Sunrise Cooperative Awards $50,000 in Scholarships to Local Youth -50 Students Awarded for Agriculture Focused Essays Program
May 08, 2025
Fremont, Ohio (May 8, 2025) – Sunrise Cooperative, Inc. has announced its 2025 recipients of the annual Sunrise Cooperative College Scholarship Program. This year Sunrise offered forty $1,000 scholarships for common stockholder’s children and grandchildren and ten $1,000 scholarships for employee’s children and grandchildren. A total of 228 students entered to compete for the forty common stockholder scholarships, while 19 competed for the ten employee scholarships. All students awarded are or will be enrolled in a two or four-year college program. Over the past ten years, Sunrise has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships and is excited to continue the program this year.
Applicants were required to write a one page essay on any topic in agriculture. Essays ranged from describing the use of various technologies on the farm to the importance of agriculture in our growing world. Although the essay topic was agriculture focused, the contest was open to students of any undergraduate degree as long as they or a family member (parent or grandparent) is a member or employee of Sunrise Cooperative.
Terra State Community College in Fremont reviewed the written entries and narrowed them down to the finalists for each scholarship. Each finalist was invited to an oral interview to discuss his or her interest in agriculture and future education plans. From these interviews 40 students were chosen for the common stockholder scholarships, and 10 were selected for the employee scholarship.
“We are honored to support our future leaders.” said George D. Secor, President/CEO of Sunrise. “The Sunrise College Scholarship Program is a great avenue to give back to families that support the cooperative, and we are pleased to support students as they begin working towards their career goals.”
Below is a complete list of scholarship recipients. For more information about the scholarship program, contact the Sunrise Marketing team at marketing@sunriseco-op.com.
SUNRISE COOPERATIVE STOCKHOLDER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
Adalyn Schaaf of Tiffin, Ohio. Adalyn attends Wynford High School with plans to attend Heidelberg University pursuing a degree in Psychology. Adalyn receives eligibility from common stockholder James Schaaf (Grandfather).
Addison Horner of McCutchenville, Ohio. Addison attends Mohawk High School with plans to attend Heidelberg University pursuing Exercise Science. Addison receives eligibility from common stockholder Ronald and Judy Pickworth (Grandparents).
Aiden Brautigam of Sidney, Ohio. Aiden attends the University of Findlay studying Animal Science (pre-vet). Aiden receives eligibility from common stockholder Bernard Brautigam (Grandfather).
Amanda Barrett of Rockford, Ohio. Amanda attends Parkway High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University, the University of Minnesota, or Michigan State University to pursue Agribusiness and Applied Economics. Amanda receives eligibility from common stockholder Red Barn Farms Enterprises, LLC (Parent).
Amanda Millis of Sandusky, Ohio. Amanda attends John Carroll University and is pursuing Supply Chain Management and Marketing. Amanda receives eligibility from common stockholder Michael Millis (Father).
Austin Monnin of Troy, Ohio. Austin attends the University of Cincinnati, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance and Accounting (double major). Austin receives eligibility from common stockholder Carl McEldowney (Grandfather).
Brooke Skinner of Boston, MA. Brooke attends Suffolk University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Brooke receives eligibility from common stockholder Brian Skinner (Father).
Chloe Ott of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Chloe attends St. Marys Memorial High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing Animal Science. Chloe receives eligibility from common stockholder Glynwood Acres (Father).
Colson Cronkleton of West Mansfield, Ohio. Colson attends Liberty University pursuing a bachelor’s in Political Science. Colson receives eligibility from common stockholder Nick Cronkleton (Father).
Dan Bruns of Maria Stein, Ohio. Dan attends Edison State Community College with plans to attend Western Governors University pursuing Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. Dan receives eligibility from common stockholder Louis A Bruns (Father).
Emma Steiger of Bucyrus, Ohio. Emma attends Otterbein University pursuing a degree in Allied Health. Emma receives eligibility from common stockholder Greg Steiger (Father).
Gabby Bevan of Lebanon, Ohio. Gabby attends Cedarville University pursuing a bachelor’s in Accounting and Information Technology Management. Gabby receives eligibility from common stockholder Bob Bevan, Benholme Farms Inc (Grandfather).
Gracey Ferguson of Cedarville, Ohio. Gracey attends Miami University and is pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, Nutrition and Health. Gracey receives eligibility from common stockholder Mike Ferguson (Father).
Holden Bowersock of Cridersville, Ohio. Holden attends Wapakoneta High School with plans to attend the University of Cincinnati to study Operations Management. Holden receives eligibility from common stockholder Todd Minnich (Grandfather).
