Highland Youth Soar to Excellence 

The Highland Cattle Foundation (HCF) awards Memorial Junior Scholarships each year, one to a student in the field of agriculture and the other in any field of study (when applicable). However, at the discretion of the HCF Board, four scholarships were awarded this year in light of the outstanding group of applicants. Each was $1,500 and can be used towards any college expenses. It is a blind selection process based upon merit. Criteria include academic performance, involvement with Highland and other cattle breeds, demonstrated leadership and interest in agriculture-based careers. The only requirements are that applications are postmarked no later than June 1st (they are sent out each spring to all those AJHA members who meet the age requirements) and the applicant is an AJHA member who is currently in his or her senior year of high school or attending college and not over 21 years of age. There is no limit on reapplying; however the scholarship is awarded only once to an individual.  

Kathryn Johnson is the daughter of Jim and Lori Johnson, Oakdale, MN and granddaughter of Harris and Donna Viker, Roseville, MN. She just started her third year at Michigan Technological University majoring in Biomedical Engineering and plans to work on projects improving pacemakers, artificial hearts and tissue engineering hearts. As if that coursework isn’t challenging enough, Katie is involved in Alpha Delta Alpha sorority and plays intramural broomball, flag football and water polo while working her way through school. She started thirteen years ago helping out with the cattle and eventually did most of the training for shows and owned her own. “From my involvement with Highland cattle, I have learned dedication, commitment and pride in my work. One of my favorite parts is you become a member of a great community of people, they are always willing to help out and give advice whenever you are in need”.  

Kevin Kicker, a 19 year old from Osceola, WI, is attending University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in Animal Science with an emphasis in meat production. During his third year of college he plans to apply to vet school. Kevin is the son of Dale and Leanne Kicker and is in his second year of college. He was FFA historian, played varsity hockey for 4 years and attended NCHCA regional meetings. His sophomore year of high school, his parents purchased some Highland cows from a neighbor and he was amazed at their easy calving, vigorous offspring and the breed’s resistance to cold/wet weather. This peaked his interest in beef cattle so he started riding with a large animal vet. His high school ag teacher says, “Kevin’s love of agriculture, in terms of animals, plants and equipment makes him a rising star in the area of agricultural production. His greatest strengths are his personality and leadership ability”.  

Sierra Lockwood, daughter of Melinda and Carlton Lockwood, hails from Canandaigua, NY and is attending University of Tennessee majoring in Pre-veterinary Medicine. Her dream is to open her own large animal practice after completing school. She’s been breeding, raising and selling Highlands for 9 years and says it has taught her a great deal of responsibility and time management. “Since I am very active in school and athletics, I’ve had to learn how to balance my time so I can accomplish everything that needs to be done. I am the only exhibitor at the Ontario County Fair who shows Highlands so I have learned how to grab the public’s attention to the breed and educate them.” Sierra provided a lengthy and impressive resume of her of her academic achievements, extracurricular activities, awards, community service, work experience and leadership activities. However, one of the most impressive compliments came from a high school teacher, “Sierra is guided by her own moral compass which is not commonly seen in a high school environment. She will be the first person to stand up against an injustice or for a person who needs help”. 

Ryan Weideman is the son of Roger and Cindy Weideman of Osceola, WI and is attending University of Wisconsin-River Falls studying Agricultural Engineering and Crop and Soil Science. Through these majors he plans to learn new ways to increase the efficiency, quality and productivity/growth rates of crops and forages. He’s been involved with his family’s herd since he was two weeks old, whether it be showing at venues across the country or nursing an animal to health in the middle of a blizzard. Ryan has attended 3 national conventions, all NCHCA shows, 7 national shows and 1 international show. In FFA, Ryan won the Outstanding Service Award two years in a row and was selected the Star Chapter Farmer his senior year. One of AHCA’s lifetime members says, “In my estimation, he exemplifies the finest in our Highland Youth. The Weidemans have been a full-time farm family for many years”.