Scholarship Recipients
Karen Blasche was a very active lifetime member of the American Pointer Club and her decades of volunteering her time and energy to the history of the Pointer and the American Pointer Club and official record keeper of all aspects of competition and statistics of Pointers was invaluable!
In 2019, Karen lost her battle with cancer and died quietly in her home in the state of Oregon with her husband Ted at her side. Karen leaves behind a tremendous legacy and knowledge of Pointer history, facts and data. In addition, Karen had a real interest in juniors to become involved and active with Pointers. The American Pointer Club, like Karen, understands that education is a never-ending process and supports the growth of Juniors interested in the sport of dogs and the advancement of their own education. There is no greater combination of skills learned by being involved with the sport coupled with academic achievement. The American Pointer Club is pleased to offer juniors the Karen Blasche Memorial Scholarship to be awarded starting in the spring of 2021.
Diana Chan 2022 Recipient
Karen Blasche Memorial Junior Scholarship
Diana’s heart will always belong to the Pointer. The relationship began when she was 10 years old, first lured in by the gentle and unforgettable Jeannie. Over the years, many Pointers have shown Diana love and kindness, but the most influential of them all was Zephyr. Together, Diana and Zephyr tackled challenges and overcame obstacles. Zephyr taught Diana about confidence, she was her light and her guide. Zephyr showed Diana how to be strong and responsible, she inspired her to be her best self.
Diana’s motivation for becoming a veterinarian stems from her passion to care for her Pointers, but she enjoys the field because of the opportunity to serve others. Her goal is to use her education to promote responsible breeding and ownership. She hopes to bridge the gap between breeders and veterinarians, introducing common ground and a sense of understanding. Currently a second-year student at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Diana is primarily interested in small animal medicine and is looking to pursue a career as a general practice veterinarian.
Originally from Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Diana currently lives in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts with her husband and their Pointer, Alice. When she is not studying, Diana works as a veterinary technician and as a research assistant. She has served as Chair of the APC Jr. Showmanship Committee since 2015 and is also a member of the Health and Research Committee. When she is finally able to find some down time, she enjoys listening to vinyl records and painting.
Diana would like to thank all the members of the APC for their continued support and sends her most heartfelt gratitude to those who have donated to the scholarship fund.
Diana Chan 2021 Recipient
Karen Blasche Memorial Junior Scholarship
Diana Chan, a first-year student attending Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton, Massachusetts is the recipient of the first Karen Blasche Memorial Junior Scholarship of $1000.00
Diana is from Old Saybrook, Connecticut and her interests in dogs began at the age of 10
handling a Bernese Mountain Dog from which she quickly met and fell in love with a Pointer!
Soon, Diana was a regular showing her Pointer in the conformation ring and as she told the
committee, “It became an outlet and platform for growth and maturation”
Diana soon became a regular familiar face showing her Pointer in both conformation and Jr. Showmanship competition and soon after aging out of Jr. Competition in 2013 she applied for and received regular status as a Jr Showmanship Judge in 2015!
Diana not only was a regular in conformation, but she was very active in the American Pointer Club and serves as Chair of the APC Jr. Showmanship Committee since 2015 and also serves on the Health and Research Committee. As she remained active in various Pointer activities her interest in canine medicine began to grow and prompted her to become a veterinarian which
eventually led her to Tufts University and begin her education and aspiring career.
Diana Chan is a true testament to the future of Pointers for their care, good health and love as well as her interest in all canines. Much success to you for a bright future. Congratulations Diana!