New York, NY – The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and advocate for all dogs, is pleased to announce our newest award, AKC My Canine & Me. This award is intended to honor children and young adults who are making a positive impact on the world with their dogs or achieving personal growth and success utilizing their knowledge of dogs and their dog ownership.

To be considered, students must be nominated by a parent, teacher, mentor or another adult familiar with their efforts. Additionally, they must be in good academic standing and provide a report card (for grades K-8), GPA (Grades 9-12) or school transcript with the application.

A short essay should also be included describing the bond between the child and their dog, and the reason for the nomination. All children nominated will be enrolled in the Junior program and receive a Junior number.

“This award is a great way to highlight children who understand the importance of the human canine bond and used it to positively influence their lives and community” says Ashley Jacot, Director of Education. “We believe these bright young minds are the key to a better future which is why we are pleased to acknowledge their accomplishments with the AKC My Canine & Me Award.”

Winners will be determined and selected based on the following four categories:

  • Personal Achievement Award: Celebrating children who have overcome personal challenges with the help of their dog.
  • Influential Junior Award: Children demonstrating leadership skills with their dog during after-school activities or gatherings and inspiring their peers and teachers as a result.
  • Innovative Junior Award: Celebrating children who have excelled in honing their creativity through training skills with their dogs.
  • Community Achievement Award: Celebrating juniors who show commitment and passion through fundraising and contributing to their community for the welfare of dogs.

Winners will be announced annually and awarded $1,000 scholarships which can be used toward tuition, additional training classes or another dog-related activity. Additionally, they will receive a plaque honoring their achievement and a mention and interview on AKC.TV.

If you would like to nominate a child for the AKC My Canine and Me award, please visit AKC.org to learn more about the program and to apply.

 

 

 

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About the American Kennel Club

Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization, which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.  Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. AKC Clubs comprise America’s largest rescue network. For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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