2012 ADBA Scholarship Winner
The American Dog Breeders Association Inc. ‘Leaders Of The Future’ Scholarship for 2012 is awarded to Kristin Stewart of Great Bend, Kansas. Kristin is currently enrolled at Kansas
State University, where she is a student in the department of Architectural Engineering and Construction Science. She is pursing a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering and is scheduled to graduate in May 2014.
Kristin writes, “I started attending ADBSI sanctioned shows in 2009, with my friend Scott Burke. I was just a spectator for the first few shows, but quickly jumped into being a handler. We have three American Pit Bull Terriers at home that I am so very fond of and I enjoy spending time with them. During school breaks, I love to take part in their everyday training and taking them on walks through my home town.
Last summer, we got a new puppy, Bomb Bay, and I was responsible for raising and training her on my own. Since she has come of age, we have taken her to as many shows as possible. She became a conformation champion at 12 months of age. Her very first show in the Champion of Champions class, we received the C of C cup from Gary Hammonds. He told us after the show, that to the best of his knowledge, Bomb Bay was the first female that he had given the C of C cup to. Since then, she has been awarded three second places and one third place in the Champions class. Being able to raise my own American Pit Bull Terrier has made me love the breed that much more and going to shows lets me demonstrate that love to everyone else.”
Associate Professor in the department of Architectural Engineering at Kansas State University, Raphael A. Yunk writes, “Kristen Stewart is an excellent student and young leader. She has maintained a very high GPA in a challenging program while being active in a number of student activities, including the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, the Architectural Engineering Institute and the Society of Women Engineers. In my Thermal Systems class, Kristen was one of my strongest students, and was always pleasant, professional and attentive (even at 7:30 AM). Due to her aptitude, work ethic and positive personality, she earned a summer internship at Ross & Baruzzini, a consulting engineering firm in St Louis, Missouri which is an excellent opportunity in her field of study.”
In her scholarship application Kristin continues, “I love going to ADBSI sanctioned events because everyone there makes me feel like I am a part of a tight knit family and we are all there to support one another and our dogs. I try to go to any shows that I can and I even attended a fun show a few weeks ago in Jefferson City, Mo. I have learned that caring for and protecting this breed requires determination and commitment because the breed and people’s opinions are constantly changing. My goal is to try my best to change it for the better. As an APBT owner and lover, I will always be looking for improvements and keep training my dogs to be the loving, loyal and playful dogs that I know they are.”
Kristin states, “My dream has always been to work in the field of architecture while still applying my math and engineering skills. The internship with Ross & Baruzzini, the consulting engineering firm this summer is confirming that architectural engineering is the perfect way to do so. I am looking forward to being in the workplace making beautiful buildings that overcome many feats for the world to admire and enjoy. I will still be involved with American Pit Bull Terriers whether I am still showing them or just owning them. Regardless, I will always be working to preserve the breed.”
Congratulations Kristen Stewart in your selection as the ADBA’s Leaders Of The Future Scholarship recipient.
