Purdue News

January 7, 2000 Sheep organization provides youth leadership, learning WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – With the birth of the Indiana Junior Sheep Association, young sheep enthusiasts from across the state have the chance to learn more about the sheep industry and develop leadership skills. The IJSA is a collaboration between Purdue University and the Indiana Sheep Breeders Association. The organization is for sheep exhibitors and 4-H members in Indiana who are between 8 and 24 years old. "I hope this association provides opportunities for youths to learn more about the sheep industry, make friends and gain leadership skills," said Mike Neary, Purdue Extension sheep specialist. Currently, the organization is planning a pizza party and activities for youths who register for the Indiana Sheep Symposium, which will be Jan. 22 at the West Lafayette Holiday Inn. Other activities planned for this year include a lamb camp and show this summer. Youths interested in joining the IJSA may get membership applications from Neary at the Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1151. Annual membership dues are $10 per person or $15 per family. The IJSA held its first meeting at the 1999 Indiana State Fair. Since that meeting, the IJSA executive committee has been formed. The 1999-2000 IJSA officers, all from Indiana, are: • President – Anna Day, Noblesville. • First vice president – Kraig Bowers, Centerville. • Second vice presidents – Heather Browning, LaPorte, Christina Scheurich, Hillsboro. • Secretary – Amy Eizinger, Rochester. • Treasurer – Megan McMicheal, Scottsburg. • Fund-raising chairman – Dawn Fox, Merrillville. • Youth activities chairmen – Amanda Gillespie, West Lafayette, and Jessie Cline, Kirklin. • Show and sale chairman – Chris Holliday, Wilkinson. • Public relations chairman – Amy Johnson, Warsaw. CONTACTS: Neary, (765) 494-4849; mneary@purdue.edu, or Janelle Sommers, coordinator of IJSA, (765) 463-7463; jlsangus@purdue.edu Compiled by Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page