The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Educational and Charitable Foundation today announced the recipients of seven scholarships. The scholarships are funded by RMFU, Farmers Union Service Association (FUSA), and memorials to historic members of Farmers Union. They are given to students with outstanding scholastic achievements and community service, to recognize their gifts and assist them in pursuing their education.

“These recipients are bright young people who are the future leaders of our communities. The RMFU Foundation is proud to present scholarships to seven outstanding young leaders, to help them achieve their career goals,” said RMFU Education Director Jennifer Luitjens Bahr.

Samantha Schuller, Superior, Colo., James G. Patton Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Samantha is the daughter of Theresa Schuller. She attends Colorado State University, pursuing an education that will prepare her to work with disadvantaged children. Samantha and her mother have been active in Rocky Mountain Farmers Union since Samantha was in the third grade. She was elected to the summer camp Senior Youth Advisory Council before her junior year in high school, trained as a camp counselor, and has worked at camp for the last two summers. She represented RMFU at National Farmers Union’s All-States Camp in 2008. Samantha is in the CSU merit-based work study program, which gives her a chance to meet people from all walks of campus life.

Darla Rosenbrock of Brush, Colo., Hazel Hemphill Memorial ($1000)
Darla is the daughter of Audrey and Brian Rosenbrock. Darla’s grandparents have been active in Rocky Mountain Farmers Union for 50 years, and her mother has served as an officer in Morgan County Farmers Union as well as assisting with RMFU Summer Camp. Darla began attending youth leadership camps in the second grade. She plans to attend Northeastern Junior College, working toward a degree in the sciences. Darla has been an active member of her school, church, and community, doing community service through 4-H, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and the Brush Lion’s Club. She is a student-athlete while maintaining a high GPA.

April Millage, Holyoke, Colo., RMFU Charles Petty Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
April, the daughter of Steve and Jan Millage, is pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration at Colorado State University. April put herself through the Associates program in Business at the College of Southern Nevada in 2007-08, and she hopes to qualify someday as a CPA and then pursue a career as an auditor. She participated in RMFU summer camp through primary school and worked as a counselor after high school. She is a student member of RMFU and considers summer camp one of the great influences in her life.

Tyler Schumacher, Peetz, Colo., Katheryn Pappenheim Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Tyler, the son of Gary and Kristy Schumacher, plans to pursue his higher education at Adams State College, and then become a teacher and coach. Tyler’s family has been in Farmers Union for many years; his parents and three older brothers and sisters have all received the Torchbearer award for their work as young Farmers Union members. Tyler is student body president at Peetz Plateau School. He is a student, athlete, and musician, a member of the National Honor Society and FBLA, as well as active in Boy Scouts, Teens for Tots, and his church.

Ramon Portuese, Brush, Colo., Maurice Parker Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Ramon, son of Carol Paynter and Ken Portuese (dec.), hopes to major in biomedical sciences and then continue into medical school, so he can be a family practice physician in a rural community. He is active in a diverse set of community activities while maintaining his grades and participating in both band and athletics. He has served on RMFU’s Senior Youth Advisory Council and is returning for his second year as a camp counselor. His excellence as an all-around student suggests that he will achieve his academic and career goals.

Jake Lockhart of Weldona, Colo., FUSA Scholarship ($1000)
Jake is the son of Vicki Evans and John Lockhart. He attends Weldon Valley High School, where he has maintained straight A’s academically. He is the vice president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter and president of the student council. He has also been active in FBLA, FFA, 4-H, and science clubs while playing a major role in the family farm. He looks forward to a career in engineering after graduating from Colorado School of Mines.

Anna Kuhns, McClave, Colo., FUSA Scholarhip ($1000)
Anna Kuhns, daughter of Doug Kuhns and Elin Ora, has been active in Farmers Union since early grade school, when she discovered RMFU Summer Camp. She has served on the Senior Youth Advisory Council. Anna coaches softball and teaches swimming in her summers. She has been an active participant in FCCLA, FBLA, Student Council, and the National Honor Society. She also participates in the school newsletter and many school sports while maintaining an excellent GPA and earning college credits at Lamar Community College. She plans to attend CSU, where she will pursue a degree in Fine Arts.

The RMFU Educational and Charitable Foundation promotes the well-being of rural communities and the family farmers and ranchers of Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. The Foundation offers leadership training, youth education opportunities, funds and expertise to groups and individuals involved in cooperative enterprises, local food initiatives, and hometown community initiatives.

The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union (RMFU) Educational and Charitable Foundation today announced the recipients of nine scholarships. The scholarships are funded by RMFU, Farmers Union Service Association (FUSA), and memorials to historic members of Farmers Union. They are given to students with outstanding scholastic achievements and community service, to recognize their gifts and assist them in pursuing their education.

“These recipients are bright young people who are the future leaders of our communities. The RMFU Foundation is proud to present scholarships to nine outstanding youth, to help them achieve their career goals,” said RMFU Education Director Jennifer Luitjens Bahr.

