FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Making the Dream More Affordable

Northwest Farm Credit Services Awards Scholarships to 82 Students

Spokane, Wash. - July 29, 2016 – Funding education will be a little easier for 82 students from Northwest Farm Credit Services’ territory (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington) and California through its 2016 scholarship program. The students are:

• 44 high school students who are children of customers, or children of customers’ employees;
• 20 college students who are children of customers, or children of customers’ employees, to continue their college education;
• four full-time undergraduate minority students seeking a degree in agribusiness management, agriculture economics, agriculture business/finance or related field of study;
• eight full-time undergraduate students seeking a degree in agribusiness management, agriculture economics, agriculture business/finance or related field of study at designated land grant universities;
• four sons or daughters of Northwest FCS employees; and
• two graduate students seeking to further interests of the natural resource industries.

Scholarship Recipients by State

• American Falls – Morgan Cortez is the daughter of Pete and Holly Cortez. She is a sophomore at Colorado State University where she is studying agribusiness. Briana Saige Povey is the daughter of Andrew and Kimberly Povey. Briana is a recent high school graduate and plans to attend the University of Idaho.
• Caldwell – Dain Johnson is the son of Dirk and Kimberly Johnson. He is a junior at the University of Idaho where he is majoring in agricultural economics. Josie Thurman is the daughter of Frank and Janice Thurman. Josie graduated from New Plymouth High School and plans to attend California Polytechnic State University in the fall.
• Cottonwood – Talyss Lustig is the daughter of Doug and Karen Lustig. Talyss graduated from Prairie High School and will be attending the University of Idaho.
• Eden – Parker Carlquist is the son of John Douglas and Melanie B. Carlquist. He is a graduate of Twin Falls High School and will attend Brigham Young University in the fall.
• Filer – Austin Tews is the son of Jerre and Shannon Tews. Austin is a freshman at Brigham Young University where he plans to major in accounting.
• Homedale – Morgan Nash is the daughter of Steve and Leslie Nash. Morgan is a freshman at the University of Idaho where she is studying psychology with a pre-med emphasis.
• Jerome – Denise Jauregui is the daughter of Ruben and Maria Jauregui. She is a recent graduate from Jerome High School and will attend College of Southern Idaho in the fall. Gretchen Hansten is the daughter of Alan and Sheri Hansten. Gretchen is a recent graduate of Jerome High School and plans to further her education at the University of Idaho.
• Kuna – Eric Ball is the son of Bernie and Rita Ball. Eric is a recent graduate from Kuna High School and will attend the University of Idaho in the fall. Rebekah Farris is the daughter of Duncan and Heidi Farris. She is a graduate of Kuna High School and will be attending Dixie State University.
• Malta – Lauren Schumann is the daughter of Lane and Cami Schumann. Lauren is a freshman at Utah State University and plans to study nutrition, dietetics and food science. Zan Zollinger is the daughter of John Zollinger. She is a recent graduate of Raft River High School and plans to attend Utah State University.
• Rupert – Kai Garner is the son of Sam and Jeanna Garner. Kai is a freshman at Brigham Young University studying exercise science.
• Wilder – Paige Takasugi is the daughter of Patrick and Suzanne Takasugi. Paige graduated from Bishop Kelly High School and will be attending the University of Utah in the fall.

• Big Timber – Teasan Josephson is the son of Mark and Bonnie Josephson. He is currently a sophomore at the University of Montana where he is studying business finance and marketing.
• Broadview – Brenna Beckett is the daughter of Glen and Colleen Beckett. Brenna attended Broadview School and plans to further her education at Montana State University in the fall.
• Browning – Greta Gustafson is the daughter of Barr and Colleen Gustafson. Greta graduated from Cut Bank High School and plans to attend Montana State University in Bozeman.
• Dillon – Matthew Shenton is the son of Tod Shenton and Carolyn Rhodes-Shenton. Matthew graduated from Beaverhead County High School and plans to attend Montana State University.
• Dutton – Sierra Johnson is the daughter of Philip and Tasha Johnson. Sierra graduated from Dutton-Brady High School and plans to continue her education at Carroll College.
• Ekalaka – Danielle Kittelmann is the daughter of Scott and Kathy Kittelmann. She is a freshman at Rocky Mountain College and is majoring in psychology.
• Gildford – Kiera Miller is the daughter of David and Julie Miller. She is a recent graduate of North Star High school and plans to attend Montana State University.
• Great Falls – Grace Wilkins is the daughter of Daniel and Diane Wilkins. Grace is a freshman at Montana State University where she is studying nursing. Madeline Good is the daughter of Logan and Tammy Good. She is a recent graduate of Great Falls High School and plans to attend Montana State University.
• Harrison – Taya DeFrance is the daughter of Gary and LeAnne DeFrance. Taya graduated from Harrison High School and will be attending Whitworth University.
• Missoula – Jacy Suenram is the daughter of Andrew and Peri Suenram. Jacy is a graduate student at the University of Montana School of Law where she is studying to obtain her Juris Doctor degree.
• Rudyard – Tylynn Rettig is the daughter of Shawn and Tiffany Rettig. Tylynn is a freshman at Carroll College where she is studying anthrozoology.
• Winifred – Riley Slivka is the son of Shane and Erin Slivka. Riley is a recent graduate of Winifred High School and will be attending Northwest College in the fall.
• Winston – Caitlin Hoeffner is the daughter of Jeff and Marie Hoeffner. She is a recent graduate of Broadwater High School and will be attending Montana State University.
• Wolf Point – Monica Brown is the daughter of Robert and Yvonne Brown. She graduated from Lustre Christian High School and plans to attend Montana State University.