Hudson Drake of Chillicothe, Ohio. Hudson attends Lake Land College pursuing an Ag Production and Management degree. Hudson receives eligibility from common stockholder Robert Drake (Grandfather).
Jack Stover of Shelby, Ohio. Jack attends Shelby High School with plans to attend Lincoln Land Community College pursuing a degree in Precision Agriculture. Jack receives eligibility from common stockholder Mike Stover (Father).
Jared Baker of Minster, Ohio. Jared attends Fort Loramie High School with plans to attend Auburn University, pursuing a degree in Animal Sciences - Pre-Veterinary Medicine. Jared receives eligibility from common stockholder Helen C Barhorst (Grandmother).
Jordan Bradford of Wellington, Ohio. Jordan attends Marietta College and is pursuing a degree in Middle Childhood Education Intervention Specialist. Jordan receives eligibility from common stockholder Jeremy Bradford (Father).
Joseph Faber of Sandusky, Ohio. Joseph attends Kent State University pursuing Architecture. Joseph receives eligibility from common stockholder Tad Faber (Father).
Josie Jennings of Springfield, Ohio. Josie attends Global Impact STEM Academy with plans to attend Oklahoma State University. Josie receives eligibility from common stockholder Josh Jennings (Father).
Kate Mattinson of South Solon, Ohio. Kate attends Southeastern High School with plans to attend Cedarville University pursuing Bachelor’s of Psychology. Kate receives eligibility from common stockholder Kevin Mattinson (Father).
Katherine Hynes of Washington Court House, Ohio. Katherine attends University of Findlay pursuing Psychology B.S. and Criminal Justice B.A. Katherine receives eligibility from common stockholder Garth Hynes (Father).
Kathryn Bruns of Fort Recovery, Ohio. Kathryn attends Wilmington College pursuing her bachelors degree. Kathryn receives eligibility from common stockholder Mike Bruns (Father).
Kathryn Welsheimer of Enon, Ohio. Kathryn attends the University of Findlay and is pursuing Exercise Science/Wellness and Health Promotions. Kathryn receives eligibility from common stockholder Kevin Welsheimer (Father).
Kelley Forsythe of Huntsville, Ohio. Kelley attends Benjamin Logan High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Health Science. Kelley receives eligibility from common stockholder Joe Forsythe (Father).
Kimberly Staley of Mount Gilead, Ohio. Kimberly attends Mount Gilead High School with plans to attend Ashland University pursuing Business. Kimberly receives eligibility from common stockholder Craig Staley (Father).
Kirstin Eades of London, Ohio. Kirstin attends Ashland University and is pursuing a Biology degree with a Chemistry minor. Kirstin receives eligibility from common stockholder Aaron Eades, Eades Family Farms LLC (Father).
Kort Sutherland of Lakeview, Ohio. Kort attends Ohio Northern University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Technology. Kort receives eligibility from common stockholder Drew Sutherland (Father).
Lauren Esterline of Crestline, Ohio. Lauren attends Colonel Crawford High School with plans to attend North Central State College pursuing Accounting. Lauren receives eligibility from common stockholder John Witter (Grandfather).
Lillian Heydinger of Shelby, Ohio. Lillian attends Ohio Northern University pursuing Molecular Biology. Lillian receives eligibility from common stockholder Denise Heydinger (Mother).
Lindsey Call of London, Ohio. Lindsey attends The Ohio State University pursuing a bachelor’s in Speech and Hearing Science. Lindsey receives eligibility from common stockholder David Call (Grandfather).
Lucas Cianflone of Shelby, Ohio. Lucas attends Buckeye Central High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University branch in Mansfield pursuing Computer Science. Lucas Cianflone receives eligibility from common stockholder Don Crum (Grandfather).
Luke Farnsworth of Wadsworth, Ohio. Luke attends the Medina County Career Center with plans to attend Owens Community College. Luke receives eligibility from common stockholder Brian Farnsworth (Father).
Mary Bauer of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Mary attends Wapakoneta High School with plans to attend Ohio University pursuing Biological Sciences. Mary receives eligibility from common stockholder Ronald J. Bauer (Grandfather).
Remington Bauer of Norwalk, Ohio. Remington attends Baldwin Wallace University pursuing a Bachelors of Science degree. Remington receives eligibility from common stockholder Mary A. Bauer (Grandmother).
Riley King of Burgoon, Ohio. Riley attends Lakota High School with plans to attend Owens Community College pursuing an associate degree in Nutrition. Riley receives eligibility from common stockholder Karl King (Father).