Alice Wood of Peetz, Colo., Hazel Hemphill Memorial ($1000)
Alice, known to her friends as Cassy, is the daughter of Danny and Lorrie Wood. She has been active in Farmers Union since kindergarten and received her Torchbearer Award last fall. She is a third-generation Farmers Union supporter, and she plans to attend Northeastern Junior College, working toward a degree as a registered nurse. Cassy has received many forms of recognition from her peers: she is vice president of the National Honor Society chapter, school FFA president, and treasurer for the student council, while remaining active in band, sports, and FBLA.

Lisa Wolf, Ault, Colo., Katheryn Pappenheim Memorial Scholarship ($500)
Lisa, daughter of Mike and Karen Wolf, plans to pursue her higher education at Aims Community College. Lisa’s family has been in Farmers Union for 35 years. Her family was selected as RMFU Farm Family of the Year in 2007. Lisa has been active in RMFU youth programs for nine years, At school she participates in band, choir, and cheerleading as well as 4-H and church groups. She is interested in a career in nutrition or physical therapy.

Racheal Werner, Alamosa, Colo., James G. Patton Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Racheal, daughter of Brian and Joy Werner, attends Alamosa High School and hopes to pursue a degree in Agriculture Business at Northeastern Junior College. After receiving her Associates degree from NJC, she plans to continue her education at the University of Wyoming or CSU, then begin a career with an ag-based company. Racheal’s family has a long history of involvement in Farmers Union, and she is active in 4-H and FFA. In addition to her classroom studies, Racheal is an expert at showing her family’s Newfoundland dogs.

Blayze Melgoza, McClave, Colo., James G. Patton Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Blayze, son of Melinda Kelley and Erik Melgoza, has been active in RMFU summer camp and in agriculture for most of his life. He raises show sheep and has shown in county fairs since he was eight. His leadership skills are reflected in his work as a basketball coach and baseball umpire. During his junior year he managed a local grain elevator during wheat harvest, and he hopes to secure a degree in Business, either at CSU/Pueblo or UNC. His academic skills have earned him membership in the National Honor Society.

Hillary Lenz, Holyoke, Colo., Maurice Parker Memorial Scholarship ($1000)
Hillary, daughter of George and Becky Lenz, will use her scholarship to major in Agribusiness at Kansas State University or UN/Kearney. She has held many offices in her FFA chapter during her years at Wray High School. Hillary’s long-range plans include commitment to her rural roots. Her excellence as an all-around student suggests that she will achieve her academic and career goals.

Ryan Larson of Pueblo West, Colo., FUSA Scholarship ($1000)
Ryan, son of Jeff and Carol Larson, attends Pueblo West High School, where he excels in basketball while maintaining a 4.0 academically. He is the president of the school’s National Honor Society chapter. Ryan is third-generation Farmers Union; he attended his first RMFU convention when he was two months old. He looks forward to a career in engineering after graduating from Colorado School of Mines.

Nicolas Kuhns, McClave, Colo., RMFU Scholarhip ($1000)
Nicolas Kuhns, son of Doug Kuhns and Elin Ora, has been active in Farmers Union since grade school. Three years ago he was elected to the Senior Youth Advisory Council at RMFU’s summer camp, and since then he has served as a camp counselor each summer. He also has six years of experience as a swimming teacher and has taught Red Cross lessons as well. Nicolas has been an active participant in FCCLA, FBLA, and the National Honor Society. He also participates in theater, band, basketball and as a member of the McClave High School track team. He plans to attend CSU, where he will major in Natural Science.

Chelsea Geier, Parker, Colo., FUSA Scholarship ($1000)
Chelsea, daughter of Mike and Gloria Geier, plans to study journalism at Colorado State University and pursue a career in the publishing industry. She has had a diversified year at Chaparral High School in Parker, where she excelled in academics and athletics. She is the captain of the school tennis team, treasurer for the National Honor Society chapter, and busy tutoring and writing for the school paper. Chelsea is looking forward to participating in CSU’s Presidential Leadership program.

Kristina Fischer, Centennial, Colo., Edna Buchanan Memorial Scholarship ($500)
Kristina Fischer, daughter of Kathy Fischer and Leland Swenson, is currently enrolled at Denver’s Metropolitan State College, where she is exploring degrees in hospitality, tourism, and events management. Kristina has demonstrated leadership skills in her pursuit of culinary training and in her three years in the hotel industry.

“These recipients are bright young people who are the future leaders of our communities. The RMFU Foundation is proud to present scholarships to ten outstanding young leaders, to help them achieve their career goals,” said RMFU Education Director Jennifer Luitjens Bahr.

Stalina Schumacher, Peetz, Colo., James G. Patton Memorial ($1000)
Stalina is the daughter of Gary and Kristy Schumacher. She is graduating from Peetz Plateau High School and plans to attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, pursuing a degree in English with emphasis on creative writing. Stalina and her parents have been active in Rocky Mountain Farmers Union for thirteen years. Her achievements as a Farmers Union member earned her the 2010 Torchbearer Award. She is a member of the National Honor Society, president of the local FFA and secretary of the district FFA. Stalina is active in FBLA as well as honor band and honor choir. She also participates in her church youth group.

