Michigan State University student Melissa Erdman of Minden City was named the 2010 senior division winner of the Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program. She was recognized during the Michigan Dairy Industry Recognition Night awards program at the eighth annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in February.
Erdman, the daughter of Mike and Vicky Erdman, is a student in the MSU Production Medicine Scholars Program. She plans to continue her education in the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine and become a large-animal veterinarian. As the Senior Dairy Ambassador, Erdman hopes to educate more consumers about the dairy industry.
"Knowledge is the most useful key to reminding consumers why we need agriculture and the dairy industry," Erdman says. "Giving the people the knowledge and ability to make up their own minds is important. We need to listen to the different concerns consumers may have and help them realize that the media is not always providing them with the facts when they're reporting news stories."
The Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program was established by the GLRDC in 2006. The program provides future young dairy leaders with an opportunity to develop promotions and public service projects as well as represent the dairy industry at various functions throughout the year.
The senior division winner, reserved for college students up to age 22, receives a $1,500 scholarship. The junior division winner, a high school student, is awarded a $1,000 prize that can be applied toward higher education or the purchase of a dairy animal.
Erdman will team up with MSU classmate Olivia DeVooght, who was picked as the first runner-up and the alternate in the senior division. DeVooght is pursuing a double major in animal science and marketing. She is the daughter of Bill and Mary DeVooght of Marquette.
Sarah Michalek, a senior at Deckerville High School, is the 2010 Junior Dairy Ambassador. She is the daughter of Thomas and Lucinda Michalek. Amanda Carey from Morley and Emily DeVooght from Marquette were picked as the first runners-up in the junior division.
Applications for the 2011 program will be available in the fall. Next year's winners will be announced at the 2011 GLRDC, scheduled for Feb. 10–12, 2011, at the Bavarian Inn Lodge and Conference Center, Frankenmuth. Individuals interested in applying for the Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program can learn more by visiting www.glrdc.msu.edu or by contacting Megghan Honke at 517-353-3175, ext. 229.
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