Ag Scholarship

Meet the 2015 Corn Capital Innovations Scholarship Recipients

The Corn Capital Innovations Team is proud to introduce this wonderful group of future agriculture leaders.  We’re excited to support these rural area youth as they work toward achieving their agricultural career goals.

So, without further ado, meet our 2015 scholarship recipients!

 $1,000 “A Great Hand in Farming” Ag Scholarship

Paige PlassPaige Plass

Hometown: Hector, MN

College: South Dakota State University

Major: Animal Science/Pre-Vet

Career Goal: Paige plans to become a Veterinarian specializing in equine and practicing on both large and small animals.

Connection to Agriculture: Paige has been a member of 4-H for 7 years and began horse judging at the state level in the sixth grade. “4-H has been so important in my development as a person, in my qualities and skills, and in my future career path plans,” Paige told us. She also volunteered as a riding lesson instructor for a program called “Wish I Had a Horse”. She remembers, “It was one of the best things I‘ve ever done because I could see how much of a difference I was making in each kids’ life.” Paige plans to continue giving riding lessons in the future, and aspires to become a veterinarian.

$500 “A Great Hand in Farming” Ag Scholarship

Cody O'HalloranCody O’Halloran

Hometown: Olivia, MN

College: University of Minnesota, Morris

Major: Pre-Veterinary Science

Career Goal: After attending the University of Minnesota, Morris, Cody’s goal is to be accepted at a College of Veterinary Medicine and later open his own clinic and provide a service in his community.

Connection to Agriculture: Cody is an active member of the FFA and and was Vice President of this chapter. “FFA has given me so many great learning opportunities and memories. It has taught me leadership skills and how to be a great public speaker,” Cody shared. FFA actually helped Cody choose a career path. He explains, “My sophomore year, I participated in the Small Animals contest. I enjoyed learning about the different breeds of house pets and the medical care they may need for the diseases they may catch. I never would of thought of becoming a Veterinarian if it wasn’t for FFA.”

$2,000 Andy McNamara Scholarship

Daniel RokerDaniel Roker

Hometown: Bird Island, MN

College Plans: South Dakota State University

Major: Animal or Agricultural Science

Career Goal: Daniel is pursuing a career as an Ag Nutritionist. A career that allows him to live in a rural community, work in the Ag industry, give back to his local community, and help promote the industry as a whole.

Connection to Agriculture: Daniel is a member of 4-H and was on the FFA Chapter Officer Team. He shares his experiences, “I have been able to make many friends and learn life lessons from these organizations. They pushed me to be a good leader and mentor.” Daniel would like to work with the 4-H and FFA organizations as part of his career because they taught him so much and gave him many opportunities.

$1,000 Andy McNamara Scholarship

Christopher McRellChristopher McRell

Hometown: Olivia, MN

College: North Dakota State University

Major: Ag. Systems Management/Agribusiness

Career Goals: Christopher plans to finish college with multiple agricultural degrees and return to the Olivia area. Later in life, he wants to start his own business and bring more jobs to Renville County giving back to the community that shaped who he is today.

Connection to Agriculture: Christopher is a member of the BOLD High School FFA. During his FFA years he’s held several offices and participated in many contests at the region and state level. He shares how FFA helped connect him to his community and plan for his future, “Being in FFA helped me meet individuals in my rural area through volunteering. These people taught me many things about the industry of agriculture that I wouldn’t have learned without them. FFA helped me create a business out of a hobby!”

$1,000 CCI Innovation in Agriculture Scholarships

Brian Prchal

Hometown: New Prague, MN

College: South Dakota State University

Major: Agricultural Engineering & Mechanical Engineering.

Connection to Agriculture: Brian has participated in national 4-H experiences and is on a team competing in Minnesota 4-H’s Science of Agriculture Challenge. He has also served extensively with his local 4-H club and at the county level. Brian was part of the 4-H Science of Agriculture Challenge – Biodiesel Team and is featured in the video below!

This scholarship was offered through the Minnesota 4-H Foundation. Congratulations to the nine outstanding 4-H youth and alumni who were awarded a Minnesota 4-H Foundation’s 2015 scholarship.

Congrats & Best Wishes

We want to send out one last big congratulations to Paige, Cody, Daniel, Christopher and Brian. We are proud of your accomplishments and wish you all the best in your bright future.

Corn Capital Innovations is happy to support local graduates in advancing their careers!  If you are interested in a scholarship in 2016, please click here for scholarships information on our website!

