Scholarship Opportunity

Alexis Croatt, a driven scholarship recipient from Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School, is currently pursuing a major in Ag business and Ag production at Iowa Lakes Community College, embodies a passion for innovation and excellence within the agricultural industry. With aspirations to specialize in precision agriculture, Alexis's pursuit of a drone certification, interest in drones for field spraying, and her long-term goals of becoming a beef specialist and owning a cow/calf herd exemplify her forward-thinking approach to agricultural practices. Alexis is passionate about her involvement in 4-H, FFA, athletics, music, and community service. Alexis's leadership in advocating for agriculture, both within her community and through educational initiatives, showcases her dedication to raising awareness and promoting the importance of agriculture.

Molly Hulshof, a highly deserving scholarship recipient and graduate of West Sioux High School. Molly is ready to begin on her higher education journey, with aspirations of majoring in Animal Science or Agricultural Education at either South Dakota Date University, University of Iowa, or Kansas State University. Her career goals are distinguished by a strong desire to find fulfilling employment that not only sustains her but also supports her future family. With a diverse range of interests spanning from Animal Science, Ag Education, and Physical or Speech Therapy, Molly remains open to exploring various career paths, with a firm intention to return to rural communities post-graduation. Her involvement in various local organizations such as the Ireton Legion, church activities, Iowa Special Olympics, and Vacation Bible School reflects her deep-rooted commitment to community service. Molly's extensive list of extracurricular activities, including leadership roles in FFA, NHS, and FCA, paired with her achievements such as being crowned high school Homecoming Queen, showcase her exceptional leadership skills and dedication. Notably, her Grand Champion Citizenship Project at the Plymouth County Fair, where she decorated her hometown of Ireton by planting and maintaining flower beds, showcases her proactive approach to community improvement. Additionally, Molly's athletic accomplishments, academic excellence, and involvement in livestock showing and judging emphasize her well-roundedness and drive for success. Her passion for mentorship and helping others, is evident in her leadership roles during Wednesday practices before the fair.

Chance a graduate of Gehlen Catholic High School is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Science with a focus on Precision Agriculture at South Dakota State University. His desire to align his studies with a business that prioritizes employee growth and learning shows his commitment to professional development. Chance's involvement in community service, including volunteering at All Saints Parish of LeMars service project days and assisting at youth sporting events, highlights his commitment to serving others and giving back to his community. Furthermore, his achievements in sports, such as earning varsity letters and receiving All-Conference and All-District honors, demonstrate his dedication and determination. Chance is an advocate for agriculture. He mentors younger 4-H members and emphasizes proper animal care, as well as his role as the 2023 O'Brien County Fair Queen, where he advocates for the importance of farming and engages with the community, exemplifies his dedication to agricultural advocacy and leadership.

Cassandra Twedt, an accomplished graduate from Beresford High School, plans to pursue a major in Animal Science at South Dakota State University. Cassandra has a passion for innovation and advancement within agriculture. She aspires a career path in the genetic side of the animal industry. Her goal of working in embryo transfer and artificial insemination shows her commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance animal breeding practices. She has held held various leadership roles and actively participated in competitions in 4-H and FFA. Beyond academics, Cassandra's participates in sports, student council, and community service activities. As a basketball and track captain, chapter Star Farmer, FFA State Degree recipient, and honor roll student, Cassandra has consistently excelled in academics and extracurricular activities.

Makenna Hofmeyer a dedicated graduate of MOC-Floyd Valley High School, is currently pursuing a career in Veterinary Technology at Iowa Lakes Community College. Makenna's aspirations to work in a veterinary clinic in Northwest Iowa, serving both large and small animals, reflect her passion for animal care and commitment to her community. Makenna is dedicated to ag education and leadership which is shown in her extensive involvement in 4-H and FFA, where she received accolades such as the National FFA Greenhand Award and "Top 5 Fruit Sales" Award. Throughout her time in 4-H, Makenna held key leadership positions, demonstrating her ability to organize and lead meetings effectively. Additionally, she is passionate about her volunteer work as a horse show practice leader and horse lesson instructor.

We are thrilled to announce Olivia Kraayenbrink as one of the recipients of our scholarship, recognizing her dedication to advancing the future of agriculture. Graduating from Sioux Center High School and pursuing a degree in General Agriculture at Dordt University, Olivia's passion for the agricultural industry is evident. Although still exploring various paths, Olivia's interest in plant science, particularly agronomy, shines through her academic pursuits and work experience at Holland Flower Farm, where she seeks to expand her knowledge of entrepreneurship. Furthermore, her entrepreneurial spirit extends to her goals of growing her own beef business. Olivia's involvement in music, athletics, FFA, and community service shows her well-roundedness and leadership qualities. She has various academic achievements, like consistent placement on the honor roll and active participation in FFA. As the current vice president of the Harrisburg FFA chapter and holding various roles in 4H, Olivia has shown exemplary leadership and commitment to agricultural education and community involvement.

Blake Ootenink is a passionate graduate of Sioux Center High School is going to attend Iowa State University where he will be majoring in Animal Science and Business. Blake aspires to work as a livestock nutritionist in Sioux County. He also aims to manage his grandparents' row crop farm operation. Blake's has had a lot of involvement in 4-H and FFA, where he served in various leadership roles and competed in numerous agricultural competitions at both state and national levels. Beyond agriculture, Blake participated in a diverse range of extracurricular activities such as band, choir, jazz band, golf, and Future Business Leaders of America. Blake's experience as an officer in FFA, facilitated growth and participation within his chapter, underscores his commitment to agriculture.

Jocelyn Muilenburg is a graduate of Unity Christian High School and a future student at Dordt University, where she will pursue a degree in Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine. Jocelyn's deep-rooted connection to agriculture, stemming from her father's farming background, underscores her passion for the industry. Her vision for the future of agriculture, centered on dispelling misinformation and advocating for honesty and progress, reflects her commitment to ensuring a thriving agricultural sector. Jocelyn's leadership within FFA, where she served as an officer three times and organized initiatives such as an ag safety day and an ag expo, shows her dedication to advancing agricultural education and advocacy. With a background in agriculture since the age of 12, Jocelyn's hands-on experience and academic achievements, including her participation in prestigious musical ensembles and recognition in FFA contests, further highlight her well-roundedness and commitment to excellence.