Foundation Scholarships

The United Suffolk Sheep Foundation offers several scholarships for Suffolk youth. The application deadline for all scholarships is February 1st. If you would like to contribute to scholarships offered through the foundation, please contact the Suffolk Office.


MacCauley Foundation Scholarships - $10,000, $7,500, $6,500, $5,000, $4,000, $3,000, and $2,500:

The MacCauley Foundation scholarship offers up to $38,500 annually in scholarship funds that are awarded to qualified applicants. Seven individual scholarships may be awarded at the following monetary levels: $10,000, $7,500, $6,500, $5,000, $4,000, $3,000, and $2,500.

Applicant Qualifications:
1. Applicants must have owned and/or raised Suffolk sheep.
2. Applicants must be enrolled as one of the following for the term in which the scholarship will be awarded:
  • A freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior in a junior/community college, four-year college/university, trade school or other accredited institution of higher education.
  • An accredited graduate program.
3. The applicant cannot have exceeded their 25 th birthday prior to January 1 of the year of application.
4. If selected to receive a scholarship, the recipient will be required to verify their enrollment in an institution of higher education before the scholarship can be issued; a copy of the current semester tuition bill or a current Bursar’s Office statement must be submitted. Failure to meet the enrollment requirements may result in forfeiture of the scholarship.
5. Should the recipient fail to complete at least one semester of full-time enrollment in an accredited or approved institution of higher education prior to June 30, 2025, for any reason, scholarship funds must be refunded to the MacCauley Foundation Scholarship Fund.
6. Scholarship award winners will be eligible to reapply but can only be awarded a cumulative total of $15,000.



Current Winner(s):

$10,000 - Zach Schoelerman Zach is a junior attending South Dakota State University, majoring in animal science. He has served as an undergraduate researcher at the SDSU Ruminant Nutrition Center and maintained a 4.0 grade point average while actively participating in many student activities. He has been a member of Block and Bridle, the Wool Judging Team, the Fishback Honors Program, and the Country Swing Dance Club. He has provided leadership and served as a superintendent for the Little International.
Zach has been a member of UJSSA and his family are members of the USSA. He presented at the USSA Suffolk Event this summer on utilizing ultrasound scanning technology and is a Certified Scanner for the National Sheep Improvement Program.
Zach is the son of Denice and Jim Schoelerman of Every, Iowa. He has been involved in the family sheep operation his entire life and worked alongside his father, a veterinarian. Zach plans to pursue a career as a large animal veterinarian and wants to serve in a rural area. Having been trained in AI under the guidance of a veterinarian, he is especially interested in pursuing this specialty.
Zach feels one aspect of the breed that cannot be denied is its use as a terminal sire for the American sheep industry. The growth, performance, and carcass characteristics that Suffolk rams add to offspring will continue to make the Suffolk ram common in a commercial setting. He feels diversity is another aspect of the breed that needs to be maintained in the future. Keeping the diversity within the breed allows Suffolks to fulfill multiple niches and promotes genetic diversity, which is critical in breed longevity. Zach thinks it would be interesting if Suffolks could create a form of "branded" lamb program similar to some seen in the cattle industry. He feels the Suffolk breed would benefit from more grid-based marketing systems for commercial lamb.

$7,500 - Raesa Zelinsky Raesa is a 2023 graduate of Brookings High School, where she was very active in school activities. She was the FFA State Secretary, Chapter President and Vice President, a State Championship Livestock Judging Team member, and a National Honor Society member.
She is a freshman attending South Dakota State University, majoring in animal science and agriculture education. In her first semester, she has served as the Assistant Sheep Superintendent for the SDSU Little International, and been a member of Block and Bridle and Collegiate Farm Bureau. Raesa has been a member of UJSSA and has served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer.
Raesa is the daughter of Christy and Rob Zelinsky of Brookings, South Dakota. She has been involved in the family flock of 100 registered Suffolks, assisting with all aspects of the operation. Several years ago, she identified the need for true Suffolk club lambs and now raises those lambs that she sells in an online spring sale.
Raesa feels the USSA breed standard is important. The USSA breed standard Suffolk calls for an easy-care sheep that is moderately framed, has high growth, is heavily muscled, and is structurally correct with volume, fleshing ability, and maternal traits, all while having distinct Suffolk breed characteristics. She feels these qualities should be adhered to in creating Suffolks to serve the US sheep industry.

