Virginia Tech Dairy Club Name No. 1 In Nation

BLACKSBURG, Va., Aug. 22, 2002 -- The Virginia Tech Dairy Club was named the top student club at the American Dairy Science Association Student Affiliate Meeting in Quebec in July.

"The last time we had a first-place win was in 1994," said David R. Winston, Extension dairy scientist and a club adviser. "Since 1980, though, this is the 11th time we've been first place. So we've put a long dry spell behind us."

Nine other student chapters nationally competed against Virginia Tech for the outstanding chapter award. Judges looked at such indicators as membership, club activities, and participation at student affiliate meetings.

In addition to being named the outstanding student chapter, the Virginia Tech Dairy Club also received a first-place award for its scrapbook, and third-place awards for its yearbook and web site. Ten students from the 65-member club and five advisers attended the Quebec meeting.

In individual student honors, Katie Peacock placed first in the dairy production paper contest; Becky Cornman placed third in the dairy foods paper contest, and she was elected secretary-treasurer of the student affiliate of the national organization; Amy Iager received the Genevieve Christian Undergraduate Student Award; and Iris Peeler, was named the outstanding student for the national organization's student affiliate.

In addition, Ray Nebel, professor of dairy science, was named outstanding adviser in the national organization. Winston was elected first-year adviser.

Other students attending the meeting were Matt Switzer, Erinn Oliphant, Lindsay White, Aaron Ray Thompkins, Jeremy Moyer, and Chase Scott. The students participated in a Dairy Quiz Bowl, paper presentations, and a media skills workshop.