Colin Simon, Stratton, Colo., James G. Patton Memorial ($1000)
Colin is the son of Dave and Colleen Simon. He is graduating from Stratton High School. Colin plans to attend Central Community College in Hastings, Nebraska, where he has been accepted into their diesel mechanics program. Colin’s father Dave Simon has been active in Rocky Mountain Farmers Union for 30 years; he has served as president of Cheyenne County Farmers Union and is currently vice president of Kit Carson County Farmers Union. In high school, Colin has participated in a wide range of activities, from athletics to student council, FFA and 4-H.

Joseph Rosenbrock of Brush, Colo., Hazel Hemphill Memorial ($1000)
Joe is the son of Audrey and Brian Rosenbrock. Joe’s grandparents have been active in Rocky Mountain Farmers Union for 50 years, and his mother has served as an officer in Morgan County Farmers Union as well as assisting with RMFU Cooperative Leadership Camp. Joe began attending youth leadership camps in the second grade and served on the 2009 Senior Youth Advisory Council. He plans to attend CSU/Pueblo, working toward a degree in the secondary education with an emphasis in mathematics. Joe has been an active member of his school, church, and community, doing community service through 4-H, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and the Brush Lion’s Club. During his senior year, he is co-president of the Brush High School student council. He has maintained Honor Roll grades while lettering academically. The Hazel Hemphill Memorial Scholarship is endowed by Morgan County Farmers Union.

William Felzien, Limon, Colo., RMFU Charles Petty Memorial ($1000)
William, the son of Dale and Cleta Felzien, plans to pursue a B.S. in Engineering at Colorado State University. William’s family has been an important part of Farmers Union in Colorado for more than 50 years; his mother is currently president of Elbert/Lincoln Farmers Union. William participated in his first RMFU events as a toddler, and this year he completed a year on the Senior Youth Advisory Council and earned the coveted Torchbearer Award, an award his father Dale received a generation before. After his many years as a witness to RMFU conventions, in 2010 he served as a delegate from Elbert/Lincoln. In addition to school and community activities, William is an Eagle Scout.

Jordan Hergenreder, Longmont, Colo., Katheryn Pappenheim Memorial ($1000)
Jordan, the daughter of Jerry and Tricia Hergenreder, attends Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where she is pursuing a triple major in Animal Science, Ag Business, and Soil and Crop Science. Ultimately she hopes to finish a degree in Ag Law. Jordan’s family has been in Farmers Union for many years; her father Jerry is president of Adams/St. Vrain Farmers Union. Jordan lettered in basketball and softball during her high school years while maintaining an excellent GPA.

Travis Covelli, Weldona, Colo., Maurice Parker Memorial ($1000)
Travis is the son of Bradly and Fran Covelli. He plans to major in production agriculture at Northeastern Junior College, and then transfer for CSU for a degree in Animal Science. He is active in many community activities while maintaining his grades and participating in athletics. His excellence as an all-around student suggests that he will achieve his academic and career goals. The Maurice Parker Memorial Scholarship is endowed by Morgan County Farmers Union.

Tim Maul of Pavillion, Wyo., FUSA Scholarship ($1000)
Tim is the son of Calvin and Sheila Wakefield. He attends Wind River High School, where he has maintained high grades while participating in school, church, and community activities. Tim has attended RMFU Cooperative Leadership Camps for several years and has assisted with children’s events at conventions. He has been active in FFA and athletics. He looks forward to a career in engineering.

Trista Ostrom, Laramie, Wyo., FUSA Scholarhip ($1000)
Trista is currently enrolled at the University of Wyoming, where she is studying for a degree in Elementary Education. She grew up in Powell, Wyoming. Trista excelled in high school at debate, finishing third in Wyoming state competitions. She earned Outstanding 4-H Leadership Award four years in a row while also participating in FFA, Girls State, athletics, theater and the National Honor Society.

Colter Herreid, Green River, Wyo., RMFU Scholarhip ($1000)
Colter is the son of Todd and Rebecca Herreid. Colter is serving on the Senior Youth Activity Council and attended the 2010 RMFU convention. Colter is active in Boy Scouts of America, the National Forensics League, drama club, two school instrumental ensembles (jazz and symphonic), and an all-state marching band that marched in the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade. Colter has attended RMFU camp for six years, most recently as a counselor-in-training. This fall Colter plans to attend the University of Wyoming, eventually complete graduate work in Zoology, and either teach or work for a government wildlife agency.

Danielle Lenz, Holyoke, Colo., Edna Buchanan Memorial ($1000)
Danielle is the daughter of George and Rebecca Lenz and currently finishing her senior year at Wray High School, where she has lettered in various sports while maintaining stellar grades. She plans to major in Animal Science at Oklahoma State University and then complete her studies to become a veterinarian. She has been active in many church and community activities, and a regular attendee at RMFU Cooperative Leadership Camps. She is chapter president in FFA and a member of the National Honor Society.

The RMFU Educational and Charitable Foundation promotes the well-being of rural communities and the family farmers and ranchers of Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. The Foundation offers leadership training, youth education opportunities, funds and expertise to groups and individuals involved in cooperative enterprises, local food initiatives, and hometown community initiatives.