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                        PROFILE OF JESSICA DIPERNA

I have taken a notice of particular young lady that displays poise and grace. Over the years, I watched her blossom into a beautiful young person, with qualities and traits that are usually accomplished with many more years. Jessicas beauty, talent, and abilities always seem to come to the surface and shine when she enters the show ring to represent her skills, whether in be in the junior ring, or in the breed ring. Her sportsmanship is always evident win or lose, and she is always the first to congradulate the winner witha soft touch and a gentle smile. Upon her attendance at the Wesminster dog show at Madison Square Garden for 2001, I was prompted to as this special young lady for a friendly interview which she gracefully accpted. This took place after her wonderful accomplishment of being honored as one of the final eight junior handlers in attendance at this special show. As I eagerly watched and waited to congradualte her, I found a lump in my throat, after seeing her emotional reaction of sweet young tears, flowing uncontrollably and happily down her face. As I gazed upon this precious moment, I realized what credit this young lady is to the dog world, now, and for many years to come. The dog world would only be blessed to add and accept her presence, and allow Jessica to continue to blossom and represent the showing of dogs, which this beautiful young lady loves and holds so close to her heart.
   INTERVIEW WITH JESSICA
   Question: What do you enjoy most about showing dogs?
   Answer: The companionship with my peers and competitors, prepreation for the show and the chance to showcase my love for competition and displaying my skills.
   Question: What would you do to improve junior showmanship
   Answer: The judging needs improvement- judges need to watch every junior handler in the ring to give all an equal chance to display his or her skills. Also I feel the winning junior should not always be the one with the most well-trained dog but the junior that displays the proper skills in handling a dog with less training.
   Question: What message would you like to send to other junior handlers?
   Answer: When in the junior ring have a good time with your dog and other handlers, and just show to the best of your ability witha positive attitude and always with good sportsmanship.
   Question: What our some of your intersts outside of the dog world?
   Answer: Things such as figure skating, horseback riding, dancing, modeling and beauty padgents. Also outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, skiing, and boating and spending time with my three older brothers is also special to me. What I also enjoy is helping others, volunteering in my community, visiting the elderly just to spend time with them and taking my pug to cheer them up.
Question: What are your plans for the future?
Answer: First would be to win best junior handler at Westminster 2002 (she smiled) and to attend Michigan State to study veternarian medicine and to become a professional handler.
Question: What have your parents given you to help you with your growing years?
Answer: Theyre love and support, my mothers guidance and time she gives to me in attending dog shows. She sacrifices time away from my brothers for me, which is hard for me at times to accept, but they understand. My father for his special love and for his financial support. He is so protective of me, sometimes I don't understand why I'm not allowed to date until 18. It is his rule, which I have accepted, and being a young Christian I obey my parents and know they do this out of love.

Special note: Jessica has put champion titles on many many dogs of different breeds, too many to list here. Jessica was also awarded special recognition for top eight junior handler in the United States for 2001. Congradulations Jessica, many more to come. In summarizing my thoughts, after spending time talking to this truly special young lady it is how much I was impressed by the way she caries herself with pride and dignity and how she should be looked upon as an example for other young ladies of her generation. What a blessing Jessica is to all that have a wonderful priveledge to all that get to know her and spend time with her. Her pise and her beauty are not something she wears on the outside, but in Jessicas case, it comes from within. For those who cannot see what this young lady has to offer those that take the time to get to know her, well this reporter can only say that you have missed so very much. I will continue to chart her progress with eager anticipation, and much enjoyment that is Jessica. Thank you Jessica for allowing me this wonderful opportunity to enjoy all you have to offer. Good luck, and may God always bless you.