Contributing to Youth in Rural Areas

Corn Capital Innovations of Olivia is excited to contribute to youth in rural areas who are inspired to seek opportunities in agriculture. We feel agriculture surrounds us all in some way either directly or indirectly and we want to help individuals to become successful in their agricultural goals.

Agriculture Scholarships

If you’re a high school senior or the parent of a senior you will want to talk to your high school guidance counselor or visit our Scholarship Page to find out more about the different scholarship programs from Corn Capital Innovations.

If you have a passion for agriculture, apply now Seniors, find out the requirements today.

Corn Capital Innovations of Olivia, “A Great hand in farming….not only today, but in educating for tomorrow.

CCI Innovation in Agriculture Scholarship

We know the value of educating the future! Because of that value we are offering the “Innovations in Agriculture” $1,000 scholarship to a graduating current or former 4-H member who will seek a degree in agriculture.

Proud 4-H Alumni

Corn Capital Innovations (CCI) was formed in Olivia, Minnesota, by Steve and Summer O’Neill in 2008. The family-owned business is an industry leader that helps crop producers develop innovative farm plans that integrate the four components of profitability: crop insurance, grain marketing, financial analysis, and yield building strategies. The O’Neill’s and many CCI employees are proud 4-H alumni.

Eligibility & Requirements

Current or former Minnesota 4-H members who will be entering their freshman year of college are eligible to apply. This is a one-time $1,000 scholarship may be used toward education expenses at a post-secondary institution in the United States. Applicants must intend to pursue a degree in agriculture; with a preference for students pursuing a degree in agronomy, soil science, horticulture, plant science, agriculture economics, agribusiness or closely related field.

The review committee will evaluate applicants based on scholastic achievements, career interest area, community and 4-H involvement, and leadership roles and positions.

Applicants must submit the following:

  • CCI Scholarship application form and essay.4-H Scholarship
  • Official copy of current high school transcript.
  • Two letters of recommendation: one from a teacher or academic advisor and one from an extension educator, program coordinator, or club leader.
  • One individual photo (black/white or color, between 2×3” and 4×5”). The photo will be used for publicity if you receive the scholarship; it will not be returned.

Application Information

Applications for the 2015 scholarship award must be postmarked by April 15, 2015. Award notices will be distributed in June.

Seniors or parents, ask your guidance counselor, contact the Minnesota 4-H Foundation or contact Corn Capital Innovations to find out more about this 4-H scholarship.

Minnesota 4-H Foundation
9 Coffey Hall
1420 Eckles Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55108-6068
Phone: 612-624-7971
Email: fdnstaff@umn.edu

If you have a passion for agriculture, this is the scholarship for you! Corn Capital Innovations, a great hand in farming…not only today, but in educating for tomorrow!

Download Scholarship Application (PDF)

Download Scholarship Overview (PDF)

Announcing Corn Capital Innovations Scholarship Winners 2014

“A Great Hand in Farming” Ag Scholarship

This scholarship is a contribution to the youth of rural areas who are inspired to seek opportunities in agriculture. We feel agriculture surrounds us all in some way either directly or indirectly and we want to help individuals become successful in their agricultural goals.  Our 2014 scholarship recipients are:

Sierra Wagner

Sierra Wagner

$1,000 “A Great Hand in Farming” Ag Scholarship

From: Redwood Falls (Wabasso School)

College Plans: South Dakota State University

Major: Animal Science/Pre-Vet

Goal: I plan to attend ROTC classes to be an officer in the Army.  The career goals upon graduation from veterinary college I wish to be a successful large animal veterinarian.  I plan to be a vet in the US Army to service my country and then return to rural Minnesota to share my skills and knowledge along with operating my own farm/ranch.

What community or school activity has been the most meaningful to your personal and career development?  My most meaningful and memorable moments involve animals and relates to my field of study in veterinarian medicine.  4-H encompasses the organization that has benefited my knowledge of animals.  Being a part of the state winning General Livestock Judging Team and going on to compete at the National Judging competition was a once in a lifetime event.  This involved judging cattle, sheep, goats an swine with intense practice sessions.  Some of these practice sessions were with elite college teams and meeting people from across the USA.  4-H has also allowed me to go to leadership camps, become a leader in my club as secretary.  Treasurer and this year’s President. 4-H offers me to compete in horse riding events such as Western Heritage and has built my confidence as a rider.  I cherish the moment of winning a state championship in Pen to Pen Sorting with my team member from another county. As a future veterinarian, I hope to involve myself with the 4-H community in hopes of education and being a role model to future generations.

