EDGEFIELD, SC— While volunteering at the NWTF local Monocacy Valley chapter’s Annual JAKES Day event, Ashlynn Kidwell of Sykesville, Maryland, and her family were overjoyed when local chapter leaders presented her with a $10,000 check for being the 2023 Dr. James Earl Recipient of the Kennamer Academic Scholarship, sponsored by Mossy Oak.
“The National Wild Turkey Federation has been incredibly kind and supportive of me and my family, welcoming us with open arms and treating us like family,” Kidwell said. “This remarkable organization has provided numerous life-changing opportunities for me, as well as many other young hunters. This scholarship will allow me to start my academic activities in the field of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. There really are no words to describe how grateful I am for this opportunity.”
As a recipient of the NWTF’s Dr. James Earl Kennamer National Academic Scholarship and the Maryland State Chapter Scholarship, Kidwell distinguished herself as a dedicated conservationist, hunter, intellectual, and steward of her community. Throughout her high school career, Kidwell has demonstrated academic excellence, earning straight As’s from her all four years and taking many college-level classes.
Although accepted to numerous universities, Kidwell will attend the University of Maryland to pursue her interests in environmental science, natural resources, agriculture, and biomedical studies.
In addition to her academic standing, Kidwell’s four years of high school were characterized by her leadership and extracurricular and community involvement. To name a few of her impressive resume:
- Accepted into the Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences Program at the Carroll County Career and Technology Center.
- Delegate for the 2022 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
- FFA Vice President.
- Green House Student Manager.
- Environmental Club.
- National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta.
- Leo Club (youth service club affiliated with the Lions Club).
- Carson School Award.
- President of the Maryland State 4-H Council.
- Junior Board of the State Fair of Maryland, executive member.
- Carroll County 4-H Senior Ambassador.
- Carroll County Farm Bureau 2023 Youth Ambassador.
- Wesley Freedom Vacation Bible School camp counselor.
The NWTF is proud to have supported more than $5.5 million in academic scholarships for North American students who demonstrate a commitment to conservation, academic excellence, and possess the leadership skills to make a difference.
“We are incredibly proud to present Ashlynn with the Dr. James Earl Kennamer Scholarship 2023,” said NWTF Co-Executive Director Kurt Dyroff. “This award is as much about rewarding academic excellence as it is about conserving our natural resources for future generations. Ashlynn has deep respect for the mission of the NWTF, and wherever she ends her career, we know she will be a leader and ambassador for the organization and our mission. Congratulations Ashlynn!
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has conserved or improved more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to advance wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities across the US by working beyond borders at the landscape scale.
2023 is the 50th of the NWTFhe anniversary and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. for his 50he anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the people of NWTF; and raise $5 million to build a $50 million endowment for the future. Find out how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.