RMFU Awards Scholarships to Outstanding Students

The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Educational and Charitable Foundation has announced the recipients of nine scholarships.

The scholarships, funded by RMFU, Farmers Union Service Association, and memorials to historic members of Farmers Union, are given to students with outstanding scholastic achievements and community service, to recognize their gifts and assist them in pursuing their education.

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

Kelsey Heupel, Weldona, Colo.
Hazel Hemphill Memorial Scholarship ($1000)

Kelsey, daughter of Kurt and Carol Heupel, is a senior at Weldon Valley High School. She plans to enroll at Colorado State University this fall, majoring in Horticulture. She hopes to enter the green industry as a floral designer and eventually to have her own flower business.

Kirk Lenz, Wray, Colo.
Edna Buchanan Memorial Scholarship ($500)

Kirk, the son of George and Becky Lenz, is a student at Wray High School. He will be attending Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo., after graduation. He is preparing to enroll at Kansas State University to pursue a degree in agricultural technology. He hopes to become a partner in the family farm and follow a career in sustainable, profitable family farming.

Mark Mailander, Holyoke, Colo.
James G. Patton Memorial Scholarship ($1000)

Mark is the son of Paul and Teresa Mailander. Mark is deciding between Carroll College in Montana and Regis University. He is undecided on a major but has a great interest in accounting, politics, and sociology.

Jamie Neal, Ft. Morgan, Colo.
Maurice Parker Memorial Scholarship ($1000)

Jamie, daughter of Glenn and Janette Neal, is enrolled at Morgan Community College, pursuing a degree in Nursing. She plans to continue her education after becoming a registered nurse. She intends to get a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Northern Colorado. After completing her education, she hopes to return to her home town as a medical professional.

Briana Reynolds, Cortez, Colo.
Katheryn Pappenheim Memorial Scholarship ($500)

Briana, daughter of Keith and Teresa Reynolds, is graduating from Montezuma-Cortez High School. She plans to attend Adams State College in Alamosa or the University of Northern Colorado, where she will earn a degree in education. She is looking forward to teaching elementary school.

Cyndi Schumacher, Peetz, Colo.
RMFU Scholarship ($1000)

Cyndi Schumacher, daughter of Gary and Kristy Schumacher, is a student at Peetz Plateau School. She plans to attend Utah Valley State College in Orem, Utah after graduation. She plans to obtain a bachelor’s degree and pursue a career in nursing.

Leah Simon, Stratton, Colo.
FUSA Scholarship ($1000)

Leah is the daughter of Dave and Colleen Simon of Simon Farms in Stratton. After graduation, she intends to go to Regis University in Denver to pursue a BSN in nursing. When she has her degree, she plans to work as a medical professional in a rural hospital.

Kaitlin Soehner, Idalia, Colo.
FUSA Scholarship ($1000)

Kaitlin, the daughter of Gary and Cindy Soehner, is enrolled at Colorado School of Mines, where she is majoring in Biochemical Engineering, with a minor in Bioengineering and Life Sciences. She intends to pursue a career with an engineering company after graduation.

Kelly Wentz, Strasburg, Colo.
James G. Patton Memorial Scholarship ($1000)

Kelly is the daughter of Marilyn and David Wentz, and plans to attend Aims Community College upon graduation from Strasburg High School. She intends to complete a Music Education degree at the University of Northern Colorado and become a teacher.