Eight Selected for Scholarships

The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Educational and Charitable Foundation today announced the recipients of eight scholarships. The scholarships are funded by RMFU, FUSA Insurance Agency, 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 eight outstanding young leaders, to help them achieve their career goals,” said RMFU Education Director Jennifer Luitjens Bahr.

Natalie de Ryk, Wheatland, Wyo., FUSA Scholarship ($1000)
Natalie is the daughter of Will and Tracy de Ryk and a senior at Wheatland High School, where she is student body president. She has held offices in FFA, FBLA, 4-H, and the National Honor Society. During her service as FBLA State President, membership increased by 200 with her leadership and hard work. She is also on the varsity basketball and golf teams. She will attend Casper College, looking forward to a career in either agriculture or nursing.

Jesirae Earl, Idalia, Colo., Katheryn Pappenheim Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Jesirae, the daughter of Angel Earl and Evan Earl, is the granddaughter of Mike and Shelly Stafford in Wray. She plans to attend the University of Northern Colorado after she graduates from Idalia High School, where she is Senior Class Secretary. Jesirae plans a career in nursing, and she already has experience as a nurse’s aide at Hillcrest Care Center in Wray. Jesirae has been a part of Farmers Union for many years, attending summer camps and conventions with her grandparents. In 2011 she was invited to NFU’s All-States Camp and elected to the RMFU Senior Youth Advisory Council. Jesirae lettered in volleyball and basketball during her high school years while maintaining an excellent GPA.

Kathleen Heupel, Weldona, Colo., Hazel Hemphill Memorial ($1000)
Kathleen is the daughter of Kurt and Carol Heupel and attends Weldon Valley High School. She plans to attend CSU, working toward degrees in ag business and animal science. Kathleen has been an active member of her school, church, and community, doing community service through 4-H, FBLA, FFA, and Weldon Valley Presbyterian Church. She is president of her school’s FBLA chapter. She has maintained Honor Roll grades and will graduate first in her class. The Hazel Hemphill Memorial Scholarship is endowed by Morgan County Farmers Union.

Kellyn Larson, Pueblo West, Colo., FUSA Scholarhip ($1000)
Kellyn will graduate from Pueblo West High School this year, and she plans to attend the Colorado School of Mines, where she will study for a degree in Petroleum Engineering. She is the daughter of Jeff and Carol Larson; her father is a FUSA Insurance agent, as was her grandfather. She has maintained an excellent GPA; she is ranked first in her class and is a member of the National Honor Society. In high school she participated in speech, theater, tennis and history projects.

Kendra Ostrom, Powell, Wyo., James G. Patton Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Kendra is the daughter of Ron Ostrom and is maintaining a 3.8 GPA as she nears graduation from Powell High School. She is a varsity athlete in volleyball, basketball, and track, as well as active in FFA, 4-H and rodeo. She is looking for a college that has a strong sports medicine and athletic training program.

Amanda Rios, Fort Morgan, Colo., Maurice Parker Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Amanda is the daughter of Jan Pflager and enrolled at Fort Morgan High School. She plans to major in Business at Northeastern Junior College and then transfer to a four-year college for a degree in Restaurant and Hotel Management. Amanda is active in dance programs and community activities. The Maurice Parker Memorial Scholarship is endowed by Morgan County Farmers Union.

Emily Schumacher, Peetz, Colo., RMFU Charles Petty Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Emily, the daughter of Kristy and Gary Schumacher, is student body president at Peetz High School. Emily plans to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. She is active in FFA, the National Honor Society and FBLA, and her family has been involved in Farmers Union for many years. Emily has been a day camp counselor in the RMFU Education program.

Janna Smith, Holyoke, Colo., Edna Buchanan Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Janna is the daughter of John and Denise Smith and currently enrolled at Northeastern Junior College, where she is studying animal science. She plans to earn a degree in veterinary medicine and become a veterinarian. She has managed to maintain a 3.72 GPA while participating in rodeo, the Honors program and NJC’s Aggies club.

The RMFU Educational and Charitable Foundation promotes the well-being of rural communities and the family farmers and ranchers of Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. The Foundation offers leadership training, youth education opportunities, funds and expertise to groups and individuals involved in cooperative enterprises, local food initiatives, and hometown community initiatives.