Paige NetzkePaige Netzke

$500 “A Great Hand in Farming” Ag Scholarship

From: Lamberton (Wabasso School)

College Plans: University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Major: Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Goal: Upon graduation from Veterinary School at the U of M – Twin Cities, I plan to return to rural Minnesota where I will work as a large animal veterinarian.  In addition to working as a veterinarian, I would like to continue to raise and sell club calves with my brothers and father.

What community or school activity has been the most meaningful to your personal and career development?  Redwood County 4-H and Wabasso FFA have been the most meaningful organizations to my personal and career development.  Participation in these two organizations provided me the opportunity to become involved in the livestock industry by raising and exhibiting cattle, swine and sheep at local, state, regional and national show.  In addition, I have learned lifelong skills and knowledge by participation in both general livestock project bowl an judging and have developed friendships with people across the upper Midwest.

 Andy McNamara Memorial Scholarship

This Scholarship is in memory of Andrew “Andy” McNamara, a Renville County farm boy who had the desire to be involved in production agriculture. He thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and was concerned for the environment. Andy is missed by all those who knew his real passions.  Our 2014 scholarship recipients are:

Paige LarsonPaige Larson

$2,000 Andy McNamara Memorial Scholarship

From: Danube (BOLD)

College Plans: St. Cloud Technical and Community College

Major:  Sonogragh/Medical

Goal:  My career plan is to get accepted into the Sonographer Program and then further my education in the Radiology Program so I am very well rounded in my education. By having both programs in my background I will be qualified for many jobs. I will also be able to help many people, which is my ultimate goal in life.

What community or school activity has been the most meaningful to your personal and career development?  The most meaningful school activity in my life has been FFA. Throughout my years in FFA there have been a lot of challenges I have had to face and a lot of great moments. FFA has taught me many things that I can use as I continue to develop as a person and as I get ready to further my education. The biggest aspect I have learned from my past years is to always trust the people you are working with and always have a backup plan. Throughout my years in the BOLD FFA Chapter I have been very fortunate to have been elected an officer every year I have been a part of the chapter. However, I have also had three different advisors throughout my time in FFA. Some of these advisors were outstanding and some were not so good, but I learned to stick together with the other officers. Sometimes you can’t

do something all by yourself and it is okay to ask for help because people are always willing to help. I always become very close to the officer team, the officer team is just like my extended family. As a FFA Chapter we have been through more than most chapters have been. We have been through things like getting left at State FFA while our advisor’s wife was having a baby with no other adults, planning and coordinating the whole community appreciation breakfast with no advisor because of an ear infection and many more. The community has always been there for our FFA Chapter and we cannot thank everyone enough. I live in an outstanding community.

Ryan RauenhorstRyan Rauenhorst

$1,000 Andy McNamara Memorial Scholarship

From:  Olivia (BOLD)

College Plans: MSU Mankato

Major: Aviation/Electrical Engineering

Goal: I plan to get an education in aviation and electrical engineering so I can return to this area and develop drone technology to be used in agriculture.

What community or school activity has been the most meaningful to your personal and career development?  My sports have taught me teamwork and how to stay mentally strong through stressful situations.  FFA has helped me understand agriculture more and helped me realize the use that drones could possess in agriculture.  NHS has taught me the value of community service and giving back.

We are proud to support our local graduates advancing their careers!  If you are interested in a scholarship for next year, please click here for scholarships information on our website!

Andy McNamara Scholarship Deadline April 30, 2014

Andy McNamaraWe are proud to continue to offer a scholarship in memory of Andrew “Andy” McNamara, a Renville County farm boy who had the desire to be involved in production agriculture. He thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and was concerned for the environment. Andy is missed by all those who knew his real passions.

There will be awards of (1) $2000.00 Scholarship and (1) $1000.00 Scholarship to be used at the college of the applicants choice.

Requirements:

  • Member/Participant in BOLD School FFA
  • Passion for Agriculture and/or Rural Communities
  • Desire to further your education
  • Ability to develop leadership skills
  • Available to BOLD School Senior Application Due by April 30th, 2014

Andrew McNamara Memorial Scholarship Application (Word Doc) / Scholarship Application (PDF)

For more scholarship opportunities, visit our Scholarship Page!

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