$5,000 - Emily Blattner Emily is a graduate of Kuna High School and was very active in 4-H and FFA. She is now a senior at the University of Idaho, where she is majoring in Agricultural Science and Communications with an emphasis on Agriculture Economics and Agribusiness. While in college, she has been involved in the Sheep Club and Young Farmers and Ranchers.
Her career goal is to become an agricultural lobbyist. This summer, she interned in Washington, D.C. with Senator Risch's office and learned how legislation is passed and its impact on producers. She worked on the H2A Program, which greatly impacts the commercial sheep industry. Emily also completed an internship with the Idaho Wool Growers Association, which has broadened her knowledge of the industry.
Emily is the daughter of Jack and Lori Blattner of Kuna, Idaho. She has been involved in her family's Suffolk operation, raising and showing registered Suffolks, and is a 13-year member of UJSSA. While away at college, she can't be involved in the daily care of the sheep but has taken on the role of marketing for their Suffolk operation. She does the photographs, creates graphics and advertising, and handles the social media promoting the flock.
Emily feels that the Suffolk breed provides a high-quality carcass, which should be promoted to consumers. She thinks the consumer interest in locally produced meats will offer additional opportunities for direct marketing.

$2,500 Jordyn Leininger Jordyn Leininger is the daughter of Thad and Rochelle Leininger of Pierceton, Indiana. Jordyn is a graduate of Whitko Junior-Senior High School, where she was active in theatre, soccer, cross country, student council, and the National Honor Society. While in high school, she also completed advanced placement courses at Ivy Tech Community College. Jordyn is a freshman this year at Butler University. She has not chosen a major but is interested in exploring a career in healthcare or business.
Jordyn has been active in both 4-H and FFA. She was a mentor for seven years in a program working with disabled youth to teach them about showing livestock. She has placed first in both the individual and team state FFA Meats Evaluation Competition.
Jordyn developed an interest in Suffolks at a very early age when her father worked for Slack Suffolks and has furthered that interest by showing Suffolks throughout her life. She has been a UJSSA member for five years and enjoys showing in the All-American Junior Sheep Show, Indiana State Fair, and North American International Livestock Exposition. She feels it is important to educate breeders and showmen to protect the integrity of the breed, focusing on breed character and the positive attributes of Suffolks. She feels shows are a major form of marketing and promoting the breed.

$2,500 Sidney McAllister Sidney McAllister is the daughter of Doug and Tina McAllister of West Manchester, Ohio. Sidney graduated from Arcanum-Butler High School, where she was active in basketball, golf, and choir. She also served as class president and treasurer. She was also involved in 4-H and FFA, serving as president of both organizations. Sidney is currently attending Sinclair Community College, where she is majoring in respiratory care and plans a career as a respiratory therapist specializing in neonatal and critical care.
Sidney enjoys being involved in the family Suffolk operation, and her responsibilities have grown from feeding and helping with chores to helping make decisions on breeding stock purchases. She has also taken over marketing for the farm, photographing the sale animals, and creating ads. Sidney has been a UJSSA and USSA member and has enjoyed showing sheep at the county, state, and national levels. She has been active in many sheep organizations and held leadership roles. She was on the junior fair board and sheep committee for the Darke County Fair, where she was the Lamb and Wool Queen.
Sidney attended The Suffolk Event this summer. She feels it is important to engage youth and build future leaders. She feels The Suffolk Event will help to build excitement and loyalty for the breed and give youth a chance to create meaningful memories and relationships.



Suffolk Foundation Scholarship - $1000:

The United Suffolk Sheep Foundation is offering up to two $1000 Suffolk Foundation scholarships to a Suffolk youth.

Eligibility:
1. At least a senior in high school.
2. Currently enrolled in or plan to enroll in a degree or certificate program at a 2 year or 4 year college, university or technical college.
3. Currently own and have registered Suffolks.
4. Actively involved with Suffolk sheep at the local, state, regional and/or national level
5. Have a minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 point scale.

Application Requirements:
In addition to meeting the requirements listed above, applicants must do the following:
1. Complete an application form which can be obtained from the Suffolk office or the website.
2. Application must be word processed, not handwritten.
3. Submit a current academic transcript.
4. Submit the names and contact information of at least 3 references who are able to elaborate on your involvement with school, community and sheep related activities.

Interview:
Finalist(s) will be selected from the applications received and may have a phone interview with the Scholarship Committee.

Scholarship Payment:
All eligible young breeders are encouraged to apply. Funds will be paid directly to the winner’s college or university and may be used for academic pursuits only. Scholarships will be paid out within one year from the date of the scholarship award notification. 
This scholarship shall not be given if qualified applicants are not available or if the application is not of sufficient quality to warrant this scholarship. This judgement is based solely on the discretion of the Scholarship Committee. Past scholarship recipients are ineligible to reapply.

Application Submission

Applications must be emailed to the Suffolk office ([email protected]) no later than February 1st. Winners will be selected entirely based on merit.

Current Winner(s):

Caleb Antram of Somerset, Pennsylvania is son of Dave and Jodell Antram. Caleb is currently an Animal Science major at Penn State University and plans pursue a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Upon completion of veterinary school, Caleb plans to serve his local community as a mixed animal veterinarian and continue to farm with his family. Caleb attributes his personal experiences with his own flock of sheep in creating and working towards his career goals. Caleb is a member of the United Junior Suffolk Sheep Association, active in Army ROTC at Penn State and active in various other collegiate clubs at Penn State.

