LOCAL STUDENTS RECEIVE AFA SCHOLARSHIPS

Agriculture Future of America (AFA), in partnership with ProAg of Renville County is announcing the recipients of the 2012 AFA scholarships.  

Rae Larsen, a senior from BOLD High School, was awarded a $3,200 AFA scholarship.  Rae plans to attend Ridgewater College to pursue a degree in Agronomy.  Rae is the daughter of John and Jane Larsen of Renville.  Her scholarship was funded by ProAg of Renville County.

Rachel Schroeder, a senior from Redwood Valley High School was also awarded an AFA scholarship of $3,200.  Her post-secondary education plans include attending North Dakota State University to pursue a degree in Animal Science and Ag Education.  Rachel is the daughter of Dean and Marj Schroeder of Renville.   Her scholarship was funded in partnership with ProAg of Renville County and the Redwood Area Chamber & Tourism Ag Committee.

ProAg of Renville County members will present these seniors their scholarships at their respective high school graduation commencements and award ceremonies.  As scholarship recipients, Larsen and Schroeder are required to attend the AFA Leaders Conference in November designed to supply personal and professional training for college students preparing for careers in agriculture. Each will receive an additional $1,000 to cover the cost of the conference. 

“We are pleased to recognize such exceptional students as Rae & Rachel and we hope their scholarships launch great educational experiences and successful careers,” said Joel Mathiowetz, local AFA scholarship coordinator.  “It is important that we support our students who wish to pursue agricultural careers and encourage them to return to the rural community to keep America’s agriculture future strong.” 

AFA CEO, K. Russell Weathers, shares that sentiment. “Rae & Rachel exemplify the kind of students AFA seeks to assist,” said Weathers. “They are model students, leaders in the community, and dedicated to advancing agriculture into the 21^st century and beyond. We are pleased to be a part of their support system as they pursue an education and career in agriculture.”

Each year, ProAg of Renville County hosts the All Ag Celebration as the fundraiser for this scholarship and other educational events. Redwood Area Chamber Ag Committee hosts the Ribeye Golf Day as their fundraiser. The 2012 Ribeye Golf Day is set for Mon., July 9, at the Redwood Falls Golf Club.

AFA, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization was founded in 1996 to strengthen the world’s agricultural network by helping college-bound students from rural communities have quality career and personal development opportunities while they pursue their academic goals.

For more information about AFA, call (888) 472-4232, or visit them on the web at www.agfuture.org.

For more information contact:

K. Russell Weathers (816) 472-4232               Joel Mathiowetz  (320)522-2657

Agriculture Future of America                            ProAg of Renville County

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