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 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’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 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 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!
“A Great Hand in Farming” Ag Scholarship
Paige Netzke 
Paige Larson 
Ryan Rauenhorst 
We 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.
