The Shipley family of Newark, Ohio, presented the first Jason Shipley Memorial Scholarship in memory of their son who passed away in June 2007 to Bailey Pope of Lathrop, Mo., on July 3 during the National Junior Summer Spectacular (NJSS) in Louisville, Ky.

The $1,000 scholarship was developed this year to honor an NJSA member who has a strong background in athletics and the swine industry. Pope will study agriculture at Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kan. Her career objective is to be an employee of a purebred association, where she can promote purebreds and work with youth. She plans to play intramural athletics in college and hopes to someday coach youth teams to help young kids learn and enjoy sports.

Pope has participated in the NJSS since 2001. She has also exhibited at numerous NJSA events throughout the country and has excelled in the judging contest, skillathon and photography contest. In addition, she exhibited the 2004 Champion Bred-and-Owned Landrace Gilt and the Reserve Champion Hampshire Barrow at the 2006 American Royal. She is a talented showman and has numerous Top 10 finishes to her name.

In high school, she was involved in volleyball, basketball and track. She served as captain for the volleyball and basketball team the past two years and was track captain all four years. In volleyball, she was awarded Most Improved Player early in her career and during her senior year, won the honor of Most Kills, All KCI Conference and All-District honors. In basketball, she was awarded senior Defensive Player of the Year and was the leader in assists. At the conclusion of the season, she was named to the All-KCI Conference team, as well. In track, she received the title of High Point Girl two years and 2nd High Point Girl once. She was the conference champion in the mile and broke the school record in the mile during her senior year.

In addition to high school athletics, she has been involved in competitive Sports Acro competition, in which she placed at the state level and was a national qualifier. However, she did not compete at the national level because it conflicted with her showing hogs at the state fair.

Pope says she has learned a lot from her involvement in athletics and the swine industry. In both activities, she says you have to work hard, be responsible, show initiative, overcome adversity and be willing to embrace change. She’s learned that those who take short cuts may not work as hard, and may even cheat. While this is frustrating, she says she has learned that life isn’t always fair and that you must continue to work hard and compete with integrity and it will pay off in the end.

For more information about National Junior Swine Association scholarships, please contact Jennifer Shike, NSR Director of Junior Activities, at (765) 463-3594 or by e-mail at jennifer@nationalswine.com