• Albany – Brandyn Wyatt is the son of Rodney and Trinisha Wyatt. Currently a sophomore at Linfield College, Brandyn is studying chemistry and biology.
• Burns – Trey Recanzone is the son of Mario and Toni Recanzone. Graduating from Burns High School, Trey plans to further his education at Central Washington University.
• Etna, CA – Darby Hanna is the daughter of Greggory and Sherri Hanna. Darby is a sophomore at Willamette University where she is studying exercise science.
• Eugene – Selene Konyn is the daughter of James and Jennifer Konyn. Selene graduated from Marist Catholic High School and will further her education at Western Oregon University. Samuel Nelson is the son of Scott and Shelley Nelson of Eugene. Samuel is a recent graduate of Marist Catholic High School and plans to attend Creighton University in the fall.
• Gaston – Abigail Lewis is the daughter of Daniel and Nancy Lewis. Abigail is a recent graduate of Oregon Connections Academy and will be attending Western Oregon University in the fall.
• Heppner – Skyler Palmer is the son of Larry and Tina Palmer. Skyler graduated from Heppner High School and will continue his education at Brigham Young University Idaho.
• Hermiston – Brady Linnell is the son of Brock and Marie Linnell. He is a recent high school graduate from Hermiston High School and will be attending Colorado State University.
• Hines – Jacob White is the son of Jonathan and Margarita White. Jacob is a junior at the University of Florida majoring in agricultural education and communications.
• Madras – Laura Swenson is the daughter of Stan and Kathy Sullivan. She is a sophomore at Lewis Clark State College where she is studying nursing.
• Monroe – Contessa Stroda is the daughter Kirk and JoLynn Stroda. Contessa is a graduate student at Oregon Health and Science University where she is studying to be a physician’s assistant.
• North Plains – Alexandra Crew is the daughter of William Crew. She is a recent graduate of Catlin Gabel School and plans to attend Stanford University in the fall.
• Pilot Rock – Kaleigh Waggoner is the daughter of Allen and Rebeca Waggoner. Kaleigh graduated from Pendleton High School and plans to attend George Fox University.
• Portland – Iman Wahle is the daughter of Mark and Shaghayegh Wahle. Graduating from Catlin Gable School, Iman plans to attend California Institute of Technology.
• Roseburg – Alexandra Luther is the daughter of Toby and Christina Luther. Graduating from Oakland High, Alexandra plans to attend Oregon State University.
• Silver Lake – Andrew Miles is the son of Lloyd and Rebecca Miles. He is a senior at Oregon State University where he is studying agricultural business management and education.
• Visalia, CA – Jacob Ruby is the son of Scott Ruby and Gina Carinalli-Barnes. Jacob is a recent graduate of Mount Whitney High School and will further his education at Notre Dame.
• Wasco – Wyatt Stutzman is the son of Jesse and Kirky Stutzman. Wyatt is a recent graduate from Sherman Jr Sr High School and will further his career at Oregon State University.

