Honoring Advocacy: Our Honor Awards Veterinary Scholarships to Inspiring Students
Students from Oregon State Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine and Western University of Health Sciences took home the top prizes in Our Honor’s first veterinary student scholarship program. Participants chose from a selection of prompts designed to discuss their experiences as animal advocates in veterinary school. A total of $8,000 was awarded to three students with the most inspiring essays. This year, Our Honor acknowledged three brilliant veterinary students for their commitment to advocating for the veterinary profession and its patients.
“Veterinary students working to end unethical practices such as the killing of healthy animals for surgical and anatomy training often face bullying and retaliation that forces them to remain silent,” said Crystal Heath, Our Honor’s Executive Director. “This is why we want to celebrate those brave enough to work for change and let them know their ethics and courage are appreciated by the veterinary profession,” she adds.
First place was awarded to Meghan Schuster of Oregon State Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine who is a vegan and volunteers at Morningstar Farm Sanctuary. Schuster says, “I want to fight for all animals, regardless of species… I cannot imagine a life where animals are not my central focus… I want to be a voice for those animals and push my school to make changes to these barbaric practices.”
Meghan Schuster with her rescued pig companion
The second-place winner was Phoebe Cadrez of Western University of Health Sciences, who currently serves as President of the Western University Shelter Club and is a member of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association Club. In her award-winning essay she says, “I believe that my life’s purpose is to be a voice for animals who are tortured, abused, and mistreated. I trust that my veganism and my veterinary education will work in tandem to help me realize that dream.”
Phoebe Cadrez with her companion rabbits
In third place, came Roberta Bailey, also of Western University of Health Sciences who serves as a newly elected member of the California Veterinary Medical Association Animal Welfare Committee. Bailey says, “My inspiration to continue my journey is deeply rooted in my love for all animals and my desire to see them live in a world that is more compassionate and caring towards them. Through advocacy, training, and public outreach, I believe my vision of a kinder veterinary medicine can become a reality.”
Roberta Bailey with her happy companion animals
These scholarships would not be possible without the generous donations from our supporters. Offering scholarships for veterinary students like Meghan, Phoebe, and Roberta transcends financial support; it's about acknowledging the importance of diverse perspectives, empowering voices that challenge the norm, and fostering a new generation of veterinarians committed to ethical practices in the profession. As we invest in these students, we invest in a profession that prioritizes the well-being of all species and stands against the normalization of practices that perpetuate harm.
