GUELPH, ONT. (Nov. 20, 2024) – Charlotte Woodhouse of the Grey 4-H Association was awarded the 2024 Justin Parish Memorial Bursary at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto on November 4. 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 well-deserved winner with a bright future. Her passion for the dairy industry and the drive to succeed proves the importance of the 4-H program and the opportunities that it can provide. Congratulations from the Parish Family,” says Ryan Parish, brother of Justin Parish.
Charlotte began her 4-H journey in the Rocklyn 4-H dairy club over her seven-year tenure, has completed over 20 4-H projects. She is known to “live and breathe all things dairy”, volunteering at the National Holstein Show and the CNE dairy education venue, as well as playing an instrumental role in herd management on her family’s farm.
“Charlotte always dreamed of owning her own 4-H calf and this year, after careful study of the College Classic catalogue, she purchased her calf, ‘Ritzy’. They have such a special bond and work daily to achieve their goal,” says 4-H leaders, Brian and Shelley O’Neill. “[Her] hard work, dedication and positive attitude have helped her gain the experience and confidence to achieve her goal of competing at her very first TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic.”
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 TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic Show.
“The Ontario 4-H Foundation would like to thank the Parish family for establishing this award in memory of Justin and for their ongoing support of both the Foundation and the TD Classic,” says Naomi Lutes, Chair 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:
Laura Goulding, Manager, Communications, 4-H Ontario
519.803.5026, communications@4-hontario.ca