RAPID CITY, S.D. -- With its strong commitment to youth in agriculture, the Black Hills Stock Show Foundation annually awards scholarships of $1,000 each to students who represent the South and North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and Nebraska region.

"A primary objective of the Foundation is to reinvest back into the region where the support for the Stock Show has come from," says Joe Norman, Black Hawk, S.D., Foundation President. "We recognize that youth involvement and awareness in agriculture represents a commitment from these students. Offering scholarships is the Foundation's way of helping those students while encouraging youth to achieve their career goals in the agricultural community."

Criteria for application includes students who are; beginning secondary education as a freshman (first year students who are selected will receive the scholarship award upon entering their second year) , and others who are pursuing post-education degrees in agricultural production and industry related fields. Selection is judged on a 25 percent consideration of academic performance, a 25 percent consideration of personal involvement in school, and civic activities, a 30 percent consideration is given to an essay presentation, and 20 percent consideration is given to financial need.

Students who request an application will be forwarded the appropriate forms and an explanation of additional application requirements. The deadline for all materials to be provided by the student, is October 31, 1999.

"As a recipient of a BHSS Foundation scholarship, I can attest to how appreciated it is," says Charlie Williams, studying at Dickinson State University in North Dakota "In continuing my education in ag business applications, it's gratifying to be recognized and supported by the agricultural community that I hope to serve in the future."

To receive a complete application packet and instructions, write: Black Hills Stock Show Foundation, Scholarship Program, 444 Mt. Rushmore Road North, Rapid City, SD 57701, or; Email: foundation@blackhillsstockshow.com or ; Call: 605-787-5689.

The Black Hills Stock Show Foundation is proud to support South Dakota youth and High School Rodeo. Extending its long-time commitment of furthering educational opportunities for young adults, the Foundation is sponsoring two South Dakota High School Rodeo scholarships to be awarded based on academic achievements, school and community involvement, and pursuit of higher education in agriculture and ag-related career fields. "The rodeo heritage is an important part of our history," says Foundation President Joe Norman. "And youth are an important part of our future. The Foundation believes strongly in the principles that have guided and continue to guide what South Dakota is all about; supporting and building a vibrant rural network.. It's a privilege to partner with organizations like South Dakota High School Rodeo in helping to make that happen."

For more information on the Foundation's scholarship program, contact the officers of SDHSR or the Foundation at 605-787-5689, or e-mail: foundation@blackhillsstockshow.com

OFFICERS: Vernon Starr, President PO Box 517, Dupree, SD 57623 605-365-5282 Tom Costello, Vice President HC 66, PO Box 74, Newell, SD 57760 605-866-4616 Ted Thompson, National Director PO Box 527, Whitewood, SD 57793 605-269-2414 Bekki Reinert, Secretary General Delivery, Wall, SD 57790 605-279-2346

STUDENT OFFICERS: Tara Thompson, Student President PO Box 527 Whitewood, SD 57793 Colby Crago, Student Vice President HC 62, PO Box 42 Belle Fourche, SD 57717 Alisa Nelson, Student Secretary 19503 SD Hwy. 20 Meadow, SD 57644 Nicole Strand, Queen 18498 W. Cabin Rd. Shadehill, SD 57653