The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, recently awarded two $1,000 American Veterinary Medical Association scholarships. The recipients were Alyzabeth Looney of Denton, Texas, and Megan Westerhold of Rich Hill, Mo. Looney plans to use the scholarship to pursue an undergraduate degree and then a veterinary degree at Texas A&M University. Westerhold plans to do the same at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Both are interested in practicing large animal veterinary medicine. Looney and Westerhold were chosen from 7,810 applicants from across the country. Selections were based on the applicant’s academic record, FFA and other school and community activities, supervised agricultural experience program in agricultural education and future goals. This is the second year that the AVMA has sponsored scholarships for aspiring veterinarians through the FFA. AVMA plans to offer them again in 2010. The AVMA and its charitable arm, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, will distribute more than 23 scholarships this year, including 21 to students attending AVMA-accredited veterinary schools in the United States. The scholarships this year are aimed at students interested in large animal veterinary medicine, food safety, public health and shelter medicine. <HOME>
