Posted 09/20/2024

For immediate release:

Sept. 20, 2024

For more information, contact:

Jeff Schafer, North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation president: (701) 653-5690 • schafer@gondtc.com

Julie Ellingson, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association executive vice president: (701) 223-2522 • jellingson@ndstockmen.org

Elizabeth Hasenwinkel, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association communications director: (701) 833-162 • ehasenwinkel@ndstockmen.org

North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation awards 10 scholarships

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation (NDSF) awarded 10 scholarships during the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association’s 95^th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Bismarck, N.D., this afternoon.

The NDSF awarded five Legacy Scholarships to Savanna Bader and Trenton Erbele, both of of Lehr, N.D., Cheyanne Lindgren of Ashley, N.D., Abby Rivinius of Gackle, N.D., and Karlee Sailer of Golden Valley, N.D.

Bader is a sophomore at North Dakota State University (NDSU), where she is studying animal science. She grew up on a farm and ranch that taught her the importance of agricultural production and instilled a fondness for animals. In high school, Bader served as her FFA chapter’s president and was captain of her volleyball team. In college, she is active in the NDSU Saddle & Sirloin Club, Chi Alpha and Ag Ambassadors. She is the daughter of Rick and Stacy Bader.

Erbele is a sophomore at North Dakota State College of Science, where he is studying electric technology. Growing up on his family ranch, he learned the value of reliable electricity year-round. Erbele looks forward to playing a role in the agricultural industry with his electrician skills following graduation. In high school, he was involved in FFA, 4-H, basketball, football, trap shooting and archery. In college, he is active in the Electrical Club and Cru. He is the son of Gabriel and Shanon Erbele.

Lindgren is a freshman at Bismarck State College (BSC), where she is studying nursing. Her goal is to return to her rural community as a nurse. Lindgren would also like to work in the agricultural industry by building her Quarter Horse herd and helping on her family’s operation. Lindgren was actively involved in basketball, baseball and volleyball in high school. She is the daughter of Carl and Kary Lindgren.

Rivinius is a freshman at BSC, where she is studying nursing. Rivinius chose her career path because helping people gives her joy. In her hometown, she is part of the local fire department and ambulance squad, which has allowed her to gain knowledge and passion for her future. After graduation at BSC, she plans to attend Mayville State University to finish her bachelor’s degree in nursing. In high school, she was actively involved in 4-H, FFA, choir, band and archery. She is the daughter of Ryan and Becky Rivinius.

Sailer is a senior at Dickinson State University, where she is pursing a degree in agribusiness management. Her goal is to learn more about the business side of agriculture and how it will benefit her future. Following graduation, she plans to continue raising cattle on her family’s operation and obtaining a job outside of the ranch in the agricultural industry. She was actively involved in FFA, 4-H and the North Dakota Junior Angus Association. She is the daughter of Troy and Marcy Sailer.

The two recipients of the Myron Wold Scholarship, which honors the longtime NDSA member and Watford City, N.D., cattleman, are Teagan Erbele of Lehr, N.D., and Hadly Erickson of Almont, N.D.

Erbele is a freshman at NDSU, where she is studying agriculture education with a minor in animal science. She grew up on a cattle operation in south central North Dakota. Erbele’s involvement in agriculture education and FFA increased her passion for agriculture and created a strong desire to find a career in the industry where she hopes to influence people. In high school, she was actively involved in 4-H, FFA, volleyball, basketball and trap shooting and was named a U.S. Presidential Scholar. Erbele is currently serving as the North Dakota State FFA Secretary. She is the daughter of Gabriel and Shanon Erbele.

Erickson is a freshman at BSC, where he is studying agribusiness. He grew up raising cattle with his family and is actively involved in the rodeo industry. Erickson has an interest in commodity brokering and crop insurance. He hopes to work in this field and be a part of his family’s yearling operation. He is competing on the BSC Rodeo Team. Erickson is the son of Kasey and Jenny Erickson.

Sydney Tastad-Flax of Rolette, N.D., received the Tokach Angus Ranch Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship honors the memory of Richard M. “Dick” Tokach, who was the NDSA president from 1984 to 1986. Tastad is in her first year of graduate school at Kansas State University, where she is pursuing her master’s degree in animal science and industry with a focus in reproductive physiology. She grew up on her family’s Angus cattle operation. Upon completion of her master’s degree, Tastad plans to apply to a doctoral program in reproductive physiology. She is the daughter of Matt and Cynthia Tastad.

Ty MacDonald of Bismarck, N.D., was awarded the Endowment Scholarship by the NDSF. MacDonald is a sophomore at NDSU, studying animal sciences with a minor in agricultural communications. He grew up on a ranch southeast of Bismarck, where his family raises Salers cattle. MacDonald has an interest in marketing cattle and connecting with customers in the industry. Upon graduation, he hopes to return to his family’s seedstock operation. In high school, he was actively involved in 4-H and FFA, serving as the 2023-2024 North Dakota State FFA President. In college, he is active with Cru, FarmHouse Fraternity, the NDSU Saddle & Sirloin Club and the Judging Club. MacDonald is the son of Will and Jerilyn MacDonald.

Lilly Solemsaas of Sherwood, N.D., was awarded the Jack and Vander Reich Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship honors the memory of Jack Reich, who was the NDSA president from 2008 to 2010, and his son, Vander. Solemsaas is a freshman at Northeastern Junior College (NJC), where she is studying agricultural education. She grew up on her family’s farm and ranch, raising sheep, goats and cattle. Solemsaas is passionate about agriculture and hopes to help form the future generation of agriculturists. She is on the livestock judging team at NJC. Solemsaas is the daughter of Guy and Wendy Solemsaas.

The NDSF will be offering scholarships again in 2025. Information and downloadable applications can be found at www.ndstockmen.org/foundation. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2025.

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