The Ozarks and Kansas City Divisions of Midwest Dairy Association awarded four Missouri students academic student scholarships through its 2009 Educational Program. Jacob O’Quinn, Falcon, Brenda Arnold, Drexel, Nathan Bunse, Savannah, and Alex Peterson, Trenton, each received $500 awards. The program is an initiative that helps dairy farm families with the expense of college.

O’Quinn, son of Jan and Dianne O’Quinn, plans to attend Missouri Southern State University to study industrial engineering. Arnold, daughter of Bob and Sharon Arnold, is a continuing student at the University of Missouri, Columbia. Bunse, son of Steven and Carole Bunse, is a continuing student at Northwest Missouri State University. Peterson, son of Brian and Barb Peterson, is a continuing student at the University of Missouri.

“Dairy farmers value checkoff programs that encourage innovation and strive to increase demand and consumption of dairy products,” said Stacy Dohle, industry relations manager for Midwest Dairy Association. “They are dedicated to supporting the education of youth from dairy backgrounds. The educational program is an excellent way for dairy farmers to help support the future of agriculture.”