Members receive scholarships for FFA summer leadership retreats
RAPID CITY (June 1, 2026)— Agriculture education teachers/ FFA advisors make a world of difference for the students they teach. This spring, students put into words the impact their ag teachers/FFA advisors have had on them as part of an FFA Advisor Tribute Scholarship application. Twenty-five students will receive a scholarship to attend a SD FFA Summer Leadership Retreat based on the powerful stories they shared about the impact of their teachers.
Brahnson Brink, Belle Fourche junior, shares, “Mr. Austin Bishop creates a space where students feel comfortable stepping up and challenging themselves. He respects and supports every student. Through his encouragement, I’ve become a more confident and capable leader.” Sophomore, Aaliyah Lennon adds, “No matter if it is a hard loss or a big win, Mr. Bishop is by my side making each moment teachable. He’s taught me to stay humble and that you never lose, you learn.” Brook Garman, senior transfer student reflects, “What stands out most about Mr. Bishop is that he builds real relationships with students. He created an environment where I had a family and someone I could trust.” McKenzie Rans, sophomore was also a new student in Belle Fourche, “He’s made coming to a new school not so scary, helped me find a team I love, and motivated me to try new things and become proficient at things I already do.”
Leonard DeBoer Memorial (2) – Katalyn Juhnke, Freeman and Alexa Groenewold, TriValley
West River Electric Association (2) – Auburn Treloar, Sturgis and Taya Uherka, Sturgis
Walt Johnson Memorial (10) – Brahnson Brink, Belle Fourche; Aaliyah Lennon, Belle Fourche; McKenzie Rahns, Belle Fourche; Brooke Garman, Belle Fourche; Kade Nelson, Brookings; Gabriel Ketterling, Leola; Alinea McDonald, Viborg-Hurley; Rebecca Berthelsen, Viborg-Hurley; Brittany Weegar, ViborgHurley; Bridget Benest, Viborg-Hurley
Denny Oviatt (5) – Rylin Fods, Tri-Valley; Reagan Challand, Scotland; Madelyn Cundy, Iroquois; Addison Newman, Iroquois, and Kelton King, Buffalo Christian
Jason and Ashley Frerichs (2) – Brooklyn Boersma, Elkton and Brienna Boersma, Elkton
Stella Nagel (2) – Jazmine Oliver, Canton and Charissa Ring, Gregory County
Rhonda Wosje (2) – Aubrey Underwood, Brookings and Karlie Stofferahn, DeSmet
The selected students are not afraid to share the admirable characteristics of their advisors and how they have placed a lasting impact on them and their fellow classmates. The excerpts from the student essays below illustrate their bright future because of their ag teacher/FFA advisors.
Aubrey Underwood, Brookings senior shares “Mr. Joshua Johnson and Mrs. Michelle Dykstra genuinely care about students and inspire us to succeed in everything we do. Through every question, practice, and opportunity, they show me what it means to support students and help them succeed in life.” Kade Nelson, senior adds, “Mr. Johnson encouraged me to join Ag Sales, Meats Evaluation, and run for a chapter office. He answered my infinite questions, helped me achieve things and be elected as a chapter officer.
Kelton King, Buffalo Christian junior comments, “Mrs. Sarah Vandervliet encourages members to get involved in activities, contests, and community service while helping them develop confidence and leadership skills for future careers. She leads by example and teaches the importance of responsibility, dedication, and serving others.”
Jazmine Oliver, Canton senior is thankful for both her ag-ed teachers, “Mr. Russ Swanson taught me a valuable life lesson: I am more capable than I think, and I can do difficult things if I put in the effort. Ms. Amie Carter’s constant encouragement, selflessness, and belief in her students helped me grow into the young woman I am.”
Karlie Stofferahn, DeSmet junior says, “Mr. Dave VanderWal didn’t let me stay comfortable—he helped me discover what I was capable of. I’ve never liked speaking in front of people but he made me do creed speaking and convinced me to join CCM and I enjoyed it.”
