Posted: April 6, 2017
Club was first in the nation for Chapter Activities, second for its website and third for its scrapbook; Amy Middleton was named Outstanding Junior.
From left: Dr. Mills, Olivia Richart, Abbey Allison, Amy Middleton, Kasie Kerr, Alexa LeCrone and Megan McCunn.
Penn State's Block and Bridle Club placed first in the nation for Chapter Activities and was recognized at the 97th National Block and Bridle Convention held March 31-April 2 in Arlington, VA. The Club received second place for its website and third place for its scrapbook. Amy Middleton, Mill Hall, president of Penn State's Club, was named Outstanding Junior.
The event was co-hosted by the University of Connecticut and the American Society of Animal Science and its theme was "Scientific Voice in Agriculture." There were 282 students from 30 schools attending the convention; six Penn State students participated.
Dr. Terry Etherton, Head of the Department of Animal Science, said, "I offer sincere congratulations to all the members of the Block and Bridle Club and their advisors for this national recognition of their dedicated efforts. B & B is a very hardworking club that provides outstanding leadership within the Department of Animal Science and our College."
Edward W. Mills, Ph.D., one of the club's advisors, said, "The recognition is well-deserved; all of our members work hard throughout the year. Attending the national meeting provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn about issues facing the future of our industry as well as networking with industry professionals and other students from around the country."
Middleton said, "I was honored to receive this recognition. I have been active in Block and Bridle since my freshman year and it continues to be my favorite club at Penn State. I think the recognition reflects well back on the club. I have grown as a leader and been exposed to so many different experiences in the animal science industry thanks to Block and Bridle. It is a testament to the quality of the club that I was so competitive at the national level." Middleton is a veterinary and biomedical sciences major.
In addition to the meetings of the national organization, club members visited animal facilities including a dairy farm, an alpaca farm and an oyster farm, and heard speakers who described the challenges of informing consumers about animal agricultural practices.
The National Block and Bridle Club is a collegiate organization with 92 chapters across the United States with the purpose of promoting animal agriculture and developing professional and leadership skills in members.
The trip was made possible with partial funding provided by the Office of Undergraduate Education.
