The Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania Board of Directors has selected six individuals to receive $1,000 Student Leader Scholarships.
The scholarships provide recognition, encouragement and financial assistance to outstanding students enrolled in academic programs that support the dairy industry. Funds for the scholarships are made possible through contributions to the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation’s scholarship fund.
“We were pleased to receive applications from many well-deserving candidates this year,” said John Frey, executive director of the Center for Dairy Excellence. “The six candidates chosen reflect the tremendous opportunity we have in our next generation of leaders, both within the broader industry and specifically on Pennsylvania dairy farms.”
The recipients of the scholarship include:
Hannah Bachman,(right) a senior studying agribusiness management and agriculture economics, sociology and education at the Pennsylvania State University. Hannah’s parents are Mark and Melanie Bachman, from Ulysses, Potter County, and she is planning to return to work in the family’s artisan cheese business.
Isaac Haagen, (left)a junior studying animal science at the Pennsylvania State University. Isaac is the son of Stephen and Sandra Haagen, who live in Howard, Centre County. Isaac helps on his family’s registered Holstein dairy operation and plans to complete a master’s degree program in animal science before pursuing a career in genetics.
Kayla Romberger, (right)a junior studying livestock science and management at Delaware Valley College. She is the daughter of William and Kathy Romberger, who have a farm supply business in Pitman, Schuylkill County. Kayla’s internship with Nationwide Agribusiness sparked an interest in either agriculture education or agriculture finance.
Roxanne Seltzer, (left)a senior studying dairy science and communications/public relations at Virginia Tech. Roxanne’s parents are Dennis and Nancy Seltzer from Selinsgrove, Snyder County. Roxanne recently completed an internship with Pfizer Animal Health and would like to eventually work in the agricultural communications industry.
Corbin Wood, (right)a senior studying building construction and management with an emphasis in agriculture at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Corbin’s parents are Steve and Chrissy Wood from Littlestown, Adams County. Corbin’s future plans include returning to his home farm, Penn Gate, to expand the business and take advantage of agritourism opportunities in that area.
Ryan Zimmerman, (left)a freshman studying dairy science at Virginia Tech and the son of Kathy Zimmerman in Littlestown, Adams County. Ryan graduated 12 out of 162 students in his high school and is completing his first year at Virginia Tech. He would like to pursue a career in either cattle genetics or consumer education.
Consideration for this scholarship was given to Pennsylvania residents who are full-time undergraduate students planning to enroll or are currently enrolled in a qualifying field of study such as animal science, agriculture marketing and business, nutrition, food science, agricultural and extension education, agri-business management, agricultural engineering or related fields.
Selection of the scholarship winners was based on the completed application within the following criteria: academic performance; apparent commitment to a career related to the dairy industry; evidence of leadership, character and integrity; and application compliance.
To learn more about the Student Leader Scholarships, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org and click on “Scholarships” under the “Student & Educator” tab. For more information on how to support the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania, click on “Our Foundation” under “About the CDE.”
