By Scout Nelson
The South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) is set to award $8,000 in scholarships for 2024, aimed at supporting high school seniors and college students who are members of the SDFB or have parents who have been members for at least two years. These scholarships are divided between those pursuing agriculture-related degrees and those focused on community service fields.
The scholarship initiative was started in 2005 by Richard and Agnes Ekstrum of Kimball, S.D. Richard is known for his long-standing role as the president of the South Dakota Farm Bureau from 1975 to 1995.
This year’s recipients of the Agriculture Focus Scholarships are:
- McKia Brink from Pierre, who will attend Kansas State University studying Ag-Econ/Pre-Vet with an Equine Certificate.
- Riata Bultje from Lake Andes, set to attend South Dakota State University with a major in Agriculture Education.
- Olivia Hadrick from Faulkton, who will also join South Dakota State University, majoring in Animal Science.
- Carissa Scheel from Alpena, planning to study Pre-Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University.
- Mataya Ward from Fruitdale, who will major in Agricultural Business at Chadron State College.
The Community Focus Scholarships winners are:
- Gracie Fitzgerald from Philip, currently studying Human Biology at South Dakota State University.
- Shannon Gebhart from Meadow, who will attend Bismarck State College to pursue a degree in Nursing.
- Brylee Grubb from Spearfish, planning to major in Exercise Science and Physical Therapy at Gillette College.
- Paige Kjerstad from Quinn, who will study English at Benedictine College.
These scholarships underscore the SDFB’s commitment to fostering education in both agricultural and community-focused areas, promoting the growth and development of South Dakota’s future leaders.
Photo Credit -south-dakota-farm-bureau
Categories: South Dakota, Education, Government & Policy