A veterinarian…an agricultural engineer…a biochemist. These are just some of the careers mapped out by the winners of the 2010 Agricultural Education Scholarship. Foremost Farms USA has awarded 10 scholarships to the children of dairy producer member-owners. Five graduating high school seniors and five college students have each been awarded $2,000 scholarships to put toward their educations. The scholarships are funded by the Foremost Farms USA Charitable Foundation. The winners are highlighted below.

High school
Elliot Reicks is the son of Ralph and Missy Reicks, Lawler, Iowa. Elliot is a graduating senior at Turkey Valley High School in Jackson Junction, Iowa. He is a member of the National Honor Society, first team all-academic football and science club vice president. Elliot is also a member of Just Eliminate Lies (JEL) and Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU). He is a blood donor. Elliot plans to attend Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, to study agricultural engineering.

Christopher Udelhoven is the son of Kevin and Peggy Udelhoven, Lancaster, Wisconsin. Christopher is a graduating senior at Potosi High School, Potosi, Wisconsin. He is FFA and VICA president, baseball captain and loves to hunt, fish and hang out with friends. Christopher is also a high honor roll student every semester and an outdoor education counselor. He plans to study agribusiness at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, Fennimore, Wisconsin.

Tara Moellers is the daughter of Kevin and Gayleen Moellers, Ridgeway, Iowa. Tara is a graduating senior at Crestwood High School, Cresco, Iowa. She has been active in volleyball, basketball, softball, choir, FFA, colorguard, National Honor Society, Key Club and in school plays. She was named NEIC honorable mention in softball and volleyball, named to NEIC honor choir and is on the high honor roll. Tara plans to study agricultural biochemistry at Iowa State University.

Garrett Madland is the son of Troy and Sandra Madland, Lyndon Station, Wisconsin. Garrett is a graduating senior at Wisconsin Dells High School, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. He has been active as president of the Wisconsin Dells FFA, DEKALB Award recipient and has earned a State FFA degree. Garrett was also State FFA Silver Finalist SAE in Dairy Production Placement. He plans to attend the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, Platteville, Wisconsin, to study dairy science.

Brett Hildebrandt is the son of Roger and Fay Hildebrandt, Hustisford, Wisconsin. Brett is a graduating senior at Hustisford High School. He has been active in football, making first team all-conference and was team co-captain. Brett was also honorable mention all-conference in basketball, co-captain of the basketball team and co-most valuable player. He is an academic letter winner, received the James Crowley Award and enjoys showing dairy cattle and working on the family farm. James plans to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, to study dairy management.

College
Joelle Merkes is the daughter of Patrick and Sandy Merkes, Epworth, Iowa. Joelle will be a sophomore this fall at Iowa State University, where she is majoring in a dairy science/pre-veterinary curriculum. She is active in the Pre-Vet Club and Dairy Science Club at Iowa State. Joelle is also on the dean’s list. She is a graduate of Western Dubuque High School, Epworth, Iowa.

Krysty Kepler is the daughter of Lonni and Dana Kepler, Viola, Wisconsin. Krysty will be a junior this fall at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, where she is majoring in animal/dairy science. Krysty is a graduate of Richland Center High School, Richland Center, Wisconsin.

Courtney Churchill is the daughter of Kevin and Sandy Churchill, Reedsburg, Wisconsin. Courtney will be a sophomore this fall at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, studying agricultural business. She is a member and treasurer of the Circle-K Club, Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma. Courtney is a graduate of Reedsburg Area High School, Reedsburg.

Jordan Hanson is the son of Randy and Lisa Hanson, Decorah, Iowa. Jordan will be a sophomore this fall at Iowa State University, studying dairy science and agricultural business. In high school, Jordan was active in 4-H and FFA. He is currently in the Iowa State Dairy Science Club and Block and Bridle Club. He enjoys raising dairy cattle and participating in local, state and national shows with the animals he has raised. Jordan has placed at state and national levels in dairy judging. He is a graduate of South Winneshiek High School, Calmar, Iowa.

Michael Goethlich is the son of Nancy and Kevin Goethlich, Butternut, Wisconsin. Michael will be a sophomore this fall at Pine Technical College, Pine City, Minnesota, studying to become a machinist/gunsmith. Michael is active as a tutor and likes to hunt, snowboard and snowmobile. He also enjoys farming and making maple syrup. Michael is a graduate of Park Falls High School, Park Falls, Wisconsin.

—From Foremost Farms news release