Raesa Zelinsky of Brookings, South Dakota is currently a freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in Animal Science with a specialization in industry relations. Rasea is the daughter of Rob and Christy Zelinsky, and has been actively involved with the Suffolk breed at the local, state and national level since a small child. Aside from showing, she has her own sale corresponding to her SAE project the end of March merchandising Suffolk market lambs to youth from various states. Raesa currently serves as the South Dakota State FFA Secretary, an United Junior Suffolk Sheep Association board member, and volunteers for numerous organizations.

Past Winners:

2022 - Hanna Warnecke, Columbus Grove, OH
2021 - Kenzie Kimbrough, Mount Pleasant, TX
2020 - Wesley Linke, Wessington Springs, SD
2020 - Lily Skartvedt, Radcliffe, IA
2019 - Katherine Parsley, Sheridan, IN
2018 - Lily Skartvedt, Radcliffe, IA
2017 - Andrew Slack, Lake Geneva, WI
2017 - Cody Kinsman, Spring Creek, NV
2016 - Raelynn Thompson, Patoka, IN
2016 - Riggen Zelinsky, Brookings, SD
2015 - Katie Frost, Bloomingbug, OH
2015 - Jaclynn Knutson, Centerville, SD
2014 - Jennifer Frost, Bloomingbug, OH
2014 - Christopher MacCauley, Atglen, PA
2013 - Katelyn Gnegy, Oakland, MD
2013 - Kyle Bubonis, Union, ME


Royer Farm Suffolk Scholarship - $2500:

Royer Farm Suffolk Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship for Suffolk youth available through the United Suffolk Sheep Foundation.
Eligibility:
1. Reside in the state of Indiana, Illinois or Iowa.
2. Applicant must have a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
3. Have shown or exhibited registered Suffolk sheep at least four years in Indiana, Illinois or Iowa. This requirement does not need to be consecutive or current.
4. Enroll in a 2-year or 4-year college/university or one-year technical program within one year of scholarship winning notification.
5. Preference will be given to students entering their first year of higher education.

Application Requirements:
In addition to meeting the requirements listed above, applicants must do the following:
1. Complete an application form which can be obtained from the Suffolk Office or the website.
2. Submit a current academic transcript.
3. Application must be word-processed, not handwritten.
4. Submit the names and contact information of at least 3 references who are able to elaborate on your involvement with school, community and sheep-related activities.

Interview:
Finalists will be selected from the applications received. Finalists may have a phone interview with the Scholarship Committee.

Scholarship Payment:
Funds will be paid directly to the winner’s college or university and may be used for academic pursuits only.

This scholarship shall not be given if qualified applicants are not available or if the application is not of sufficient quality to warrant this scholarship. This judgment is based solely on the discretion of the Scholarship Committee. Past scholarship recipients are ineligible to reapply.

Application Submission: Applications must be emailed to the Suffolk office ([email protected]) no later than February 1st. Winners will be selected entirely based on merit.



Current Winner:

Kylie Ketcham of Alhambra, Illinois is the daughter of Kerry and Jessie Ketcham. Kylie is currently a freshman at the Western Kentucky University majoring in Agri-Business and plans to pursue a career in sales upon graduation. She was introduced to Suffolks by her grandfather Kim as a young girl and has since been involved with the family’s Suffolk flock. At the age of 7 Kylie began showing Suffolks at the local level and then expanded her involvement to the state and national level. Kylie was an active 4-H and FFA member, a State FFA Degree recipient and has volunteered for numerous organizations and causes.

Past Winners:

2022 - Olivia Stodghill, Oskaloosa, IA
2021 - Katherine Parsley, Sheridan, IN


Let's Grow Suffolk Scholarship - $1000:

(Scholarship Retired 2023)


Current Winner:

Danielle Berry of Willits, California is the winner of the $1000 Let's Grow Suffolks scholarship. She is currently a student at Feather River Junior College in Quincy, California. Upon graduation she plans to attend UC Davis and pursue vet school with plans to become a large animal vet. Danielle was a past winner of the Suffolk Ewe Lamb Giveaway and participated in the Suffolk futurity program. Danielle was the President of her local FFA chapter and through FFAC has received her green hand, chapter and state degrees. In addition to showing sheep, Danielle also shows horses.

Past Winners:

2022 - Danielle Berry, Willits, California
2020 - Kenzie Kimbrough, Mount Pleasant, TX
2019 - Andrew Slack, Lake Geneva, WI
2017 - Nicole Dittbrenner, Cumberland, WI
2016 - Alison Knutson, Centerville, SD
2015 - Grant Friesen, Carthage, IN
2014 - Katie Frost, Bloomingbug, OH
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