During the past 44 years, the purpose of the Michigan Angus Auxiliary has not changed. We continue to assist Michigan Angus Breeders and Angus youth in educational and promotional activities, sponsor the Miss Michigan Angus Contest, provide scholarships for graduating seniors, assist with the annual banquet and Preview Show, provide hospitality for various activities, sponsor the junior showmanship contest at the Preview Show, award certificates of achievement to outstanding juniors, as well as support American Angus Auxiliary programs and activities.
Our 2009 scholarship winners were Justin Kennedy, son of Jeff and Heather Kennedy of Nashville and Patti Vaassen, daughter of Dan and Sharon Vaassen of Ann Arbor. Justin received the 2nd place scholarship from the American Angus Auxiliary. Our 2010 scholarship winners were Ryan Reid, son of Chuck and Linda Reid of Eaton Rapids and Chelsea Ruggles, daughter of Tim and Julie Ruggles of Kingston. Since 1967, Michigan has had 19 scholarship winners place at Nationals.
Each year, we are excited to award American Angus Auxiliary Certificates of Achievement to outstanding Michigan juniors who have achieved major accomplishments at the state, regional and national levels. The certificates are presented at our annual awards banquet. A record number of Michigan Junior Angus members were awarded this honor in 2009 and 2010.
The first Michigan Angus Queen was crowned on July 30, 1967. Since then, 41 other young women have represented Michigan Angus breeders in this capacity. In keeping with tradition, Rachel Reid, 2010 Miss Michigan Angus, daughter of Chuck and Linda Reid of Eaton Rapids, crowned the 2011 queen, Kendra Merriman, at the annual Michigan Angus banquet in March. Kendra is the daughter of Joe and Sue Merriman of Lowell. We are also pleased to have Katie Reid, daughter of Rob and Terry Reid of Eaton Rapids and DeeAnne Merriman, daughter of Joe and Sue Merriman of Lowell, serving as the 2011 Michigan Angus Ambassadors.
Since 1967, the Michigan Angus Auxiliary has been proud to sponsor a total of 79 Michigan juniors who have participated in the National Junior Showmanship Contest. In 2009, Danielle Foster, daughter of Scott and Elaine Foster of Niles represented Michigan. Danielle was named a finalist in the national competition. Our 2010 representatives were Erika Boehmer, daughter of Earl and Kris Boehmer of Charlotte and Drew Bordner, son of Monte and Robin Bordner of Sturgis. Erika was named as the 5th overall showmanship contestant in the national competition.
Over the years, many women have given numerous hours to the Auxiliary serving as officers, committee members and chairpersons, and helping out wherever needed. Several members have also been active in the American Angus Auxiliary, serving on various committees and as officers. Patti Rae, Lois Foster and Nancy Thelen served as president of the American Angus Auxiliary, in 1981, 1990 and 2008 respectively. Michigan has had the privilege of hosting the national auxiliary luncheons in 1968, 1981, 1990 and 2008.
Thank you to everyone who has helped the Michigan Angus Auxiliary achieve its mission over the past 44 years. We look forward to working with Michigan Angus enthusiasts as we continue to embrace the tradition!
|
|---|
