Congrats to the 11 dairy students who received scholarships from the Iowa Division of Midwest Dairy Association! The 2009 Educational Awards program is an annual initiative to assist dairy farm families with college expenses. The organization awarded $7,000 in scholarship money to students in Iowa this year. Scholarship applicants are evaluated on their participation in leadership and academic activities, reference letters, personal essays and involvement in the dairy industry.
“Dairy producers support the national checkoff program striving to increase sales and demand for dairy products and the youth striving to obtain more education,” said Joe Lyon, Toledo, Midwest Dairy Association’s Iowa Division chairman. “The scholarship program is a way for producers to show that support.”
This year’s winners are as follows:
* Kala Barre, daughter of Richard and Joyce Barre of Ottumwa and attending Iowa State University pursuing a degree in early childhood education with a minor in psychology;
* Celia Bruning, daughter of David and Elitha Bruning of Red Oak and attending Southwestern Community College pursuing a degree in nursing;
* Kristy Demmer, daughter of Rick and Kathy Demmer of Peosta and attending Loras College pursuing a degree in sports science with a minor in psychology;
* Jessica Hermsen, daughter of Gary and Nancy Hermsen of Masonville and attending Iowa State University pursuing a degree in public service and administration in agriculture with a double minor in Spanish and dairy science;
* Jill Jessee, daughter of Olan and Ardis Jessee of Fonda and attending Simpson College pursuing a degree in math with a minor in secondary education;
* Justin Liddle, son of Loren and Kathy Liddle of Tripoli and attending Wartburg College pursuing a degree in education.
* Kari Lien, daughter of Gary and Patty Lien of Calmar and attending University of Northern Iowa pursuing a degree in communications;
* Jacob Manternach, son of Chris and Sharon Manternach of Hopkinton and attending Northeast Iowa Community College pursing a degree in dairy science;
* Justin Mardorf, son of Les and Linda Mardorf of Hopkinton and attending Iowa State University pursuing a degree in agronomy;
* Aaron Palmer, son of Greg and Marlene Palmer of Waukon and attending Iowa State University pursuing a degree in agricultural business with a minor in general business; and
* Michael Till , son of Allan and Karen Till of Maquoketa and attending University of Wisconsin Platteville pursuing a degree in dairy science, agriculture management and real estate.