Mallory Spring of East Fultonham, Ohio, was recognized at her high school awards ceremony as the recipient of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) 2014 National Scholarship sponsored by Mossy Oak, surprising both her and a crowd of her peers. The $10,000 scholarship will help Spring pursue a degree in wildlife biology and natural resource management.

Just a few days before learning of her award, Spring enjoyed a successful NWTF youth turkey hunt in Ohio with Eddie Salter and James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., NWTF chief conservation officer. Not a bad week for anyone, especially a 17-year-old high school senior.

“I knew I had received other NWTF scholarships but this one [the national scholarship] came completely out of the blue,” said Spring. “I have always been interested in the outdoors and I hope to pass on my knowledge to others as I pursue my degree and continue with the NWTF.”

Spring is set to graduate near the top of her class despite a rigorous academic course load and a schedule jam packed with extracurricular activities. Her impressive resume of both school and extra-curricular activities includes:
• Composite Score of 33 on ACT (99% Rank in Ohio and the US)
• 2013 Ohio Delegate to Citizenship Washington Focus
• Muskingum Soil & Water Conservation District Job Shadow
• Ohio Youth Capitol Challenge Ambassador
• 2011 Ohio NWTF Xtreme JAKE of the Year – JAKES member since 2005
• Ohio State 4-H Ambassador
• Ohio Delegate to the National 4-H Congress
• 4-H Shooting Sports Camp Counselor
• 4-H County Medal Awards for leadership, achievement, forestry, community service, citizenship and rifles
• National Archery in the Schools Program – 2013 Ohio State Champion and Overall Tournament Champion

Spring was the recipient of the $1,000 NWTF Ohio scholarship, making her eligible for the national honor. She also received a $250 scholarship from her local chapter, the Y-Bridge Longbeards. To date, the NWTF has contributed more than $4.6 million in scholarships to students making up the next generation of hunters and conservationists.

“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with Mallory on the Y-Bridge Longbeards Chapter Committee. She is great girl who is fun-loving, vibrant and full of laughter,” said Shawn Dickey, NWTF district field supervisor. “It was my pleasure to announce the award and see her peers give her a standing ovation.”

For information about the NWTF scholarship program or to download an application, visithttp://www.nwtf.org/jakes/scholarship.html.

The NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative is a charge that mobilizes science, fundraising and devoted volunteers to give the NWTF more energy and purpose than ever. Through this national initiative, NWTF has committed to raising $1.2 billion to conserve and enhance more than 4 million acres of essential upland wildlife habitat, create at least 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting, shooting and outdoor enjoyment. Without hunters, there will be no wildlife or habitat. The NWTF is determined to Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt.