About the Award

About

The Atlantic National Angus Foundation sponsors a recognition program for junior members in need of financial assistance and wishing to continue their education. This award is based on the junior’s involvement in the Angus industry, their community and the Atlantic National Angus Show. Since the award started the Merit Award has gifted over $100,000 in scholarships to juniors.

History

The fund for the Merit Award was instituted during the 1989 show in memory of Dr. John A. Babbett, former Atlantic National Treasurer. Jennifer Calderazzo, a junior member from York, PA, donated an embryo from her Bred & Owned Grand Champion Female. “The Honor Roll” which was a combination of Angus Breeders and Enthusiasts bought the embryo and donated it back to be resold! All proceeds benefited the Merit Award thus the award began. Every year since then an embryo is donated along with other items auction off to fund the Merit Award each year.

Greg Krueger Memorial Scholarship

Following the untimely death of Atlantic National Chairman Greg Krueger in November 2001, his family requested that contributions in Greg’s memory be made to the Atlantic National Merit Award. The response was overwhelming with thousands of dollars donated. Since 2002 an additional $1,000 award in Greg’s memory has been awarded to the top applicant each year.

Holding a Masters degree from Purdue University in Animal Science Greg was a big believer in education. Each year his life is celebrated by gifting an outstanding young adult a scholarship in his name to be use for their education.