• Chelan – Bridget Wyant is the daughter of Kurt Wyant and Siri Tift. She is a recent graduate of Chelan High School and plans to attend Gonzaga University in the fall.
• Colfax – Gracie Dickerson is the daughter of Todd and Becky Dickerson. A recent graduate from St. John-Endicott High School, Gracie will attend Washington State University in the fall. Tyler Kincaid is the son of Dennis and Julie Kincaid of Colfax. A recent graduate of Colfax High School, Tyler plans to attend Washington State University in the fall.
• Custer – Erika Ebe is the daughter of Gregory and Mary Ebe. Erika graduated from Ferndale High School and plans to attend Chapman University in the fall.
• Dayton – Sierra Smith is the daughter of Dean Smith and Michelle Shoun. She is a recent graduate from Walla Walla High School and will be attending Pepperdine University.
• Lamont – Leah Swannack is the daughter of Arthur and Jill Swannack. Leah graduated from Cheney High School and plans to further her education at Montana State University.
• Lind – Taylor Klum is the daughter of Randy and Debbie Kulm. Taylor graduated from Lind-Ritzville High School and will be furthering her education at Washington State University in the fall.
• Manson – Neil Carleton is the son of Robert and Theresa Carleton. He graduated from Chelan High School and will be attending Eastern Oregon University.
• Marlin – Stacia Lesser is the daughter of Tracy and Katherine Lesser. Stacia is a recent graduate of Odessa High School and plans to further her education at Washington State University.
• Oak Harbor – Roshel Muzzall is the daughter for Ron and Shelly Muzzall. She is a senior at Pacific Lutheran University where she is majoring in business administration.
• Olympia – Savannah Schilter is the daughter of Jeffrey and Stephanie Schilter. Savannah is a junior at Gonzaga University where she is studying nursing.
• Prosser – Rylee Suhadolnik is the daughter of William and Linda Suhadolnik. She is a sophomore at Washington State University where she is studying agricultural education.
• Soap Lake – Riley Pheasant is the son of Jeffrey and Carla Pheasant. He is a sophomore at Washington State University where he is majoring in mechanical engineering.
• Spokane – Megan Paternoster is the daughter of Victor and Lisa Paternoster. Megan graduated from Freeman High School and plans to attend Point Loma Nazarene University in the fall.
• Toppenish – Natalie Bangs is the daughter of Steve and Tammy Bangs. Natalie is a recent graduate of Sunnyside Christian High School and plans to attend the University of Washington in the fall.
• Valleyford – Paige Campbell is the daughter of James and Debra Campbell. Paige is a freshman at Washington State University where she is studying economics and political science.
• Waterville – Lakin Thomsen is the son of Steve and Terri Thomsen. Lakin is a recent graduate of Waterville High School and plans to attend Washington State University in the fall.

Land Grant Scholarship Winners

The Northwest FCS Land Grant Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing a degree in agricultural business, or related field of study, by providing two, $2,000 scholarships at each of the land grant universities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

• Jerome, ID – Cole Lickley is the son of Bill and Laurie Lickley. Cole is studying agribusiness marketing at the University of Idaho. He has served in many leadership roles including University of Idaho Rodeo Club president and the Collegiate Farm Bureau secretary, and has been a volunteer at the Idaho Food bank. Cole’s career plans include marketing commodities internationally with an agribusiness company in the Northwest.
• Moxee, WA – Emily George is the daughter of Steve and Ann George. She is studying agricultural business at the University of Idaho. Emily has held several leadership positions including Ag and Life Sciences Ambassador and Agricultural Future of American Ambassador, and is a member of the University of Idaho Honors program. She plans to attend law school where she will focus on agricultural, environmental and natural resource policy.

• Glendive, MT – Layton Hrubes is the daughter of Allen and Amber Hrubes. Layton is studying animal science with a concentration in livestock industry and management at Montana State University. She has experience in multiple leadership roles including Collegiate Stockgrowers, Collegiate Cattlewomen and Agricultural Future of America. Layton hopes to be employed as a feed or pharmaceutical sales rep in the animal health industry as well as serve in a local government position.
• Wibaux, MT – Kaitlyn Goroski is the daughter of Ken and Patti Goroski. She is studying agricultural education and animal science at Montana State University. Kaitlyn has held several leadership roles including MSU College of Agriculture Ambassador, Agricultural Ambassador Event Liaison Chair, Vice President of Agricultural Education Club, and National Society of Collegiate Scholars. After college she plans to return to eastern Montana and pursue a career in extension and ranching.

• Ashland, OR – Teague Teece is the daughter of Jim Teece and Dana Matthews. Teague is studying agricultural sciences and business entrepreneurship and leadership. She has held various leadership positions including Oregon State University Ambassador of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources, the 2015 START Orientation Coordinator and the Memorial Union Building Manager for 2015-2016. Her career plans include being a high school agricultural educator and FFA advisor.
• Silverton, OR – Helen Kesch is the daughter of Carlos and Anna Scheratski. She is majoring in agricultural sciences with a minor in comparative international agriculture at Oregon State University. Helen is a full time employee with the State of Oregon Department of Human Services as a training and development specialist and is the lead trainer for the Employment Related Day Care program. Upon completing her degree at OSU she plans to attend Willamette University College of Law to become a land attorney.

