Rapid City, SD – High achievers with agricultural interests are among those selected to receive annual Black Hills Stock Show Foundation scholarship awards. “Actually,” says Foundation Vice President Doug Theel, Rapid City, “ Every one of the 48 applicants we received sets a high standard of excellence among students. It points to the ongoing need for grassroots scholarship programs such as the Foundation offers.”

Through membership, sponsorships, memorial endowments and event attendance, people and industry from around the region support the Foundation in its mission of “Preserving the Legacy. Investing in the Future.” For students and their families, Foundation scholarships provide a much needed boost in the overall costs of post secondary education. “The average annual cost to a student at a four year institution in this region, is approximately $5,200,” says Foundation President Joe Norman, Piedmont. “The support of folks through the Foundation’s scholarship programs makes a big difference to these students.”

Receiving the Ray Switzer Memorial Endowment is Matt Hansen, Vale; the Eddie Rypkema Memorial Endowment goes to Elizabeth LeSatz, Chugwater, Wyo.; Marvin Heesacker, Buffalo, will receive the Calvin and Mary Blair Memorial Endowment; and Ryan Routier, Buffalo, receives the Rapid City Hospitality Scholarship. Also receiving scholarships are Elizabeth Caron, Scranton, ND and Melissa Goetz, Egan, SD.

Each of these students become eligible for consideration in the Foundation’s renewable scholarship program that awards $2,000 annually, up to four years and is based on meeting an ongoing academic criteria.

Matt Hansen, Vale, SD
Ray Switzer Memorial Endowment

Parents: Jim and Deb Hansen

This Newell High School senior, who will attend South Dakota State University, Brookings, majoring in Agronomy believes his legacy to the west is tied to the agriculture of the present. And that education is the future. “Innovation has always been a part of living on the land,” he observes. “Those who use them wisely and to their advantage have a decided edge. A combination of strategies can make things work. Education is the key.”

Along with volunteer work in the community, his interests in FFA have ranked him on a national level in range and crop competitions. “We need people like Matt,” says Ag Ed Instructor Dave Ollila, “to be future leaders in agriculture; leading the industry toward a sustainable level of prosperity in this global economy in which we are faced with.”

Elizabeth LeSatz, Chugwater, Wyo.
Eddie Rypkema Memorial Endowment

Parents: Steve and Amy LeSatz

The cowboy poet; a Greek philosopher; and science; that’s how Elizabeth LeSatz, a senior at Wheatland (Wyo.) High School sees her world.

This National Honor Society student and FFA President will major in agricultural communications at the University of Wyoming. “I want to communicate the role of agriculture in food production, resource management and preservation of open space,” she shares. “My western upbringing has taught me a respect for the land. An education will help me understand the science of it. A strong foundation in both those areas will make me a good communicator for the industry.”

A member of the American Quarter Horse Youth Assn., a Wyoming Ambassador of Music and a Wyoming Girl’s state and national delegate, you may find Elizabeth serving lunches at the local senior center or handing out poppies for the American Legion Auxiliary. Whether enjoying the works of Texas cowboy poet Red Stegall or pondering Aristotle’s philosophy of, “Education is an ornament in prosperity and a refuge in adversity,” for Elizabeth, it’s the FFA Creed that sums it up best; “I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.”

Marvin Heesacker, Buffalo, SD
Calvin and Mary Blair Memorial Endowment

Parents: Mike Heesacker and Cindy Heesacker

4.0. Remember that number. That’s the grade point average Marvin Heesacker has held since junior high. To say that he’s at the top of his class would almost be redundant. The graduating Harding County senior who will attend Black Hills State University, Spearfish, majoring in business, is also at the top of the list for many of his teachers.

Harding County School Advisor Jennifer Anders points to him as “the type of student who is a joy to teach. An open mind, a positive attitude – Marvin works to fully understand the concepts presented. She adds, “Outside of school, it’s the same story. He serves his community, he mentors young children in Head Start, he lends a hand to others in need. He is an exceptional young man.”

The list of academic honors and awards is endless and his athletic activities place him as one of those rare athletes who does it all well; football, wrestling, and rodeo. A member of “Who’s Who Among American Scholars”, he has been named to the South Dakota Academic All-State Football Team. “A business degree is a tool for me,” he says. “I can apply those skills in the financial management industry and/or in ranching – two areas I hope to have the opportunity to make a career in.”

Parents: Terry and Laurie Goehring

Think scientist…with a calf roper’s arm and you’ll begin to understand what motivates this Harding County senior who will attend Dickinson State University, Dickinson, ND, majoring in business development and management. He is well ahead of the curve having already taken college entry classes in pre-veterinarian science and farm power and machinery. “Today’s rancher must be educated, locally and globally in current market trends, production innovations and policy issues” he says. “Advancing my education while continuing in skills of practical application, is the benchmark for me in terms of being able to continue in ranching, which is what I want to do.”

A 10 year 4-H member, and current president of the South Dakota High School Rodeo Assn., he is a football, basketball and rodeo athlete, playing and competing on both state and national levels. Academically, a joint science project completed with others, has attracted the interest of NASA and he has been nominated to the National Achievement Academy, Who’s Who Among American High School Students and the National Honor Roll Society.

“As Ryan’s advanced biology and science research teacher, I see his dedication to class work and mastering challenging concepts,” says teacher, Tanya Seeds. “He’s one of those students who keeps asking the questions until the problem is solved.”

Another educator, Jennifer Anders notes, “This young man – with educational goals set high, dedication to rural life and determination to do well, will succeed – in any area he chooses.”

For Ryan, his family’s ranching business is a mix of tradition and technology. “The word tradition,” he observes, “ is commonly used to explain ones past. To me, traditions define my future.”

Parents: Doug and Angie Caron

This young agriculturalist has already been to the bank – for a loan on short-term cows and replacement heifers. That’s business as usual for this Scranton (ND) Public High School senior who will attend South Dakota State University, majoring in animal science.

Growing up on the family ranch that includes a feedlot, Elizabeth has been, “Helping Dad with chores for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had a passion for living and working on our place.”

While taking time to participate in FFA, Honor Society and music programs, the Future Business Leader of America student also teaches Sunday School and mentors elementary students. She holds down three part-times jobs in addition to her family ranch/feedlot responsibilities where you might find her riding pens, haying, harvesting or A.I.’ing

“I want to keep on doing what I’m doing,” she says. “Completing my education is an important means to that end.”

Parents: Mark and Linda Goetz

Hereford cattle, AI’ing and embryo transplant technology all point to a career in livestock reproduction which is where this Colman-Egan high school senior is headed when she begins classes at South Dakota State University, majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Business and Production.

Growing up on a small family farm in eastern South Dakota, Melissa sees here involvement in state cattle associations and FFA and 4-H organizations as the beginning of networking in her career field. The National Honor Society student and FFA Chapter President considers all the leadership roles she has held as preparation for a career in agriculture. Colman-Egan FFA Advisor Scott Hemmer says she’s hard to keep up with.
”Melissa is one of the most active students in school. She consistently places at the top in FFA competitions, she helps out with the family farm and holds down a part-time job.” He adds, “Academically, she works hard to achieve good grades and she’s involved in the community. In my opinion, you would have a tough time finding a more deserving student.”

Switching career interests from architectural design to livestock reproduction sciences was a major shift for Melissa who says, “My real passion is being outdoors, working with livestock and being around people.” With her own heard of Hereford and Angus cows, currently running for a State FFA Office and holding the title of the South Dakota Hereford Queen, she’s well on her way.

 
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