A memorial award was established in memory of Dustin Dale Worthington. Dustin was only 17 years old and loved working with cattle and did so until his death on April 4, 2000. The award established is a heifer calf that is presented to either a 4-H or FFA Member that writes the winning essay for his or her county.

The awards are presented on April 4th of each year at the Mercer County Extension Office. The fund started in 2000 with 2 counties and has now expanded to numerous individual counties as well as 2 awarded on a state-wide basis one for 4-H and one for FFA. The goal of the Worthington Family is to eventually honor Dustin by including every county in Kentucky.

The program was established by the Worthington Family. A local committee of volunteers assists in the promotion and judging of the essays.