National Alpha Zeta Scholars 2002

Supporting a dream

BURKETT-CUNNINGHAM-DENNIS SCHOLARSHIP
Catherine Tonks, '01
Alabama Chapter

Catherine Tonks attends Auburn University where she maintains a 3.77 GPA in Animal and Dairy Sciences. Her academic achievements include being one of 18 Outstanding Freshman in the College of Agriculture (1999-2000), among the top 5 percent in her junior class (2001-2002) and one of 40 students to receive the Cardinal Key (2001-2002). Catherine was recently accepted to Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine and will begin as a freshman this fall. She plans to earn her degree and practice veterinary medicine as a large and small animal veterinarian in her own private practice.

G.W. ROACH SCHOLARSHIP
Jennifer Rae Elder, '01
Townshend Chapter

Jennifer Rae Elder is working toward a major in Agribusiness and Applied Economics and a minor in Political Science at the Ohio State University. She currently holds a 3.85 GPA and is a recipient of the 2002 Cunningham 4-H Collegiate Leadership Award. Jennifer's goal is to become a spokesperson for the pork or dairy industry and educate the public about agriculture. She hopes this career path will one day lead her into a public service position within local government. "Agriculture has many positive aspects, and I have enjoyed growing up on my family's farrow-to-finish swine operation, dairy and crop farm."

CENTENNIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Nicholas Joshua Ruiz, '98
California Delta Chapter

Nicholas Joshua Ruiz continues to be very involved in community support and education while maintaining a 3.45 GPA at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. He is on a mission to help diminish urban misconceptions about agriculture with vehicles of education such as "The Farm," an educational produce stand he helped develop for Crown Packing, Inc. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree in Agribusiness and Crop Science, Nicholas plans to attend either Purdue University or stay at Cal Poly to obtain a master's degree in Agribusiness. Once completed, he will return home to take a position as the Director of Operations for River Ranch Fresh Foods, Inc. Most importantly he wishes to earn the respect of industry leaders and a reputation as someone who is truly knowledgeable and dedicated to furthering agriculture.

KENT L. WELLS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Michael Wilson, '00
Cornell Chapter

Michael Wilson will be graduating in May 2003 with a degree in Animal Science from Cornell University. He is a member of the Exotic Animal Club and Pre-Veterinary Society and currently helps graduate students on research projects. He is also a teaching assistant for Meat Science. Upon graduation, Michael plans to attend veterinary college, where he will continue to work toward his goal of becoming a veterinarian specializing in exotic animals.

NATIONAL ALPHA ZETA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Kristen "Nikki" Cooper, '01
Arkansas Chapter

Nikki Cooper is majoring in Ag, Education, Communication and Technology at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where she currently maintains a 3.55 GPA. At this time Nikki is working on a project for the dean as a state recruiter for the Bumpers College. Nikki was selected to serve as a student ambassador for the University of Arkansas and received the Mr. and Mrs. Cy Carney School Scholarship for it. Her goal is to earn a master's degree from the University of Nebraska and work in the agricultural industry doing management training or leadership development for agricultural youth. Nikki feels she has benefited greatly from the training that she received through organizations such as FFA and 4-H and would like to work with these organizations in the future.

Deanna L. Thies, '01
Missouri Chapter

Deanna Thies plans on graduating with honors (she holds a 3.764 GPA) from the University of Missouri-Columbia im May of 2003. She is majoring in both Agricultural Education-Teaching and Horticulture and minoring in Agricultural Economics. She is currently a member of the Glasgow FFA Chapter and the Columbia, Fayette, Saline County and Randolph County Farmer's Market Association. Upon graduation, Deanna plans on obtaining a teaching certificate in grades nine through twelve, where she will teach on the various aspects of agriculture, agribusiness, leadership, careers, etc. Her main goal is to make a difference in someone's life by introducing them to the opportunities that agriculture can offer.

Sarah Lynn Funderburk, '01
North Carolina Chapter

Sarah Lynn Funderburk is majoring in Animal and Poultry Science at North Carolina State University. There she maintains a 3.5 GPA and is a member of the Animal Science Club, Pre-Veterinary Medical Association and the Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority. Sarah plans to graduate in December 2004 and apply for Veterinary School shortly thereafter. She intends to study nutrition or reproductive physiology in either livestock or poultry.

National AZ Scholars
Unfortunately, we were unable to award every candidate a financial scholarship. However, we feel the below students deserved recognition for their academic achievements and leadership.

Samantha Kwan, '01
Delaware Chapter

Melinda Maxam, '01
Wisconsin Beta Chapter

Timothy L. Eggleston, '01
Oregon Chapter

Christopher Marshall, '00
Cornell Chapter

Jessica Meisinger, '00
Wilson Chapter