Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Awards Scholarships to Seven Outstanding Applicants

The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Educational and Charitable Foundation today announced the recipients of seven 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 seven outstanding young leaders, to help them achieve their career goals,” said RMFU Education Director Jennifer Luitjens Bahr.

Samantha Schuller, Superior, Colo., James G. Patton Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Samantha is the daughter of Theresa Schuller. She attends Colorado State University, pursuing an education that will prepare her to work with disadvantaged children. Samantha and her mother have been active in Rocky Mountain Farmers Union since Samantha was in the third grade. She was elected to the summer camp Senior Youth Advisory Council before her junior year in high school, trained as a camp counselor, and has worked at camp for the last two summers. She represented RMFU at National Farmers Union’s All-States Camp in 2008. Samantha is in the CSU merit-based work study program, which gives her a chance to meet people from all walks of campus life.

Darla Rosenbrock of Brush, Colo., Hazel Hemphill Memorial ($1000)
Darla is the daughter of Audrey and Brian Rosenbrock. Darla’s grandparents have been active in Rocky Mountain Farmers Union for 50 years, and her mother has served as an officer in Morgan County Farmers Union as well as assisting with RMFU Summer Camp. Darla began attending youth leadership camps in the second grade. She plans to attend Northeastern Junior College, working toward a degree in the sciences. Darla has been an active member of her school, church, and community, doing community service through 4-H, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and the Brush Lion’s Club. She is a student-athlete while maintaining a high GPA.

April Millage, Holyoke, Colo., RMFU Charles Petty Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
April, the daughter of Steve and Jan Millage, is pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration at Colorado State University. April put herself through the Associates program in Business at the College of Southern Nevada in 2007-08, and she hopes to qualify someday as a CPA and then pursue a career as an auditor. She participated in RMFU summer camp through primary school and worked as a counselor after high school. She is a student member of RMFU and considers summer camp one of the great influences in her life.

Tyler Schumacher, Peetz, Colo., Katheryn Pappenheim Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Tyler, the son of Gary and Kristy Schumacher, plans to pursue his higher education at Adams State College, and then become a teacher and coach. Tyler’s family has been in Farmers Union for many years; his parents and three older brothers and sisters have all received the Torchbearer award for their work as young Farmers Union members. Tyler is student body president at Peetz Plateau School. He is a student, athlete, and musician, a member of the National Honor Society and FBLA, as well as active in Boy Scouts, Teens for Tots, and his church.

Ramon Portuese, Brush, Colo., Maurice Parker Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Ramon, son of Carol Paynter and Ken Portuese (dec.), hopes to major in biomedical sciences and then continue into medical school, so he can be a family practice physician in a rural community. He is active in a diverse set of community activities while maintaining his grades and participating in both band and athletics. He has served on RMFU’s Senior Youth Advisory Council and is returning for his second year as a camp counselor. His excellence as an all-around student suggests that he will achieve his academic and career goals.

Jake Lockhart of Weldona, Colo., FUSA Scholarship ($1000)
Jake is the son of Vicki Evans and John Lockhart. He attends Weldon Valley High School, where he has maintained straight A’s academically. He is the vice president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter and president of the student council. He has also been active in FBLA, FFA, 4-H, and science clubs while playing a major role in the family farm. He looks forward to a career in engineering after graduating from Colorado School of Mines.

Anna Kuhns, McClave, Colo., FUSA Scholarhip ($1000)
Anna Kuhns, daughter of Doug Kuhns and Elin Ora, has been active in Farmers Union since early grade school, when she discovered RMFU Summer Camp. She has served on the Senior Youth Advisory Council. Anna coaches softball and teaches swimming in her summers. She has been an active participant in FCCLA, FBLA, Student Council, and the National Honor Society. She also participates in the school newsletter and many school sports while maintaining an excellent GPA and earning college credits at Lamar Community College. She plans to attend CSU, where she will pursue a degree in Fine Arts.

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.