RMFU Awards Scholarships to Six Outstanding Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT INFORMATION
Rocky Mountain Farmers Union
Bri Sorensen
303.752.5800
br**********@**fu.org

Release Date: 4/25/25

(Denver, CO) The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) Foundation announces the recipients of four $1,000 scholarships and two $500 scholarships. The awards are made to students with records of outstanding scholastic achievements and community service. The scholarships are funded by RMFU, FUSA Insurance Agency, Morgan County Farmers Union, and memorials honoring long-time leaders in Farmers Union.

“These scholarship recipients are rising stars, ready to lead the future of our communities. The RMFU Foundation is excited to support six outstanding young changemakers as they pursue their education and career dreams,” said RMFU Education Director Bri Sorensen. The recipients are listed below.

Sarah Becker, Brush, CO (Hazel Hemphill Memorial Scholarship)

Sarah is the daughter of Suzanne Becker of Brush, Colorado. Sarah is graduating from Brush High School where she balanced dual enrollment at Morgan Community College in the Health Science Technology Program. She earned the MCC Dean’s and President’s List, while competing in basketball and track, gaining All-Conference and All-State recognition in track and basketball. Committed to children, Sarah also volunteered with the Brush Youth Basketball program, Heath Becker Shoot-Out, the Special Olympics, and works at the Little Beets Daycare. Sarah will continue her education at the University of Northern Colorado and plans to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with the hope of one day working as an ICU Nurse, OR Nurse, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

“Inspired by my father’s resilience, the encouragement of my instructors, and the compassion of the nurses who cared for my family, I am motivated to give back to my community.”

Tyla Thomas, Sterling, CO (James G. Patton Memorial Scholarship)

Tyla is the daughter of Tadd and Nan Thomas of Sterling, Colorado. She represents the fifth generation of an agricultural family and started showing cattle at age eight, eventually at the state and national level. She also has experience in and passion for livestock judging. At Sterling High School, Tyla was an Honor Roll student every semester and a member of the National Honor Society. She has also been involved in a variety of community service projects and clubs. Tyla plans to start her college life at Butler Community College, majoring in Agricultural Business, and eventually will continue her studies at a university, where she hopes to pursue more livestock judging experiences.

“The skills and leadership I have learned through livestock judging, showing cattle, 4-H, and Future Farmers of America will forever allow me to be grateful for my opportunities and carry those skills on through my next chapter.”

Tessa Schutter, Hudson, CO (Katheryn Pappenheim Memorial Scholarship)

Tessa is the daughter of Tara and Don Schutter of Hudson, Colorado. The family has been members of RMFU for 20 years. Tessa has been a dedicated student-athlete, and as captain of her volleyball team she is committed to training, leadership and mentoring of younger students. In college she will compete in volleyball at the NCAA Division II level. While at Weld Central High School she also participated in the National Honor Society and Future Farmers of America. Tessa is enrolling in the Florida Institute of Technology, with plans to major in Construction Management, and a double minor in Business and Spanish.

“Through my membership with RMFU, I hope to continue learning about the challenges facing rural communities and how sustainable construction practices can support the agricultural sector.”

Zach Dickey, Cheyenne Wells, CO (Farmers Union Service Association Scholarship)

Zach Dickey is the son of FUSA Agent Wendy and Devon Dickey of Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. Graduating from Cheyenne Wells JR/SR High School, Zach has been involved in the Future Farmers of America, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honors Society, and Student Council, while also playing a wide range of sports. His most rewarding pursuits have been with the Eagle Scouts, with a challenging service project that taught him leadership, listening and hard work. Zach plans to attend Fort Hays State University and aims for a degree in Agribusiness.

“This scholarship will help me move toward my long-term goal of running a successful farm that I love and that will support my family financially. I dream of waking up every day excited to work on the farm, knowing that my work ethic will contribute to our community’s well-being.”

Delaney Draegert, Brush, CO (Morgan County Farmers Union Renewable Scholarship)

Delaney is finishing her second year at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, where she is majoring in Agricultural Media & Communications with a minor in Political Science with an Event Planning certificate. She has maintained a spot on the Dean’s List with at 3.7 GPA and is also active in student organizations like the Farm Bureau, ACT, and Logan County Cattlewomen’s Association. During Delaney’s first year, she lived on campus, worked at the Activities Center, and was part of the champion Ag Experience Quiz Bowl team. This year she has continued her involvement in clubs, helped local ranchers, and plans to run for office in the WTAMU Farm Bureau. Delaney is also considering law school after graduation.

“I continue to meet wonderful people that add value and enrichment to my life as I navigate my college years.”

Grant Becker, Brush, CO (Morgan County Farmers Union Renewable Scholarship)

Grant began flight lessons and ground school in July of 2024 at Summit Flight Training in Greeley, CO. His first Solo Flight was in October and later that month passed his written exam with a score of 87%. Grant completed his night flying and cross-country flights where he visited new airports, including Cheyanne, WY, Fort Collins, Akron, Fort Morgan and Sterling. He has completed all his flight training except for his private pilot checkride which he will be taking very soon. Grant hopes to begin his Instrument Rating Class in May of this year and completion of his Commercial Certificate by spring of 2026.

“My first Solo Flight was the highlight of my school career. Flying the airplane alone for the first time was a surreal experience I will never forget.”

These scholarships recognize the following Farmers Union Leaders: Hazel Hemphill, former Morgan County education director; Katheryn Pappenheim, former Weld County Farmers Union education director; and James Patton, former president of RMFU and National Farmers Union.

About Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Foundation:

The RMFU Foundation promotes the well-being of rural communities and farm and ranch families of Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. The Foundation offers leadership training, youth and adult education opportunities, and provides professional services to groups and individuals involved in cooperative enterprises, local food initiatives, and hometown community initiatives.