“These scholarship recipients exemplify the heart and work ethic of rural Wisconsinites we are proud to work with every day,” said Diane Cole, CEO of Badgerland Financial. “Our annual scholarship program is one of the many ways our cooperative supports future leaders, innovators, and spokespeople of agriculture.”

Applications were evaluated based on academic, extracurricular and community activities and achievements. Students were also asked to write an essay about an activity most meaningful to them and the impact it has had on their lives and the lives of others. The recipients of this year’s $1,000 scholarships are:

• Morgan Anderson, daughter of Ken and Carolyn Anderson from Richland Center, is a recent graduate of Ithaca High School. Anderson plans on attending Iowa State University or the University of Wisconsin – Platteville to pursue a degree in Ecology.
• Raven Bartz, daughter Troy Bartz from Endeavor. Bartz will be attending the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities to study Interior Design following her graduation from Wisconsin Dells High School.
• Jordyn Delzer, daughter of Jerry and Kim Delzer from Argyle, is a recent graduate of Black Hawk High School. Delzer’s education will continue at Iowa State University where she will pursue a degree in Animal Science.
• Paige Gaffney, daughter of Scott and Valerie Gaffney from Barneveld. Following her education from Barneveld High School, Gaffney plans on attending South Dakota State University to study Agricultural Business.
• Abigail George, daughter of Douglas and Patricia George from Mondovi, is a recent graduate of Mondovi High School. George plans on studying Agricultural Business Management at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls.
• Maverick Guenther, son of Brian Guenther and Doris Thiele from Fall River. Guenther is pursuing an education at the University of Findlay in Animal Science following graduation from Cambria-Friesland High School.
• Catherine Hazeltine, daughter of Steve and Laurie Hazeltine from Orfordville. She will be attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison to study Dairy Science following graduation from Brodhead High School.
• Colin Hirst, son of Kevin and Kristin Hirst from Wisconsin Dells. Following his graduation from Wisconsin Dells High School, Hirst will attend the University of Wisconsin – Madison to pursue an Agricultural Business degree.
• Kaitlyn Holtz, daughter of Lance and Kimberly Burke from Westby, is a recent graduate of Viroqua High School. Holtz plans on attending Winona State University to pursue a career in Nursing.
• Angela Klinkner, daughter of Gerald and Ann Klinkner from Cashton. Following graduation from Cashton High School, Klinkner will study Music Education at Luther College.
• Kerry Kohout, daughter of Ronald and Barbara Kohout from Fennimore, is a recent graduate of Fennimore High School. Kohout plans to study Industrial Engineering at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville.
• Brian Lois, son of Mike and Pam Lois from Burlington, will be attending Iowa State University to pursue a degree in Agricultural Business following graduation from Westosha High School.
• Joseph Pyka, son of Tom and Christine Pyka from Independence, is a recent graduate of Independence High School. Pyka will begin studying Philosophy at St. Mary’s University this fall.
• Jenna Rupnow, daughter of Jeffery and Debra Rupnow from Argyle. Following graduation from Black Hawk High School, Rupnow will be attending the University of Wisconsin – Platteville to study Agriculture Education.
• Derek Schmidt, son of Corey and Kathleen Schmidt from Brillion, will be attending Fox Valley Technical College to pursue a degree in Agribusiness and Science Technology following his graduation from Brillion High School.
• Alexis Schultz, daughter of Scott and Nancy Graff-Schultz from Watertown. Olson has graduated from Lake Mills High School and will continue her education Iowa State University to study Agronomy.
• Kailee Simon, daughter of Mike and Dawn Simon from Fond du Lac. Following graduation from Fond du Lac High School, Simon will be attending Concordia University to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy.
• Houston Stanek, son of Dan and Brenda Stanek from Muscoda. Stanek graduated from Dodgeville High School and is headed to the University of Wisconsin – Madison to study Agricultural Business.
• Kayla Stott, daughter of Paul and Debra Stott from Tomah. Stott intends on studying Food Science at Iowa State University and is a recent graduate of Tomah High School.
• Cayley Vande Berg, daughter of Chad and Tammy Vande Berg from Rosendale. Vande Berg recently graduated from Laconia High School and will continue her education at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls to study Animal Science.
• Jared Vander Weele, son of Jay and Cindy Vander Weele from Waldo, is a recent graduate of Oostburg High School. Vander Weele plans to continue his education at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville to study Agricultural Engineering.
• Isabele Wedig, daughter of Michael and Joni Wedig from Darlington. Following her graduation from Darlington High School, Wedig plans to attend Marquette University to study Biomedical Science

Badgerland Financial, headquartered in Prairie du Sac, Wis., is a customer-owned financial cooperative proud to finance the growth of agriculture and rural America. Badgerland Financial is one of the region’s leading providers of credit, crop insurance, tax and accounting services to farmers, agribusinesses and rural residents. The company is committed to delivering on its vision to cultivate prosperity for agriculture and rural Wisconsin by serving member-owners through offices in 33 southern Wisconsin counties. To learn more, visit badgerlandfinancial.com.