Penn State Block and Bridle Club Captures Top Honors at National Convention

      The Penn State Block and Bridle Club received top honors in national competition at the 89th Block and Bridle Convention in San Antonio, TX, in February, hosted by Texas A & M University. The Chapter won honors in five of the six categories, including first place in the prestigious Chapter Activities Award contest. This is given to the Club that maintains the highest level of involvement on their campus and within their agricultural community.

 

     The Block and Bridle Club yearbook, assembled by Amy Shollenberger, Harleysville, won first, place and the website, maintained by Anna Smith, Belleville, took third place.

 

     In individual competition, Kyle Grim, East Berlin, was named Outstanding Senior, and Callihan Schillaci, Ephrata, received fourth place in the Outstanding Junior competition. Applications for these awards were submitted in June 2008 and reflected the students' academic status at the time of the application. Kyle has since graduated, and operates Beaver Creek Angus Farms, that specializes in show heifers and herd bulls. Kyle also assists his uncle at nearby Fletcher Farms (a cash crop enterprise), and his father at K Grim Farming, a hay and cash crop operation. Callihan will graduate in May 2009 and hopes to begin a career in reproduction or nutrition in the animal industry. She is also considering graduate study in reproductive biology.

 

     Dr. Terry Etherton, head of the Department of Dairy and Animal Science, congratulated the club for the national recognition it received. "Block and Bridle Club members have an outstanding history of achievement in the club's many diverse and successful activities throughout the year. I offer sincere congratulations to all members on this national acknowledgement of their hard work, and also to Kyle and Callihan for their individual accomplishments."

 

     Twenty-six members of the club traveled to the Convention and participated in the wide range of activities, including tours of the 825,000 acre King Ranch, Graham Land Cattle and Ranch and many other places of local interest. Forty chapters from around the country participated, with 650 students in attendance.

 

    Speakers included:

• Trent Loos, a sixth-generation farmer, and radio host from Nebraska with a special passion for animal agriculture. Loos encouraged the students to stand up for animal agriculture and speak the truth to the public.
• Dr. Michael Johnson, an author and cowboy, from Oklahoma, with a message of "Helping your horseŠand yourself." Johnson inspired students to reach deep inside themselves to find the strength and power necessary to accomplish their dreams.
• Jim Olsen, from Texas. As a former CIA operative Jim provided a compelling message on patriotism and serving one's country.         

      Ken Kephart, professor of animal science and Club adviser, said, "Attending the national convention allows members to meet students from around the country and gain a broader knowledge of the livestock industry through the tours and interactive program. We are extremely proud of the strong showing our Club consistently makes at the national level, particularly this year's recognition for the number one club in the nation for chapter activities."

 

    National Block and Bridle Club is a collegiate organization with 92 chapters across the United States with the purpose of promoting animal agriculture and developing professional and leadership skills in members.

 

    Penn State's Block and Bridle Club is supported throughout the year by numerous Pennsylvania agricultural organizations, as well as the Department of Dairy and Animal Science and the College of Agricultural Sciences.