The Wisconsin Pork Association recognized scholarship recipients during the organization’s annual meeting held on Feb. 6 in conjunction with the Corn/Soy Expo in Wisconsin Dells. Eight high school seniors and college students were awarded a total of $6,900 in scholarships.

Wisconsin Pork Association scholarship
This scholarship is presented each year to high school seniors pursuing further education with an interest in agriculture. Morgan Vondra, of Mineral Point, will receive $500 and Morgan Phipps will receive $400. Vondra is a senior at Mineral Point High School. She plans on studying Animal Science or Veterinary Medicine at University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Iowa State University. Phipps, of Glenbeulah, is a senior at Plymouth High School. She plans to study Agriculture Education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Whitmore Memorial Scholarship
The Whitmore Memorial Scholarship was established as a legacy to the late Rex Whitmore, a master statesman and communicator who served as the first executive director of the Wisconsin Pork Association. Olivia Kepner is the recipient of the $1,500 scholarship. Kepner is from Lena, Ill., and a junior studying Animal Science at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Applicants for this scholarship must be a junior or senior at University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Platteville or University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Gunderson Memorial Scholarship
The Wisconsin Pork Association, in cooperation with the family of Buell Gunderson, established a scholarship program in 2007 to recognize the many contributions that Gunderson made to the Wisconsin pork industry. Gunderson, together with his wife, Bernice, served as secretary-treasurer of the Wisconsin Pork Association for 20 plus years and assisted in growing the organization from its initial roots to the successful organization that it is today — sponsoring scholarships, developing youth programs and helping to support the pork producers of the state.

Individuals who have shown considerable dedication and involvement in the pork industry are eligible for this scholarship. Consideration is given to youth who have established their own production herd, been involved on their family operation, or shown specific interest in pork production or livestock judging.

This year, Caitlyn Wileman has been selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship and Madeline Zutz will receive a $750 scholarship. Wileman, of Janesville, is a senior attending Iowa State University and majoring in Animal Science. She will be attending Oklahoma State University to pursue a Master’s in International Agriculture following graduation.

Zutz, of Valders, is a senior attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Following graduation, she plans on attending veterinary school.

WPA Fredrich Memorial Scholarship
The Fredrich Memorial Scholarship was established in 2018 through funding from the Southeast Wisconsin Pork Producers. This scholarship honors Clarence Fredrich and is offered to students in Walworth, Racine and Kenosha counties.

This year’s recipients are Kevin Ehrhart, Connor Esch and Wylie Jackson.

Ehrhart, of Union Grove, will receive a $1,000 scholarship. He is a high school senior and plans to attend Fox Valley Technical College to study Agribusiness and Science Technology-Agronomy.

Esch will also receive $1,000. Esch, of Franksville, is a high school senior and plans to attend Iowa State University to study Agricultural Systems Technology.

Jackson, Kenosha, will receive a $750 scholarship. Jackson currently attends the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse double majoring in Organizational and Professional Communications and Psychology.

Source: Wisconsin Pork Association, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.