Sable Ruhenkamp of Fort Loramie, Ohio. Sable attends Bowling Green State University, pursuing Architecture and Environmental Design. Sable receives eligibility from common stockholder Bryan Ruhenkamp (Father).
Samuel Bohner of Medina, Ohio. Samuel attends Cloverleaf High School with plans to attend Lorain County Community College pursuing Financial Management. Samuel receives eligibility from common stockholder Gerard Bohner (Father).
Teagan Miller of Milan, Ohio. Teagan attends Huron High School with plans to attend Ohio University pursuing Biology. Teagan receives eligibility from common stockholder Miller Brother Farms/ Mark Miller (Grandfather).
Tony Gehret of Anna, Ohio. Tony attends Wright State University and is pursuing Nursing. Tony receives eligibility from common stockholder Tim Gehret (Father).
SUNRISE COOPERATIVE EMPLOYEE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
Addyson Myers of Clyde, Ohio. Addyson attends The Ohio State University pursuing a bachelors degree. Addyson receives eligibility from employee Mike Myers (Grandfather).
Austin Miller of South Charleston, Ohio. Austin attends Wilmington College pursuing a bachelor's in Agronomy. Austin receives eligibility from employee Charles Miller (Father).
Brynn Egbert of New Knoxville, Ohio. Brynn attends New Knoxville Local Schools with plans to attend Walsh University, pursuing a degree in Computer Science/Information Technology. Brynn receives eligibility from employee Shawn Egbert (Father).
Dillon Liskai of Clyde, Ohio. Dillon attends Bowling Green State University and is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in AYA Integrated Social Studies Education, Minor in History. Dillon receives eligibility from employee Bryan Liskai (Father).
Elaina King of Bellevue, Ohio. Elaina attends Bowling Green State University: Firelands with plans to attend Lorain County Community College pursuing her associates degree. Elaina receives eligibility from recently retired employee Kevin Siesel (Grandfather).
Garrett Siefring of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Garrett attends the University of Cincinnati, pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Garrett receives eligibility from employee Angie Siefring (Mother).
Jessa Riley of New London, Ohio. Jessa attends Lorain County Community College (LCCC) pursuing a degree in Science of Education. Jessa receives eligibility from employee Jeni Riley (Mother).
Stephan Lukac of Norwalk, Ohio. Stephan attends Norwalk High School with plans to attend Baldwin Wallace pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Stephan receives eligibility from employee Matt Lukac (Father).
Stephanie Altstaetter of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Stephanie attends Wilmington College, pursuing an Ag Business degree. Stephanie receives eligibility from employee Phil Altstaetter (Father).
Zoie Widman of Fremont, Ohio. Zoie attends Heidelberg University and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree. Zoie receives eligibility from employee Michael Widman (Father).
Applicants were required to write a one page essay on any topic in agriculture. Essays ranged from describing the use of various technologies on the farm to the importance of agriculture in our growing world. Although the essay topic was agriculture focused, the contest was open to students of any undergraduate degree as long as they or a family member (parent or grandparent) is a member or employee of Sunrise Cooperative.
Terra State Community College in Fremont reviewed the written entries and narrowed them down to the finalists for each scholarship. Each finalist was invited to an oral interview to discuss his or her interest in agriculture and future education plans. From these interviews 40 students were chosen for the common stockholder scholarships, and 10 were selected for the employee scholarship.
“We are honored to support our future leaders.” said George D. Secor, President/CEO of Sunrise. “The Sunrise College Scholarship Program is a great avenue to give back to families that support the cooperative, and we are pleased to support students as they begin working towards their career goals.”
Below is a complete list of scholarship recipients. For more information about the scholarship program, contact the Sunrise Marketing team at marketing@sunriseco-op.com.
SUNRISE COOPERATIVE STOCKHOLDER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
Adalyn Schaaf of Tiffin, Ohio. Adalyn attends Wynford High School with plans to attend Heidelberg University pursuing a degree in Psychology. Adalyn receives eligibility from common stockholder James Schaaf (Grandfather).
Addison Horner of McCutchenville, Ohio. Addison attends Mohawk High School with plans to attend Heidelberg University pursuing Exercise Science. Addison receives eligibility from common stockholder Ronald and Judy Pickworth (Grandparents).
Aiden Brautigam of Sidney, Ohio. Aiden attends the University of Findlay studying Animal Science (pre-vet). Aiden receives eligibility from common stockholder Bernard Brautigam (Grandfather).
