The National Junior Swine Association (NJSA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2004 NJSA Outstanding Member Scholarships. The scholarships were scored on a combination of youth leadership activities, NJSA leadership and associated affiliate leadership, interest in swine industry and scholastic record. Ages were considered as of Jan. 1, 2004. The novice winner will be awarded $100. The winner of the junior division will receive $200. The intermediate winner will be awarded $300. This year, two senior winners will receive $1,000.

Senior Winner: Wravenna Phipps

Wravenna Phipps, 20, is the daughter of Bill and Robin Phipps of Kearney, Neb. She is a sophomore at Black Hawk East College in Kewanee, Ill. She plans to further her education by attending a four-year college to study ag communications and eventually seeking a master's degree in public relations. At Black Hawk, she has been actively involved in livestock judging where she was the High Individual Overall at the North American International Livestock Exposition Junior College Contest. Wravenna currently serves as an NJSA Director. She also is the Assistant Editor of the NJSA's newsletter, "The Pinnacle." In addition, she was named the 2004 National Junior Summer Spectacular (NJSS) Senior Sweepstakes Winner and won the Senior Speech Contest in 2003. She also won the senior sweepstakes at the 2002 Southwest Regional, and was the 2001 NJSS Intermediate Sweepstakes Winner.

Senior Winner: Doug Albright

Doug Albright, 19, is the son of Pat and Colleen Albright of Coldwater, Mich. Doug is the Michigan FFA state reporter. He plans to further his education by attending a community college next fall to compete on their judging team before continuing his education at a four-year university majoring in ag business management. Doug has participated in many regional and national NJSA shows, along with the national leadership conference. He has also served on several committees to assist the organization and contributed articles to "The Pinnacle." In 2004, Doug was named the Senior Sweepstakes Winner at the Southwest and Eastern Regionals. He won showmanship at the NJSS and continued the streak by winning showmanship at both the Southwest and Eastern Regionals. He also exhibited the Champion Bred & Owned Yorkshire Gilt at both shows.

Intermediate Winner: Waco Phipps

Waco Phipps, 17, is the son of Bill and Robin Phipps of Kearney, Neb. He attends Sonrise Christian Academy. He has attended many shows and two leadership conferences. As well, he has served on the Membership and Programs and Activities committees. In addition, Waco sold raffle tickets for NJSA, donated items to the Silent Auction, worked the booth at the NJSS, chaired the Nebraska State Display, helped set up and clean up after the 2003 and 2004 NJSS, and handed out membership brochures at shows throughout the Midwest.

Junior Winner: Konni Kelso

Konni Kelso, 12, is the daughter of Kurt and Stepheny Kelso of Seguin, Texas. Konni attends Lifegate Christian School. In 2004, she placed first in the Junior Speech Contest and fourth in the skillathon. She was also recently featured in the NJSA Youth Spotlight. Konni has been showing pigs in 4-H for five years and has competed in numerous shows. She has also served as a 4-H club officer and organized the "Got Tabs" program for her 4-H club to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charity.

Novice Winner: Blake Goss

Blake Goss, 8, is the son of Kent and Danna Goss of Canute, Okla. He attends Fairview Elementary School. Blake won the novice sweepstakes contest at the 2004 NJSS and the 2003 and 2004 Southwest Regionals. He enjoys judging hogs, and was named the High Individual at the 2004 NJSS and the 2002 Southwest Regional. As well, he exhibited the 2004 NJSS Reserve Champion Yorkshire Gilt and the Southwest Regional Supreme Champion Gilt. He serves the NJSA by selling popper tickets and helping as needed at the shows.

Date: 3/24/05