Junior Competitions

The day started with a pre-convention tour. Visitors boarded a bus as they explored Northern Michigan and drove across one of the longest suspension bridges in the world leading to Mackinac Island. Taking a horse drawn carriage, tour members visited the island.

                                                                     

Juniors were busy during the second day of Convention. Not only did they explore the shore, youth competed in a wide range or contests. The Dairy Jeopardy competition was a highlight. In three age divisions, more than 75 participants competed for their shot at bringing home the top award. Here are the results:

Junior Division:
1st place, Rachel Craun of Virginia

Intermediate Division:

1st place, Hayley Fernandes, California (left)
2nd place, Jacob Fernandes, California (middle)
3rd place, Ryan Allen, Maryland (right)

Senior Division:

1st place, Logan Potts, Virginia (right)

2nd place, Brock Irwin, Illinois (middle)

3rd place, Erin Norris, Massachusetts (left)

At the Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) Luncheon, 12 DJM Semifinalists were honored. Watch our Facebook live video for the announcement of the six finalists, Tuesday afternoon at the National Junior Awards luncheon.

• Alexandra Gambonini, Petaluma, Ca., daughter of Frank and Stacey Gambonini
• Daniel Kitchen, Danville, Pa., son of Randall and Patricia Kitchen
• Haely Leiding, Fountain, Minn., daughter of Todd and Stacy Leiding
• Kayla Leiding, Fountain, Minn., daughter of Todd and Stacy Leiding
• Samuel Minch, Green Bay, Wis., son of Glenn and Shelby Minch
• Austin Nauman, Norwalk, Wis., son of Danielle Nauman and Scott Stanford
• Erin Norris, Westhampton, Mass., daughter of Karl and Lisa Norris
• Joseph Opsal, Blue Mounds, Wis., son of Troy Opsal and Jane Sarbacker
• Taylor Pool, Robesonia, Pa., daughter of David and Martha Pool
• Nicholas Logan Potts, Purcellville, Va., son of Mike and Nancy Potts
• Mary Scott, Westgate, Iowa, daughter of Mike and Kathleen Scott
• Danielle Warmka, Fox Lake, Wis., daughter of Russ and Laura Warmka

The eight Young Distinguished Junior Members (YDJM) were also honored at the luncheon:

• Eliza Endres, Waunakee, Wis., daughter of Randy and Karen Endres
• Nathan Erbsen, Lanark, Ill., son of Carl and Becky Erbsen
• Matthew Gunst, Hartford, Wis., son of Dennis and Nichole Gunst
• Julia Heijkoop, Webster, Fla., daughter of Johan and Trisha Keijkoop
• Hannah Hockerman, Westfield, Wis., daughter of Greg and Dawn Hockerman
• Samantha Pitterle, Watertown, Wis., daughter of Mark and Val Pitterle
• Audrie Risser, Lebanon, Pa., daughter of John and Alisha Risser
• Blake Wright, Verona, Mo., son of Larry and Jodi Wright

Juniors competed in the Prepared Public Speaking Contest and Dairy Knowledge Exam, the results for these two contests will be announced at the Awards Luncheon on Tuesday.

The night ended at the Junior Highlight Your State Mixer & Dance event. Youth mixed and mingled as they highlighted their state. States presented their banners and shared their giveaway items. DJ Mikey provided music as the line dance instructor taught new dances.

Check back tomorrow for more highpoints from Convention Host Day activities and Family Night!