CentralStar Cooperative’s Board of Directors, dedicated to serving dairy and beef
producers across the upper Midwest, has announced the awarding of $1,000 scholarships to eight students pursuing
agricultural-focused higher education at college and technical schools.
“These scholarships demonstrate the cooperative's commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural
leaders,” said Dori Lichty, CentralStar communication specialist. “The cooperative recognizes the importance of
supporting young minds in their pursuit of post-secondary education.” Applicants were required to be children of
cooperative member-stockowners and were invited to showcase, in writing, their active engagement and meaningful
experiences within the agriculture industry.
“The application process involved candidates summarizing their dedication to the agriculture sector, underlining their
roles and involvement,” added Lichty. “Moreover, applicants were tasked with addressing five concise essay prompts,
covering topics such as contributions to the agriculture industry, involvement in community service, valuable work
experiences, personal achievements, and aspirations for the future.”
The following students have been chosen to receive the esteemed scholarship funds. Kylie Crandall, Battle Creek,
Mich., attends Michigan State University, Lansing, Mich., studying agribusiness management. Her parents are Brad
and Monica Crandall. Amber Fietzer, Manawa, Wis., is the daughter of Craig and Melissa Fietzer. She attends
Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wis., for biomedical sciences. Nicolaus Jensen is from Colfax, Wis., and
attends Chippewa Valley Technical College, Eau Claire, Wis., studying agronomy. He is the son of Jim and Jolene
Jensen. Amy Kern, Bridgeport, Mich., is the daughter of Kurt and Lynn Kern. She is a student at Delta College,
University Center, Mich., with a major in animal science. Amy plans on transferring to Michigan State University in
two years.
Continuing on with our list of scholarship recipients: Studying dairy science and agronomy, Chloe La Crosse,
Forestville, Wis., attends University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis., studying dairy science and agronomy. She
is the daughter of Jeremy and Tracy La Crosse. Taylor Lindsay is the daughter of James and Tammy Lindsay, Boyd,
Wis. She’s a student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, Wis., studying agriculture business and
animal science. Victoria Nodolf, Belmont, Wis., will attend Southwest Technical College, Fenimore, Wis., studying
agriculture business. She is the daughter of Dan Nodolf and Amy Shelnutt.
One of the eight CentralStar scholarships, this year, was awarded in honor of retiring board member, Dick
Piechowski, Waupaca, Wis. He served on the former NorthStar Cooperative and CentralStar Cooperative Boards of
Directors for 20 years. Lora Korth, New London, Wis., received scholarship funds through this board-retirement
initiative. Lora’s parents are Mike and Amy Korth. She is a student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls studying
dairy-science management and crop science.
CentralStar Cooperative is honored to empower these bright minds as they embark on their educational journeys,
contributing to the advancement of the agriculture industry and the growth of their communities.