GUELPH, ONT. (November 27, 2023) – Kamala E-M of the Renfrew 4-H Association was awarded the 2023 Justin Parish Memorial Bursary at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto on November 7. The Bursary was established by the Parish family in honour of Justin Parish’s dream of attending the Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic Show at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The recipient receives a $1,000 in support of attending the Classic Show as a team member, fitter or herdsperson.
“A true winner that exemplifies the 4-H program and what it can offer. When hard work and perseverance come together anything is possible. Congratulations from the Parish Family,” says Ryan Parish, brother of Justin Parish.
“I love animals and being outdoors and this year was my first time attending the 2023 TD Classic Winter Royals in Toronto at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, says Kamala, in a thank-you letter to the Parish family. “I have been cow showing for two years … showing Jerseys with Anne Bromley and the Renfrew County 4-H Association Dairy Club. The opportunity was very educational and intriguing. I was very excited to go and had a wonderful time.
I would like to thank all the sponsors and the family of Justin Parish for the opportunity to attend and the very important financial assistance,” she says.
According to her club leaders, Kamala only learned about dairy club and showing when a friend brought her to a 4-H meeting a few years ago. Since then, she has firmly committed to the club and worked extremely hard at perfecting her showing and handling skills.
As noted in the nomination form submitted by Anne Bromley, Cailen Bromley and Anna McIntyre of the Refrew 4-H Association: “She took every opportunity presented this summer and learned lots! Attending East Gen, the Eastern Ontario Jersey Rally, the Eastern Ontario-Western Quebec Championship show, Shawville Fair and all three of the local 4-H shows. Her confidence has grown in leaps and bounds.
When she was presented with the opportunity to go to the Royal, we thought this would be “no” as we thought this could be outside her “comfort zone”. To our great pleasure she said “yes”, and experienced her first trip to the Royal Agricultural Fair, and showing in a national competition.
“Showing has given her a chance to develop confidence in herself, travel, try new things and see new places. It has expanded her horizons and shown her she can be great at something she tries hard and works hard at,” notes the Renfrew nominating team. “We are so proud of her for saying “yes“ to this huge opportunity!”
To be considered for the Justin Parish Memorial Bursary, applicants must be a 4-H participant in good standing who shows dedication to agriculture and interest in attending the Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic Show but attended the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair as a participant or attendee.
“The Ontario 4-H Foundation would like to thank the Parish family for establishing this award in memory of Justin,” says Naomi Lutes Chair, Ontario 4-H Foundation.
4-H dairy club leaders submit a nomination letter to recommend a 4-H participant for the award. Each year the committee selects one recipient who is presented their award during the TD Canadian Dairy 4-H Classic held at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.
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About 4-H Ontario
4-H Ontario is a non-profit positive youth development organization that builds youth as leaders within their communities and assets to the world. With roots in rural Ontario, today it is open to youth of all backgrounds across the province. 4-H youth ages 6–21 and screened, engaged volunteer leaders come together to learn about selected topics through fun hands-on activities and mentorship. There are also provincial camps, conferences, competitions and national and international travel opportunities available to further develop skills in leadership, business, self-confidence and more. 4-H provides youth with a place they can be involved, accepted, valued and heard while developing valuable skills for leadership and life.
For more information please contact:
Mary Haurilak, Manager, Communications, 4-H Ontario
519.803.5026, communications@4-hontario.ca