Congratulations to the 2008-2009 AKC Junior Scholarship Recipients. Once again the committee was overwhelmed with the applications received. This years recipients have participated in all aspects of AKC Events including the winner of the Junior Showmanship Competition at the AKC Eukanuba National Championship, the winner of the 8” Class at the AKC Agility National Championship, as well as those who have handled dogs to titles in Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Earthdog, Lure Coursing, and Herding. The recipients are members of clubs or have actively participated in Responsible Dog Ownership Days in their communities.

The AKC Junior Scholarships are a component of the AKC National Junior Organization that was initiated in 1997. The goal of the program was to provide scholarship funds to those who have been involved in AKC Events to attend college or other forms of secondary education. 

Since the inception of the program, the AKC has awarded 418 Junior Scholarships ranging from $250 - $5,000 to 211 unique applicants. 

The Recipients have been active in all aspects of AKC Events earning top honors including:

Best Junior at the AKC Eukanuba National Championship, Member of the AKC World Agility Team, Breeder owner handler of champions, Best Junior at Westminster, Best Junior at the International Junior Competition at Crufts, as well as members and officers of AKC Clubs.  These young people have been active in all aspects of our sport.  An overview of some their current involvement includes:

Recipients are in pursuit of professional careers with the intent to remain active as exhibitors and breeders of Purebred dogs, which include: dentistry, law, medical doctor, business, communications and teaching. Wyatt Delfino, a multiple year recipient, was featured in the November Gazette Future Fancy article. Wyatt will complete his PHD in Genetics from UC Davis this spring.

The members of the AKC Registered Handlers Program are Angela Lloyd, Rindi Gaudet, Correy Krickeberg and Elizabeth Jordan.