Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association celebrates outstanding youth

STEVENS POINT, Wis. — The Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association celebrated its members at their annual convention Jan. 2-4 in Stevens Point.

The association’s top awards, the Outstanding Holstein Boy and Girl, were presented to Tristen Ostrom of De Pere and Maddy Hensel of Pittsville.

Ostrom, a senior at De Pere High School, plans to pursue a degree in either animal science or agricultural business. He grew up involved in the dairy industry at Milk Source.

“In my interview I talked about the first calf I showed at the county fair — a crossbred Jersey calf,” Ostrom said. “When they said that in the introduction — I knew it was me, but I don’t think anyone else did. I felt a lot of humility and happiness in that moment.”

Ostrom’s involvement in WHA has evolved.

“I’ve been around cows since I remember,” Ostrom said. “Showing is where I started, then I became more active in other areas of the association, competing in dairy bowl and dairy jeopardy, and more recently, the Distinguished Junior Member contest.”

Ostrom said his involvement with WJHA is where he met a lot of his great friends, and that through the organization he has built a terrific support system. His mentors have played a role in helping Ostrom develop his passion for the Holstein cow.

“I have a laundry list of people that have impacted my Holstein story,” Ostrom said. “I’ve gathered something from every single one that has helped me become the person I am today. I have learned to just be my authentic self; that being humble and authentic will take you a long way.”

Ostrom said he enjoys the tough but friendly competition, sitting behind a dairy bowl buzzer.

“Competing with my teammates in dairy bowl is something I look back on fondly,” Ostrom said. “Practicing, working together towards a goal and competing at that high level, we have developed deep bonds of friendship.”

Ostrom said he encourages other youth to recognize the value of junior membership in WHA.

“It’s hard to stay involved in something, to keep the same attitude towards the association, with sports and family events,” Ostrom said. “I’ve learned to embrace it and really roll with the waves of life. I’ve gained a lot, mostly the great friendships and mentorships.”

Ostrom said his junior Holstein story is not over.

“A new chapter is opening,” Ostrom said. “I’m not sure where that will lead me, … (but) I look forward to becoming a mentor for new youth and continuing to create new connections.”

Hensel will graduate this spring from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a degree in psychology, a double minor in communications and substance use and addiction studies, and a concentration in human services. Following graduation, she plans to pursue both a master’s and a doctorate in clinical psychology, with the goal of becoming a licensed psychologist.

Hensel did not grow up on a farm, but found a home when she was introduced to the WJHA.

At the age of 8, Hensel attended her first junior convention.

“I found my spot in all the programming offered,” Hensel said. “I grew up going to Cow Camp, participating in dairy bowl and jeopardy, speaking contests and then becoming involved in leadership roles.”

Hensel served as the Wisconsin Holstein Princess in 2022 and was named a Holstein Association USA National DJM Finalist in 2023. She has served on both the WHA and HAUSA Junior Activities Committees.

Being named the Outstanding Holstein Girl was a fitting culmination to her junior career, Hensel said.

“A lot of emotions came over me, as I realized it was me,” Hensel said. “Many memories, reflecting how I have grown through my involvement — I just felt a lot of gratitude.”

Involvement in the WHA has laid a foundation for her future success, Hensel said.

“I have developed professional skills while instilling strong personal values,” Hensel said. “The self-reflection you have through the record-keeping process and the interview skills you learn are all absolutely applicable in any future career path.”

Hensel is looking forward to stepping into a mentorship role as she transitions into adult membership within WHA.

“I would encourage youth to try new things, to talk to everyone and learn their stories,” Hensel said. “You never know who you might meet and what opportunities it might lead you to.”

In addition to Ostrom and Hensel, Wisconsin DJM awards were presented to Katie Brandel, Lake Mills; Sara Dorshorst, Marshfield; Catherine Gunst and Christopher Gunst, Pine River; Elizabeth Gunst, Hartford; Logan Harbaugh, Marion; Mallory Nifong, Orfordville; Ella Raatz, Colby; Cameron Ryan and Dylan Ryan, Fond du Lac; and Madison Wiese, Wrightstown.

Ostrom, Dorshorst, Logan Harbaugh and Madison Wiese were selected to represent Wisconsin in the national competition.

Younger DJM awards were presented to Royce Booth, Plymouth; Ian Brick, Greenleaf; Kayla Buttles, Lancaster; Noah Byl, Cushing; Agnes Haase, Somerset; Madison Harbaugh, Marion; Vivian Lichty, Beaver Dam; Adella Loehr, Eden; Brady McConnell, Lancaster; Lexi Metzler, Viroqua; Braelyn Sarbacker and Payton Sarbacker, Verona; Stella Schmocker, Whitewater; and Alivia Wiese, Wrightstown.

Madison Harbaugh, Lichty, McConnell and Alivia Wiese were selected to apply for national recognition.

The 12 and Under Member Recognition award was presented to Alexa Brey, Sturgeon Bay; Carter Coffeen, DePere; Elise Gilbertson and Naydeen Gilbertson, Hollandale; Abbigail Janisch, DeForest; Kendyl Judd, Mount Horeb; Callie Krohlow and Conway Krohlow, Poynette; Charli Leonard, Blanchardville; Siera McCullough, Juda; Reagan Sarbacker, Verona; Kassidy Taylor, Plymouth; Walker Ulness, Valders; and Mylie Wendorf, Ixonia.

Brianne Vandoske of Cleveland was named the 2026 Wisconsin Holstein Princess, and Alison Gartman of Sheboygan was named the Wisconsin Holstein Princess Attendant.