Kerr Awarded 2025 Dr. James Earl Kennamer Academic Scholarship

“This scholarship is such an honor, and I’m so grateful because it means I get to pursue my dreams of working with wildlife in the future,” Kerr said. “It’s always been my dream to be involved with conservation, and this award gives me the opportunity to pursue that dream and hopefully inspire others to pursue their dreams as well!” 

Kerr began hunting from a young age, and her first ever hunt was a youth turkey hunt. As soon as she heard the gobble of her first roosted turkey, she was hooked. Since then, she has pursued this passion over the years by continuing to go out on small and big game hunts. In October of 2024, Kerr successfully harvested an elk cow on a youth hunt. When she arrived back at the camp, she met two wildlife veterinarians that were testing harvested animals for Chronic Wasting Disease and COVID-19. They let Kerr help extract lymph node samples from the animals, and it inspired her to pursue a career as a wildlife veterinarian, allowing her to work outside with animals and help conserve wildlife.  

Kerr is involved in theater, choir, cross-country, honor society and student government at her high school all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA on the presidential honor roll and being fourth in her class. She volunteers with Arizonia Game and Fish Department Relocation Program, Rocky Mountain Elk Association and High Mountain Half Marathon. She is a six-time Arizonia Scholastic Clay Target Program State Champion and is the squad leader of the White Moutain Clay Busters SCTP shooting team.  

Kerr is pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology and then planning to pursue a doctorate to become a practicing wildlife veterinarian.  

“My ultimate goal is to make a positive impact so future generations can experience the wonder of walking in a forest in the predawn light, shotgun slung over their shoulder and high hopes in their heart, as they hear the glorious gobble of a wild turkey,” Kerr said.  

“We are proud to present Georgia with the 2025 Dr. James Earl Kennamer Scholarship,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “From her involvement in the NWTF’s mission to all of her academic and extracurricular achievements, she has earned this award. As she starts this new endeavor, we know she will be a leader and ambassador for the NWTF. Congratulations, Georgia!”

About the National Wild Turkey Federation 

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.