• Farmington, WA – Gabriel Cocking is the son of Scot and Mary Cocking. He is studying material science and engineering at Washington State University. Gabriel has participated in several volunteer activities including Peace Lutheran Church Youth Group, helping kids with basketball and boy scouts where he recently received his Eagle Scout award. Gabriel plans to pursue a career in the agricultural sector after completing school.
• Wapato, WA – Raul Arroyo is the son of Cruz and Maria Arroyo. He is studying agricultural biotechnology. Raul currently works in the research laboratory at WSU as an undergraduate researcher. Arroyo was just accepted into the McNair Program at WSU and plans to apply for graduate school to work toward a Ph.D. degree in plant physiology.

Minority Scholarship Award Winners

The Northwest FCS Minority Scholarship supports academic achievement and the advancement of diversity by awarding $2,000 scholarships to students pursuing degrees in Agriculture/Finance/Business in the Northwest.

• Brawley, CA – Amanda Leckband is the daughter of Raymond and Helen. She is attending Montana State University where she is majoring in animal science. Amanda has held several leadership roles including being a 4-H and Girl Scout Leader and a therapeutic horsemanship counselor. After graduation she will work toward her master’s degree and upon completing her education, Amanda plans to work as an animal nutritionist while also working part-time on the public perception of agriculture.

• Aurora, OR – Adan Avila is the son of Ignacio Avila and Maria Guadalupe Avila. Adan is attending Oregon State University where he will major in agricultural business management and minor in crop science. He has served in many leadership capacities including being an officer within Minorities in Agriculture and Natural Resources and as a member of the OSU Academic Quiz Bowl team. Upon graduating, Adan plans to be involved in agriculture within the Willamette Valley area in a sales or management position.
• Corvallis, OR – David Cho is the son of Jane Cho. He attends Oregon State University where is majoring in enology and viticulture. Cho has been in multiple leadership and volunteer roles including VITIS Club member and officer for 206-2017 and worship leader at Northwest Hills Community Church. Upon completion of his degree David aspires to be a winemaker.
• Tigard, OR – Andrew Roluffs is the son of Mark and Sue Roluffs. He is attending Oregon State University where he is majoring in finance and accountancy. Andrew has been involved in several volunteer roles including Junior Achievement, STAR Sports and Oregon Food Bank. After graduation Andrew plans to sit for the CPA Exam and work for a local accounting firm, eventually earning his MBA and one day becoming a CFO.

Northwest FCS Employee Scholarship Recipients

This scholarship is awarded to sons and daughters of Northwest FCS employees.

• Blackfoot – Tanner Norton is the son of Tony Norton. Tanner graduated as valedictorian from Blackfoot High School and will be attending Brigham Young University Provo in the fall. He will begin his college journey playing tennis at the collegiate level for the university. Tanner plans to earn a Ph.D. in a scientific field closely related to physics.
• Twin Falls – Morgan Harshbarger is the daughter of Becky Harshbarger. She is a sophomore at College of Idaho where she is majoring in business administration with a focus in agriculture and minors in political economy, criminal justice and environmental science. Morgan’s goal is to work in a business that manages the water supply to ensure good water quality and sustainability.

• Prosser – Cameron Rose Holt is the daughter of Jim Holt. Cameron graduated from Prosser High School and will be attending the University of Washington in the fall. Cameron plans to pursue a degree and career in a scientific major. Hayley Tuttle is the daughter of Hollie Tuttle. Hayley is attending California Polytechnic State University where she is studying agricultural communications. Hayley has aspirations of using communication as a way to encourage inclusion through education.

In total, in 2016 Northwest FCS awarded $2,000 scholarships to 82 students for a total of $164,000 as part of its commitment to educate, support and inspire today’s youth. Through an application process, the company awards scholarships annually to high school seniors, current college students and students pursuing graduate degrees.

Northwest FCS is a $10.3 billion financial cooperative providing financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Northwest FCS is a member of the nationwide Farm Credit System that supports agriculture and rural communities with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. For more information, go to northwestfcs.com.

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Contact
Debra Strohmaier
Communications Specialist
debra.strohmaier@northwestfcs.com or 509.340.5443