing financial challenges. 

“I recognize the abundant enthusiasm of the Hereford youth , therefore, I am honored to have earned the respect of my peers and been elected to represent junior breeders in Illinois,” Lemenager said.“To serve as a role model in the eyes of young members is an opportunity I value every day. No matter where I travel or the opportunities I seek, it is in the forefront of my mind that I represent my family, state association and the entire NJHA.” 

Lydia Shaw, Caldwell, Idaho 

Lydia Shaw is a sophomore at the University of Idaho, where she is studying agricultural science, leadership and communications. Shaw plans to pursue a master’s degree after receiving her bachelor’s, and ultimately, she hopes to serve as an advocate for the agricultural industry. Shaw aspires to share stories and educate the public on the importance of American agriculture. 

Shaw credits her time in the NJHAwith helping to shape her into the person she is today.“I look back at my four years of high school, and during that time, I learned so much about myself through all the positions, activities and teams that I was a part of,” Shaw said. “I am grateful for all the opportunities, good and hard, successes and failures, which helped me grow into the person I am today.” 

George Sprague, HYFA scholarship selection committee member, helped evaluate the applications this spring. He speaks very highly of the applicants saying, “They were indeed an impressive group: thoughtful, accomplished, articulate and ambitious. It’s amazing that each year the applicants seem better than the previous year’s applicants.” 

HYFA awarded $40,000 to outstanding Hereford youth at the 2024 JNHE, and will award more than $200,000 throughout the year to deserving junior members to aid in their academic endeavors.

### 

The Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) was established in 1986 and is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated exclusively to scholarship and educational support of youth in the business of raising Hereford cattle. The mission of the Hereford Youth Foundation of America 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.