2025 Dr. Gary C. Smith Scholarship Recipients

A special thank you to the Bellinger Foundation for supporting our students with $1,000.00 scholarships for earning high individual at selected AMSA Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contests.  Students cannot receive the scholarship more than one time in a competitive season.

Barbara Martin

South Plains

Clarendon College
National
My name is Barbara Martin, and I was originally born in Colorado but moved when I was two years of age to Laramie, Wyoming. I am currently a student at Clarendon College, where I continue to pursue my passion for meat judging and animal science. My meat judging journey began in 8th grade, and ever since, I have developed a deep passion for it.

 

Meat judging has had a profound impact on my life, helping me develop the ability to think quickly on my feet, stay calm under pressure, and sharpen my critical thinking skills. Through the atmosphere of judging, I have learned the value of respect and teamwork, thanks to the guidance of my coaches and the support of my teammates.

 

Being in various beef plants and meat coolers has deepened my understanding of agriculture and meat science, giving me hands-on experience that I will carry into my future career. Meat judging has also helped me build a strong professional network, meet incredible people from all over the country and the world, as well as step outside my comfort zone.

 

This experience has shaped me into a more confident, knowledgeable, and adaptable person, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has given me. I look forward to using the skills I’ve gained to continue growing both personally and professionally.

2024 Dr. Gary C. Smith Scholarship Recipients

A special thank you to the Bellinger Foundation for supporting our students with $1,000.00 scholarships for earning high individual at selected AMSA Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contests.  Students cannot receive the scholarship more than one time in a competitive season.

Barbara Martin

South Plains

Clarendon College
National
My name is Barbara Martin, and I was originally born in Colorado but moved when I was two years of age to Laramie, Wyoming. I am currently a student at Clarendon College, where I continue to pursue my passion for meat judging and animal science. My meat judging journey began in 8th grade, and ever since, I have developed a deep passion for it.

 

Meat judging has had a profound impact on my life, helping me develop the ability to think quickly on my feet, stay calm under pressure, and sharpen my critical thinking skills. Through the atmosphere of judging, I have learned the value of respect and teamwork, thanks to the guidance of my coaches and the support of my teammates.

 

Being in various beef plants and meat coolers has deepened my understanding of agriculture and meat science, giving me hands-on experience that I will carry into my future career. Meat judging has also helped me build a strong professional network, meet incredible people from all over the country and the world, as well as step outside my comfort zone.

 

This experience has shaped me into a more confident, knowledgeable, and adaptable person, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has given me. I look forward to using the skills I’ve gained to continue growing both personally and professionally.