Amanda Barrett of Rockford, Ohio. Amanda attends Parkway High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University, the University of Minnesota, or Michigan State University to pursue Agribusiness and Applied Economics. Amanda receives eligibility from common stockholder Red Barn Farms Enterprises, LLC (Parent).
Amanda Millis of Sandusky, Ohio. Amanda attends John Carroll University and is pursuing Supply Chain Management and Marketing. Amanda receives eligibility from common stockholder Michael Millis (Father).
Austin Monnin of Troy, Ohio. Austin attends the University of Cincinnati, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance and Accounting (double major). Austin receives eligibility from common stockholder Carl McEldowney (Grandfather).
Brooke Skinner of Boston, MA. Brooke attends Suffolk University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Brooke receives eligibility from common stockholder Brian Skinner (Father).
Chloe Ott of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Chloe attends St. Marys Memorial High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing Animal Science. Chloe receives eligibility from common stockholder Glynwood Acres (Father).
Colson Cronkleton of West Mansfield, Ohio. Colson attends Liberty University pursuing a bachelor’s in Political Science. Colson receives eligibility from common stockholder Nick Cronkleton (Father).
Dan Bruns of Maria Stein, Ohio. Dan attends Edison State Community College with plans to attend Western Governors University pursuing Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. Dan receives eligibility from common stockholder Louis A Bruns (Father).
Emma Steiger of Bucyrus, Ohio. Emma attends Otterbein University pursuing a degree in Allied Health. Emma receives eligibility from common stockholder Greg Steiger (Father).
Gabby Bevan of Lebanon, Ohio. Gabby attends Cedarville University pursuing a bachelor’s in Accounting and Information Technology Management. Gabby receives eligibility from common stockholder Bob Bevan, Benholme Farms Inc (Grandfather).
Gracey Ferguson of Cedarville, Ohio. Gracey attends Miami University and is pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, Nutrition and Health. Gracey receives eligibility from common stockholder Mike Ferguson (Father).
Holden Bowersock of Cridersville, Ohio. Holden attends Wapakoneta High School with plans to attend the University of Cincinnati to study Operations Management. Holden receives eligibility from common stockholder Todd Minnich (Grandfather).
Hudson Drake of Chillicothe, Ohio. Hudson attends Lake Land College pursuing an Ag Production and Management degree. Hudson receives eligibility from common stockholder Robert Drake (Grandfather).
Jack Stover of Shelby, Ohio. Jack attends Shelby High School with plans to attend Lincoln Land Community College pursuing a degree in Precision Agriculture. Jack receives eligibility from common stockholder Mike Stover (Father).
Jared Baker of Minster, Ohio. Jared attends Fort Loramie High School with plans to attend Auburn University, pursuing a degree in Animal Sciences - Pre-Veterinary Medicine. Jared receives eligibility from common stockholder Helen C Barhorst (Grandmother).
Jordan Bradford of Wellington, Ohio. Jordan attends Marietta College and is pursuing a degree in Middle Childhood Education Intervention Specialist. Jordan receives eligibility from common stockholder Jeremy Bradford (Father).
Joseph Faber of Sandusky, Ohio. Joseph attends Kent State University pursuing Architecture. Joseph receives eligibility from common stockholder Tad Faber (Father).
Josie Jennings of Springfield, Ohio. Josie attends Global Impact STEM Academy with plans to attend Oklahoma State University. Josie receives eligibility from common stockholder Josh Jennings (Father).
Kate Mattinson of South Solon, Ohio. Kate attends Southeastern High School with plans to attend Cedarville University pursuing Bachelor’s of Psychology. Kate receives eligibility from common stockholder Kevin Mattinson (Father).
Katherine Hynes of Washington Court House, Ohio. Katherine attends University of Findlay pursuing Psychology B.S. and Criminal Justice B.A. Katherine receives eligibility from common stockholder Garth Hynes (Father).
Kathryn Bruns of Fort Recovery, Ohio. Kathryn attends Wilmington College pursuing her bachelors degree. Kathryn receives eligibility from common stockholder Mike Bruns (Father).
Kathryn Welsheimer of Enon, Ohio. Kathryn attends the University of Findlay and is pursuing Exercise Science/Wellness and Health Promotions. Kathryn receives eligibility from common stockholder Kevin Welsheimer (Father).
Kelley Forsythe of Huntsville, Ohio. Kelley attends Benjamin Logan High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Health Science. Kelley receives eligibility from common stockholder Joe Forsythe (Father).
