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Testimonials
Junior Handler
Madison Gilbert
I feel very honored to have been the first recipient of the Rachel Hunt Memorial Scholarship. As someone who was fairly new at the time, it was a confidence booster and encouragement to me to continue to learn and grow in the dog show environment. It meant a lot to me to have earned this award showing my first Borzoi Rafe. The scholarship was very helpful as I went on to graduate from Texas A & M University with a degree in Kinesiology.
Junior Handler
Paige Ryan
I was so excited to win Best Junior Handler but to receive a Scholarship honoring Rachel Hunt was an incredible honor! The award encouraged me to work harder as a handler.
Junior Handler
Chloe Ryan
Winning a Rachel Hunt Scholarship was such an incredible privilege! It inspired me to continue showing and also to think about my future.
Judge
Prudence Hylatky
I personally knew Rachel Hunt in and out of the show ring and witnessed her grow and thrive in the sport of dogs. As a former Junior handler myself and now an AKC judge, it is heartwarming to award my top Juniors a scholarship in Rachel’s memory.
It's particularly gratifying to see the excitement and pride of Juniors when rewarded for their dedication and hard work. Parents are especially thrilled for their children and immensely appreciative of this scholarship.
Parent
Renate Hodkowski
This scholarship is very meaningful for Ellie and our family. Ellie has acquired skills as a Junior that will serve her well in many areas of life. From how to manage and fill out paperwork required to show, to the importance of preparation and presentation, to showing good sportsmanship when things don’t go as planned. All of it comes together in the ring when competing in Junior Showmanship. Ellie plans to further her education after high school, and the scholarship money will help her continue to grow. I witness the resolve the scholarship gave her, making the idea of college seem attainable. Thank you for helping Ellie achieve her education goals!
Show Chair
Sami Hirko
Corpus Christi Kennel Club takes great pride in nurturing the next generation's personal growth. Rewarding Junior Handlers with a Rachel Hunt Scholarship directly does just that. It encourages future success.
Parent
Erica Ryan
The scholarships offered by your wonderful foundation are so helpful to families. I have 2 teenage girls with one starting college in just 2 short years! The cost of raising kids in this economy is hard enough but then you add in college, and it is almost impossible! I love to see the dog community invest in our young people and want to make things just that much easier for the parents.
Supporters
Dick Hafner & Patricia Silverman
The Hunt Family and Rachel Hunt Memorial Foundation Team have done an inspiring, tireless job. They have channeled their grief into the most positive, generous vision that Rachel would support wholeheartedly, just as we do.
Kennel Club
Brazos Valley Kennel Club
The Brazos Valley Kennel Club was honored to partner with the Rachel Hunt Memorial Scholarship Foundation for Juniors at our 2025 show in Navasota, Texas. We hope it was the beginning of a long relationship for years to come. The scholarships offered each day for Best Junior Handler and Reserve Best Junior Handler were wonderful in acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the next generation that will carry the torch for our sport. As soon as the club posted about the Scholarship on social media we started receiving text messages and calls from both Juniors and their parents! The number of Juniors entering at our show increased tremendously. The excitement before the event was only surpassed by the celebration when the awards were distributed before Best in Show!
Breeder/Owner/Handler
Veni Harlan
I have had the pleasure of knowing Rachel and her lovely family for many years. We competed in the ring and Rachel was not only a fine handler but an excellent sportswoman. As a fancier, I was happy to see a new generation carrying on in such style and grace. The sudden loss of Rachel was unfathomable. I watched as the Hunt family channelled their grief into good. The Foundation not only honors the memory of their daughter but helps other junior handlers pursue their dreams. It was my complete honor to contribute design and branding services in support of their Foundation.
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