Kidwell Awarded 2023 Dr. James Earl Kennamer Academic Scholarship
EDGEFIELD, S.C.— As she volunteered at the local NWTF Monocacy Valley Chapter’s Annual JAKES Day event, Ashlynn Kidwell of Sykesville, Maryland, and her family were overjoyed when her local chapter leaders presented her with a $10,000 check for being the 2023 Dr. James Earl Kennamer Academic Scholarship recipient, sponsored by Mossy Oak.
“The National Wild Turkey Federation has been incredibly kind and supportive to 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 to me as well as to countless other young hunters. This scholarship will enable me to kickstart my academic pursuits in the field of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. There are truly no words to describe just how thankful I am for this opportunity."
As a recipient of both the NWTF Dr. James Earl Kennamer National Academic Scholarship and the Maryland State Chapter Scholarship, Kidwell distinguished herself as a dedicated conservationist, hunter, intellectual and a steward of her community. Throughout her high school career, Kidwell has demonstrated academic excellence, making straight A’s throughout her four years and taking many college-level classes.
While she was accepted to numerous universities, Kidwell will be attending the University of Maryland to pursue her interests of environmental science, natural resources, agricultural and biomedical studies.
In addition to her academic prestige, Kidwell’s four years of high school were characterized by leadership and extracurricular and community involvement. To name a few from her impressive resume:
- Accepted into the Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science Program at the Carroll County Career and Technology Center.
- Delegate for 2022 FFA National 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 Lion’s Club).
- Carson Scholar Award.
- Maryland State 4-H Council President.
- Maryland State Fair Junior Board, 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 over $5.5 million in academic scholarships to students across North America who demonstrate a commitment to conservation, academic excellence and who possess the leadership skills to make a difference.
“We are incredibly proud to present Ashlynn with the 2023 Dr. James Earl Kennamer Scholarship,” said NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff. “This award is just as much about awarding academic excellence as it’s about conserving our natural resources for future generations. Ashlynn has a deep respect for the NWTF mission, and wherever she ends up in her career, we know she will be a leader and an ambassador of the organization and our mission. Congrats Ashlynn!”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale.
2023 is the NWTF's 50th anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization's mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50th 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 NWTF's people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.