Brooklyn Boersma, Elkton junior, shares, “Mr. Anthony Zubke not only taught me through class content but also real-world experiences. Through time together traveling and preparing for FFA events and in class, he influenced me to be a better student, leader, and person.” Brienna Boersma, junior reflects, “He never fails to believe in and support us even when we doubt ourselves. He is always trying to make me better and step outside of my comfort zone.”
Katalyn Juhnke, Freeman junior comments, “Ms. Malynda Penner makes every student feel seen and valued. She changed our chapter, but more importantly, she changed the lives of our members. Instead of seeing what was missing, she saw what was possible, giving us hope, purpose, and pride.”
Charissa Ring, Gregory County junior shares, “Mrs. Mollie Andrews gives people a chance even when other people won’t. She is very good at finding people’s talents and works hard to increase interest in FFA.”
Madelyn Cundy, Iroquois sophomore says, “Mrs. Kaci Stevens makes agriculture class and FFA enjoyable as she cares about what she is teaching and about students succeeding in their events and as a person. Her support, willingness to help, and motivation, inspire me to be more hardworking, confident, and positive.” Addison Newman, 8th grader adds, “She pushes us to go outside of our comfort zone and try new things. She taught me life lessons like leadership, responsibility, teamwork, and working my hardest.”
Gabriel Ketterling, Leola senior recognizes her advisor’s dedication, “Ms. Anne Jo Erdmann gave me the opportunity to learn more about the ag industry and influenced me by providing options and suggestions on what I am capable of doing.”
Reagan Challand, Scotland sophomore praises, “Ms. Emily Namminga demonstrates patience, determination, perseverance, and an eagerness to teach. Every day I learn from her in-depth, hands-on lessons. I am inspired to develop and reflect in my own life the quality skills that she expresses each and every day towards me and my classmates.”
Auburn Treloar, Sturgis senior reflects, “Mr. Stran Holben doesn’t just teach about agriculture; he equips us with the life skills, work ethic, and integrity we need to succeed. My first competition I was disappointed, mad at myself, and wanted to give up. Mr. Holben encouraged me, changing my mindset and the way I think of myself.” Taya Uherka, senior adds, “He strives to help all kids do their best by being an example and providing support. He takes time to get to know each individual student, and help them any way he can.”
Alexa Groenewold, Tri-Valley junior comments, ““Mr. Tanner Peterson has taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and representing our chapter with pride. His support, passion, and belief in us create opportunities that leave a lasting impact far beyond class.” Rylin Fods, junior adds, “He taught me to work hard and never give up; to persevere in everything I do. I have been able to grow in my leadership skills because of him and all of the opportunities that he has given me.”
Rebecca Berthelsen, Viborg-Hurley, 8th grader says, “I used to stay in the shadows, but thanks to Ms. Alison Knutson’s constant encouragement, I have become more outgoing and stepped into leadership roles. Alinea McDonald, Junior, adds, “Her selflessness in dedicating time to practices, showing up when it matters most, and being a support system makes her one in a million.” Brittany Weegar, senior says, “Her door is always open and she lends a listening ear. She helps me through conflicts and pushes me to be a better leader, encouraging everyone to try new things, improve, and do our best.” Senior Bridget Benest, adds, “Ms. Knutson taught me that showing up and giving my all will bring success. Her classroom is a second home.”
Scholarships are made possible through the SD FFA Foundation by Rhonda Wosje, Denny Oviatt, Jason and Ashley Frerichs, Stella Nagel, and the Walt Johnson Memorial Fund; in memory of two past FFA advisors: Leonard DeBoer and Walt Johnson. Both men led by example and their advice was truly ripened with wisdom. Mr. DeBoer spent his life teaching young people about agriculture and the leadership skills that would make them successful in their career choice. He was the FFA advisor in Chamberlain for almost 40 years where he lived FFA’s mission by making a difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Mr. Johnson served as the SD FFA Foundation President, as well as on the SD FFA Foundation board, in Newell as an ag teacher, supporter and coach for FFA career development events. He was devoted to agriculture education and earned his Honorary American FFA Degree in 2007.
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