KCA & GoBob Pipe & Steel Announce Scholarship Program Recipients
The Kansas Cattlemen’s Association (KCA) and GoBob Pipe & Steel Scholarship Program recently awarded scholarship offers for 2018. Applicants were required to submit a completed application form detailing their secondary education plans, focus of future study, a formal resume as well as an essay of 250-500 words covering one of three topics. Those topics ranged from the value of beef or protein in a well-balanced diet, the value of independent cattle producers in their community and how the lack of effective market competition has affected independent cattle marketing.
KCA received forty applications from highly qualified scholars. We were pleased to see that students today are doing some really amazing things, achieving exceptional academic success, and building promising futures for themselves and their generation. After careful consideration and review, the KCA Board of Directors offered six scholarship awards. All non-awardees were also offered a complimentary membership to KCA for a year.
Chelsey Bieberle, Bushton, daughter of Jerry and Audria Bieberle has been awarded a $400 scholarship. Chelsey intends to continue pursuing a degree in Feed Science and Management at Kansas State University this fall. She attributes her work ethic and responsibility to her parents and their mentorship as she began working around the farm as a youngster. She dedicates time and community service as a member of Sigma Alpha, Feed Science Club and the Pre-Vet Club at K-State, Hands On K-State and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Chelsey currently works in the K-State Vet Diagnostic Lab assisting lab workers as well as working for her family at Bieberle Farms. Jaylinn Pfeifer, Ellis, daughter of Sheldon and April Pfeifer has been awarded a $400 scholarship. Jaylinn plans to attend Fort Hays State University in the fall to pursue a degree in Agricultural Communications. Her accolades include Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas 2018, Ambassador for Ellis County 4-H, 4-H Equine Instructor, NW District FFA Officer. Jaylinn continues to work as a show hand and groomer for Harvest Moon Show Cattle of Ellis.
Melanie Robbins, Yates Center, daughter of Lee and Janet Robbins has been awarded a $400 scholarship. Melanie plans to attend Allen County Community College in the fall to pursue a degree in Cattle Management/Production, majoring in Animal Science. She has credited her community relationships with independent ranchers of Woodson County with her aspiration to return to Woodson County as a cattle producer in the future. She served three years as the Class of 2018 Student Council Representative while also dedicating her time to Art for the Heart, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Eager Beavers 4-H Club, Woodson County 4-H Council and the National Art Honor Society. Melanie continues to work as a ranch hand for JL Angus Ranch of Yates Center.
Samuel Davis, Madison, son of Greg and Carla Davis has been awarded a $300 scholarship. Sam will continue pursuing his degree in Animal Science and Industry (Production Management Option) at Kansas State University this fall. He enjoys competing as a member of the K-State Meat Judging Team, serving as a student board member of the Kansas Junior Livestock Show Board of Directors as well as a club member and advocate for the K-State Collegiate Farm Bureau. Sam currently works as a Livestock Manager for the K-State Sheep and Goat Unit and as Feed Delivery/Warehouse Maintenance staff for RanchLand Feed of Madison.
Jade Edwards, Hamilton, daughter of DJ and Arlene Edwards has been awarded a $300 scholarship. Jade plans to attend Oklahoma State University this fall to pursue a double major in Agriculture Education and Animal Science. She hopes to have a chance to return to her home county as an Ag Teacher, so she may foster and prepare future generations of agriculturalists in Greenwood County. Jade also hopes to take over the family ranch, Edwards Cattle Company, when the time arises. She has dedicated time and community service as an FFA President and Reporter, 4-H Vice-President, Secretary and Reporter as well as a member of National Honor Society. Jade continues to work as a ranch hand on both her family’s ranch as well as Beeman Backgrounding, Madison.
Alena Pfrang, Goff, daughter of David and Ginny Pfrang, has been awarded a $300 scholarship. Alena plans to attend Kansas State University this fall to pursue a double major in Applied Mathematics and English Literature. Her accolades include Wetmore National Honor Society Vice-President, Student Council Treasurer, Class Treasurer, Kansas Association for Youth Treasurer and Scholars Bowl, Journalism and Yearbook Staffer, member of Students Against Destructive Decisions: Cardinal Kiddos Program and volunteering for Goff Lions Club activities. Alena’s interests include theatre, mathematics, writing and hopes of studying abroad. She continues to work for Sonic Drive-In and as a farm and ranch hand on the family farm.
KCA would like to thank all of the applicants for taking part in the scholarship program. Also, thank you to Bob Studebaker and GoBob Pipe and Steel for their generous financial support of the scholarship program.