Mallorie Phelps
I graduated with my B.S. in Animal Science from Texas A&M University in December. I am now at Texas Tech getting my masters degree in animal science/meat science. By receiving the S/S scholarship, I was able to fulfill my dream of attending and graduating from Texas A&M University. This was where I got the chance to truly express my passion for the industry and the youth involved. My advice for the youth currently in the livestock industry is to get and stay involved in as much as possible! Also, get out of your comfort zone and experience as much as you can! Cherish the memories and people you meet along the way, because those experiences and relationships are truly priceless!
Paige Wallace
I studied Agricultural Communications at Butler Community College & Oklahoma State University. I am the Event Coordinator for the Institute for Teaching and Learning at Oklahoma State University. I am proud to say the scholarships I received in the livestock industry helped me leave college with zero debt. I will forever be grateful for generous companies like Sullivan Supply who are willing to help youth overcome the overwhelming financial burden of a college degree. Don’t stop looking for scholarships to apply for! There are a multitude of companies and associations out there who are looking to support the youth in agriculture through scholarships. If you take the extra time to search, you can leave college without that financial burden I previously mentioned. Also, don’t forget to thank these generous donors! A simple handwritten thank you note goes a long way.
Cody Burke
I graduated from Kansas State University in May 2014 (Go Wildcats!) with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture Majoring in Animal Sciences and Industry with Business Minor and a Certificate in Integrated Investment Management. As of present I am a Trader and Logistics Specialist at MGM Marketing in Olathe, KS. I trade commodities, mainly feed products and manage nationwide freight and logistics projects.
The Sullivan Supply scholarship helped me in many ways. Not only did it build my confidence proving that I could receive a national scholarship award, but it helped me fund a study abroad trip to People’s Republic of China. While abroad for two weeks, we visited feedlots, ranches, row crop farms and specialized practices like duck and silk farming. Taking that trip gave me an appreciation for all that we have here in the States. Agriculture here is farther advanced, and the opportunities in the US are endless. I also had the chance to visit some national landmarks like Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall. I encourage all future and current students to travel abroad!
My advice to youth currently in the industry is this; keep working hard chasing your dream. Your dream could be the local county fair or at the National level. The hard work and dedication you put forth will pay dividends not only towards your goal, but through your entire life. The people you meet will impact your life forever and don’t forget that. Don’t take the few short years you have to show livestock for granted!
Ashley Judge
Currently I am attending Oklahoma State University as a senior double major in Animal Science/Agriculture Communications. Ideally, after I graduate in December, I would love to gain a job either with a youth organization, such as a breed association, or begin working for a livestock marketing firm. The S/S scholarship helped me a great deal in paying for school. Even with livestock judging scholarships, being an out of state student in Oklahoma is extremely expensive. The S/S scholarship allowed me to attend the schools I wanted to and maximize my learning experience. Don’t ever give up on your dreams. That goes for everything, whether it is playing a sport, showing livestock, judging livestock, etc. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that it can’t be done or you won’t ever accomplish something. Put your mind to something and go for it, don’t be afraid!
Mollie Lastovica
I graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University in May 2014 with a B.S. in agricultural communications and journalism and a B.A. in political science.I have been working for FleishmanHillard, a global communications and public relations agency, since March 2014. As member of the Food, Beverage and Agribusiness team I support a variety of communications efforts and strategies for multiple agribusiness companies.
One of my proudest accomplishments is having graduated from Texas A&M in four years with two degrees and without a dollar of debt. Every single scholarship I received, including the S/S scholarship, led me to that point, and I am extremely grateful for the financial support the S/S scholarship provided me. I was able to be extremely involved in multiple organizations on campus, travel internationally through the National FFA program, and complete two public relations internships – one of which led to me being hired before I graduated – all because scholarships meant I did not have to be solely focused on how I would pay for school.
Seize every moment and opportunity you have – and go out of your way to find those opportunities. I would argue that there are few other extra-curricular activities or industries that provide as many experiences and chances for youth to learn, explore and succeed as much as the livestock and agriculture industries do. While raising and exhibiting livestock are an integral part of that process, there are so many additional opportunities to supplement that experience – be it competing in 4-H and FFA leadership or judging contests; attending leadership conferences and events; being involved in state and national livestock or breed associations; or applying for and participating in scholarship programs… the list goes on and on. These things all help you become a well-rounded individual, a characteristic that is highly marketable as you begin to pursue a career.
Jamie Halfmann
I attended Oklahoma state university and have a degree in animal science/ ag business. After graduating I took a job with ranch house designs as an account manager, but I now stay at home with my baby, Hayzen Halfmann! I have the best job in the whole entire world, being a mother! The Sullivan supply scholarship was a true blessing to me, the dollars spent on a college education add up, and in a hurry. The generosity from Sullivan’s is amazing! My advice to the youth in the livestock industry is this: there is absolutely nothing better or more fulfilling that you could be doing with your time! You are learning life long lessons that you might not even realize. Working with livestock teaches you about dedication, hard work, friendship & trust! You will be a stand out in life because of this industry!