McKenzie Sheldon is awarded Seeing Eye Scholarship

Augusta — McKenzie Sheldon, 17, of Augusta, has received a scholarship from the Seeing Eye for raising several puppies for the world-famous dog guide school. James Kutsch, president of the Seeing Eye, formally congratulated McKenzie among the 68 puppy raisers to receive scholarships at Family Day, an annual celebration for puppy raisers and their families held at the Morristown campus. McKenzie is a freshman at Richard Stockton College where she is studying Elementary Education. McKenzie has been a puppy raiser for two years as a member of her Seeing Eye/4-H puppy club. In this capacity, McKenzie taught her puppies basic obedience, attended local puppy club meetings once a month, exposed her puppies to a variety of social situations, and provided them with love and companionship. After a year and a half, she returned each puppy to The Seeing Eye for its formal training. “Young adults like McKenzie are special because they provide a rock solid foundation for a Seeing Eye dog’s formal training,” said Peggy Gibbon, the Linda Feinne-Roth manager of Puppy Placement for the Seeing Eye. “We are delighted to recognize McKenzie for her dedication to the puppy-raising program and wish McKenzie well in her future endeavors.” “This program has taught me to be more open and outgoing, by challenging me with new situations,” said McKenzie. “I am proud and honored to be part of a generous organization, which will help people live a better life.” Each year, the Seeing Eye recognizes exceptional puppy raisers by presenting them with $1,000 college scholarships. Recipients have raised at least two dogs, have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement and are active in their communities. For more information on the Seeing Eye or how to become a puppy raiser, call 973-539-4425 ext. 1769 or visit www.seeingeye.org.