About the Award:

The Jan Harding Ruslavage Service Award has been established in 2024 to honor the memory and distinguished service of Jan Harding Ruslavage to Pennsylvania’s dairy industry. The award is intended to recognize an individual between the ages of 18 and 30 who has demonstrated exceptional service to and promotion of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry.

The award will provide recognition and financial support to an outstanding young individual who has demonstrated a commitment to dairy service and promotion through the contributions they are making to enrich the future of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry. The winning individual will receive a $3,000 cash award and recognition at the annual Pennsylvania Dairy Princess State Pageant in September.

Qualifications:

To qualify for this award, individuals must:

  • Be a Pennsylvania resident
  • Be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old
  • Be a high school graduate and pursuing a career in or related to the dairy industry

Qualities of someone recognized through this award could include:

  • Servant Leadership Attitude
  • High Level of Integrity
  • Helpful, Friendly Disposition
  • Conscientious, Tireless Work Ethic
  • Compassionate, Giving Nature
  • Strong Passion for the Dairy Industry or Specific Aspect of Dairy
  • A Demonstrated Commitment to Contributing to the Industry in a Positive Way

Examples of ways the individual could be serving the industry could be in being active in dairy promotion, being in a leadership position in a dairy service or breed organization, building dairy awareness in their local community, serving in an advisory role for a dairy youth organization, contributing to research or education advancing the future of dairy, or in many other capacities. The committee will be looking for an individual who models the qualities identified above.

How to Submit a Nomination:

Individuals can be nominated either through a self-nomination or by another individual who wishes to recognize their achievements in the industry.

To nominate an individual for this award, please complete the online application below and submit it with up to three letters of support for the nominee.

Nominations are now closed.