The first George Miller Memorial Scholarship was presented to Kylie Konyn during the 2023 National Holstein Convention in Lexington, Kentucky. Kylie received her $1,000 scholarship during the Junior Awards Luncheon on June 27, 2023.
George Miller made significant contributions to the dairy and A.I. industries throughout his lifetime. He exhibited an unmatched passion for good cows and the breeders he worked beside.
Kylie is attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in dairy science with certificates in ag business management and science communications. She was raised on her family’s dairy farm in San Diego, California. Konyn aspires to become a dairy cattle nutritionist or management consultant.
In her scholarship application, Konyn wrote, “Although I did not have the opportunity to meet George, I have so many questions to ask this dairy legend. I am confident in the legacy he left. I aspire to make a change in the dairy industry, just as he did. As I look forward to further involvement in the Holstein breed, I aspire to use the skills and relationships that I have developed to further impact the lives and industry around me, just as George did.”
The George Miller Scholarship fund is hosted by the Holstein Foundation. It is awarded by Holstein Association USA and supported by Select Sires Inc.
“We really wanted the scholarship to memorialize and remember what George was passionate about. George was passionate about youth. Especially youth that wanted to give back to the industry in some fashion after their education is complete,” says Jeff Ziegler, vice president of dairy cattle breeding at Select Sires Inc. “George was also a great ambassador for the Holstein Association. He really believed in the programs and services the Holstein Association has offered.”