The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.
Maola is proud to announce the selection of nine outstanding scholars as recipients of a 2025 Maola Scholarship.
This year, Maola is awarding a total of $4,500 from the Maola Fund to support the educational endeavors of these deserving students. Scholarships from the Maola Fund will help to offset college expenses for the 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarship program reflects Maola’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in the dairy industry and beyond.
“Investing in the next generation is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor the hard work of our farm families and employees,” said Jon Cowell, CEO. “We’re proud to support these nine outstanding students through the Maola Fund and look forward to the impact they’ll make on our industry, in their communities, and beyond.”
A few of the winners are spotlighted below:
Savanna Hershberger from Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, is the daughter of Ross and Yvonne Hershberger of ELDA-CHROSS Dairy. Savanna plans to attend Kent State University and pursue a degree in Communication with an Agricultural focus. Savanna has many leadership roles, including serving as an FFA Officer, President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and President of the Student Council. She also recently gained experience in advocating for agriculture by shadowing the PA Agricultural Secretary Russell Redding, where she learned about the legislative processes. “I am determined to pursue a career in agricultural lobbying, passionately advocating for the crucial role of farmers and providing support to dairy farmers,” said Savanna.
Chelsea Empet of Kingsley, Pennsylvania, is the daughter of Richard and Dana Empet of Empet Farm. She plans to pursue a degree in Animal Science. Chelsea has been active in 4-H for over a decade, as well as the Pennsylvania Junior Holstein Association and Jersey Cattle Association. She is also a member of Future Business Leaders of America and has earned top awards in Agribusiness competitions at the state and national levels. Chelsea is developing her own herd of registered Jerseys and Red and White Holsteins on her family’s 350-head dairy farm. “Dairy farming has been part of my family’s heritage for six generations, and I hope to continue that tradition in my own way, whether through herd management, agricultural research, or helping farmers make better business decisions,” said Chelsea.
Claire Minde from Bel Air, Maryland, is the daughter of Barbara and Martin Minde of Strawberry Hill Farm, LLC. Claire plans to pursue a degree in Animal Science. She has been active in state and national Dairy Judging competitions, from the National Holstein Convention to the World Dairy Expo. She also has a passion for photographing agriculture and cattle. "My long-term goal is to take over my family’s farm and continue advocating for the industry through dairy cattle photography. I want to be both a producer and a promoter—someone who’s directly involved in creating high-quality dairy and in showing the world the care that goes into it," said Claire.
Sydney Gentry from Mooresville, North Carolina, is the daughter of Craig and Sonda Gentry. Craig is the Customer Service & Logistics Manager at Maola. She plans to attend UNC Charlotte in the fall and pursue a degree in Business Administration and Marketing with a focus on the dairy industry. Sydney has developed an appreciation for the dedication and hard work of dairy farmers through my family’s involvement in the industry. “I understand the challenges facing dairy farmers today, from shifting consumer preferences to economic pressures, and I want to be part of the effort to bridge the gap between producers and consumers,” said Sydney.
Other winners include:
- Regan Jackson of Boyce, Virginia
- Ainsley Sellers of Lebanon, Pennsylvania
- Lemuel Coltrane from Pleasant Garden, North Carolina
- Joseph Coltrane from Pleasant Garden, North Carolina
- Sara Stoltzfus of Berlin, Pennsylvania
Maola congratulates these talented individuals on their achievements and wishes them continued success in their academic and professional pursuits.
To be eligible for a Moala scholarship, students must be the son, daughter, or employee of a current co-op member or the son or daughter of a Maola employee and attending an accredited college or university.
The scholarships are awarded through the Maola Fund. The Maola Fund goes beyond scholarships to include sponsorships and product donations for dairy industry events, programs, and organizations that share Maola’s mission of supporting our local communities. For more information on the Maola Fund, contact Virginia Funk, fund administrator, at vfunk@mdvamilk.com.
About Maola Local Dairies: Maola Local Dairies, owned by the farmers of Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, sustainably produces a full suite of nutritious dairy products through our network of six dairy processing plants. With a keen eye on quality, freshness, and love for the environment, Maola delivers dairy products that are both nutritious and sustainable to our local communities. For more information about Maola, please visit www.maolamilk.com
