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Nine Scholarships Awarded by RMFU

The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) Educational and Charitable Foundation today announced the recipients of nine scholarships. The scholarships are funded by RMFU, Farmers Union Service Association (FUSA), and memorials to historic members of Farmers Union. They are given to students with outstanding scholastic achievements and community service, to recognize their gifts and assist them in pursuing their education.

“These recipients are bright young people who are the future leaders of our communities. The RMFU Foundation is proud to present scholarships to nine outstanding youth, to help them achieve their career goals,” said RMFU Education Director Jennifer Luitjens Bahr.

Alice Wood of Peetz, Colo., Hazel Hemphill Memorial ($1000)
Alice, known to her friends as Cassy, is the daughter of Danny and Lorrie Wood. She has been active in Farmers Union since kindergarten and received her Torchbearer Award last fall. She is a third-generation Farmers Union supporter, and she plans to attend Northeastern Junior College, working toward a degree as a registered nurse. Cassy has received many forms of recognition from her peers: she is vice president of the National Honor Society chapter, school FFA president, and treasurer for the student council, while remaining active in band, sports, and FBLA.

Lisa Wolf, Ault, Colo., Katheryn Pappenheim Memorial Scholarship ($500)
Lisa, daughter of Mike and Karen Wolf, plans to pursue her higher education at Aims Community College. Lisa’s family has been in Farmers Union for 35 years. Her family was selected as RMFU Farm Family of the Year in 2007. Lisa has been active in RMFU youth programs for nine years, At school she participates in band, choir, and cheerleading as well as 4-H and church groups. She is interested in a career in nutrition or physical therapy.

Racheal Werner, Alamosa, Colo., James G. Patton Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Racheal, daughter of Brian and Joy Werner, attends Alamosa High School and hopes to pursue a degree in Agriculture Business at Northeastern Junior College. After receiving her Associates degree from NJC, she plans to continue her education at the University of Wyoming or CSU, then begin a career with an ag-based company. Racheal’s family has a long history of involvement in Farmers Union, and she is active in 4-H and FFA. In addition to her classroom studies, Racheal is an expert at showing her family’s Newfoundland dogs.

Blayze Melgoza, McClave, Colo., James G. Patton Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Blayze, son of Melinda Kelley and Erik Melgoza, has been active in RMFU summer camp and in agriculture for most of his life. He raises show sheep and has shown in county fairs since he was eight. His leadership skills are reflected in his work as a basketball coach and baseball umpire. During his junior year he managed a local grain elevator during wheat harvest, and he hopes to secure a degree in Business, either at CSU/Pueblo or UNC. His academic skills have earned him membership in the National Honor Society.

Hillary Lenz, Holyoke, Colo., Maurice Parker Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Hillary, daughter of George and Becky Lenz, will use her scholarship to major in Agribusiness at Kansas State University or UN/Kearney. She has held many offices in her FFA chapter during her years at Wray High School. Hillary’s long-range plans include commitment to her rural roots. Her excellence as an all-around student suggests that she will achieve her academic and career goals.

Ryan Larson of Pueblo West, Colo., FUSA Scholarship ($1000)
Ryan, son of Jeff and Carol Larson, attends Pueblo West High School, where he excels in basketball while maintaining a 4.0 academically. He is the president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter. Ryan is third-generation Farmers Union; he attended his first RMFU convention when he was two months old. He looks forward to a career in engineering after graduating from Colorado School of Mines.

Nicolas Kuhns, McClave, Colo., RMFU Scholarhip ($1000)
Nicolas Kuhns, son of Doug Kuhns and Elin Ora, has been active in Farmers Union since grade school. Three years ago he was elected to the Senior Youth Advisory Council at RMFU’s summer camp, and since then he has served as a camp counselor each summer. He also has six years of experience as a swimming teacher and has taught Red Cross lessons as well. Nicolas has been an active participant in FCCLA, FBLA, and the National Honor Society. He also participates in theater, band, basketball and as a member of the McClave High School track team. He plans to attend CSU, where he will major in Natural Science.

Chelsea Geier, Parker, Colo., FUSA Scholarship ($1000)
Chelsea, daughter of Mike and Gloria Geier, plans to study journalism at Colorado State University and pursue a career in the publishing industry. She has had a diversified year at Chaparral High School in Parker, where she excelled in academics and athletics. She is the captain of the school tennis team, treasurer for the National Honor Society chapter, and busy tutoring and writing for the school paper. Chelsea is looking forward to participating in CSU’s Presidential Leadership program.

Kristina Fischer, Centennial, Colo., Edna Buchanan Memorial Scholarship ($500)
Kristina Fischer, daughter of Kathy Fischer and Leland Swenson, is currently enrolled at Denver’s Metropolitan State College, where she is exploring degrees in hospitality, tourism, and events management. Kristina has demonstrated leadership skills in her pursuit of culinary training and in her three years in the hotel industry.

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