KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Morgan Richardson, Capron, Ill., was awarded the Perks Ranch Scholarship during the 2023 American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting and Conference in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 20. In a special awards ceremony, the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) and its donors proudly awarded $163,000 in scholarships to 27 National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members to help support their higher-education goals.

Richardson is a sophomore at Black Hawk East College working towards an associate’s degree in science, which she then plans to transfer and continue her educational goals of veterinary science. She is part of her school's livestock judging team and is an active member of the Illinois Junior Hereford Association.

“Growing up surrounded by so many different species of livestock has really sparked a passion for animal health and treatment for me,” Richardson said. “This career goal obviously will not be an easy one to obtain, but I know there are many ways I can make this achievable.”

The $5,000 Perks Ranch Scholarship is given by HYFA. It 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 and laid the groundwork for all of the foundation’s pillars.

“The foundation takes great pride in our scholarship program and the opportunities we are able to provide to assist our young people throughout their college journeys,” says Amy Cowan, AHA’s director of youth activities and foundation. “The selection committee continues to be impressed by the high caliber of applicants and are confident that today’s NJHA members will be tomorrow’s leaders in whatever industry they pursue.” 

The scholarship fund is the bedrock of HYFA and countless youth are benefactors of its mission. This last fiscal year, the foundation celebrated net assets reaching $6.3 million and in total $221,500 was given back to Hereford youth to assist with their college educations. 

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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.