The Shaw-Worth Memorial Scholarship awards $2,000 in tuition assistance each year to a New England high school senior in recognition of significant work in the field of animal protection. This year’s applicants were so strong that two students—both from Maine—were chosen to receive full scholarships.

Kim Keyes

Katelyn Smith with Napoleon.

Katelyn Smith of Enfield knew from an early age that she loved and wanted to help horses. She has been involved with various horse barns, where she not only took riding lessons and helped with day-to-day barn chores, but also assisted with horse rescue, rehabilitation and placement in new homes.

Katelyn began volunteering at her local animal shelter, where she helped with animal care and adoptions. She also aided another shelter when there was a serious need for volunteers after nearly 100 dogs were seized following a cruelty investigation. Katelyn and her dog visit residents at a local nursing home, and she has formed Basic Animal Rights Now (BARN)—A Home for All Animals, a program to help animals find homes.

Sally Davis

Kelly Davis and Arlo in his protective vest.

Kelly Davis of West Bath was the founder of Maine Vest-A-Dog (MeVAD), a program to provide police dogs with bulletproof vests. Although her original goal was to raise enough money to purchase two to three vests, she quickly raised $12,000 and vested 18 dogs.

Even when her efforts were halted by Maine’s Attorney General, who cited a state law that prohibited anyone from fundraising for law enforcement, Kelly was not be discouraged. After many months of hard work lobbying legislators and even testifying at the State House, Kelly successful help pass a law to allow third party, non-profit groups to raise funds for law enforcement.

To date, MeVAD has raised more than $40,000, and Kelly is determined to continue her efforts as even more police dogs are trained.

“Through hands-on work and staunch determination, these two young women have shown a clear dedication to animal protection,” said Joanne Bourbeau, Director of The HSUS New England Regional Office. “The Humane Society of the United States congratulates them on this well-deserved award.” 

If you would like to assist future recipients by contributing to this scholarship fund, donations can be made payable to The HSUS, earmarked for the Shaw-Worth Memorial Scholarship, and mailed to The HSUS New England Regional Office at P.O. Box 619, Jacksonville, VT 05342-0619.