Kimberly Staley of Mount Gilead, Ohio. Kimberly attends Mount Gilead High School with plans to attend Ashland University pursuing Business. Kimberly receives eligibility from common stockholder Craig Staley (Father).
Kirstin Eades of London, Ohio. Kirstin attends Ashland University and is pursuing a Biology degree with a Chemistry minor. Kirstin receives eligibility from common stockholder Aaron Eades, Eades Family Farms LLC (Father).
Kort Sutherland of Lakeview, Ohio. Kort attends Ohio Northern University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Technology. Kort receives eligibility from common stockholder Drew Sutherland (Father).
Lauren Esterline of Crestline, Ohio. Lauren attends Colonel Crawford High School with plans to attend North Central State College pursuing Accounting. Lauren receives eligibility from common stockholder John Witter (Grandfather).
Lillian Heydinger of Shelby, Ohio. Lillian attends Ohio Northern University pursuing Molecular Biology. Lillian receives eligibility from common stockholder Denise Heydinger (Mother).
Lindsey Call of London, Ohio. Lindsey attends The Ohio State University pursuing a bachelor’s in Speech and Hearing Science. Lindsey receives eligibility from common stockholder David Call (Grandfather).
Lucas Cianflone of Shelby, Ohio. Lucas attends Buckeye Central High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University branch in Mansfield pursuing Computer Science. Lucas Cianflone receives eligibility from common stockholder Don Crum (Grandfather).
Luke Farnsworth of Wadsworth, Ohio. Luke attends the Medina County Career Center with plans to attend Owens Community College. Luke receives eligibility from common stockholder Brian Farnsworth (Father).
Mary Bauer of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Mary attends Wapakoneta High School with plans to attend Ohio University pursuing Biological Sciences. Mary receives eligibility from common stockholder Ronald J. Bauer (Grandfather).
Remington Bauer of Norwalk, Ohio. Remington attends Baldwin Wallace University pursuing a Bachelors of Science degree. Remington receives eligibility from common stockholder Mary A. Bauer (Grandmother).
Riley King of Burgoon, Ohio. Riley attends Lakota High School with plans to attend Owens Community College pursuing an associate degree in Nutrition. Riley receives eligibility from common stockholder Karl King (Father).
Sable Ruhenkamp of Fort Loramie, Ohio. Sable attends Bowling Green State University, pursuing Architecture and Environmental Design. Sable receives eligibility from common stockholder Bryan Ruhenkamp (Father).
Samuel Bohner of Medina, Ohio. Samuel attends Cloverleaf High School with plans to attend Lorain County Community College pursuing Financial Management. Samuel receives eligibility from common stockholder Gerard Bohner (Father).
Teagan Miller of Milan, Ohio. Teagan attends Huron High School with plans to attend Ohio University pursuing Biology. Teagan receives eligibility from common stockholder Miller Brother Farms/ Mark Miller (Grandfather).
Tony Gehret of Anna, Ohio. Tony attends Wright State University and is pursuing Nursing. Tony receives eligibility from common stockholder Tim Gehret (Father).
SUNRISE COOPERATIVE EMPLOYEE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:
Addyson Myers of Clyde, Ohio. Addyson attends The Ohio State University pursuing a bachelors degree. Addyson receives eligibility from employee Mike Myers (Grandfather).
Austin Miller of South Charleston, Ohio. Austin attends Wilmington College pursuing a bachelor's in Agronomy. Austin receives eligibility from employee Charles Miller (Father).
Brynn Egbert of New Knoxville, Ohio. Brynn attends New Knoxville Local Schools with plans to attend Walsh University, pursuing a degree in Computer Science/Information Technology. Brynn receives eligibility from employee Shawn Egbert (Father).
Dillon Liskai of Clyde, Ohio. Dillon attends Bowling Green State University and is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in AYA Integrated Social Studies Education, Minor in History. Dillon receives eligibility from employee Bryan Liskai (Father).
Elaina King of Bellevue, Ohio. Elaina attends Bowling Green State University: Firelands with plans to attend Lorain County Community College pursuing her associates degree. Elaina receives eligibility from recently retired employee Kevin Siesel (Grandfather).
Garrett Siefring of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Garrett attends the University of Cincinnati, pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Garrett receives eligibility from employee Angie Siefring (Mother).
Jessa Riley of New London, Ohio. Jessa attends Lorain County Community College (LCCC) pursuing a degree in Science of Education. Jessa receives eligibility from employee Jeni Riley (Mother).
Stephan Lukac of Norwalk, Ohio. Stephan attends Norwalk High School with plans to attend Baldwin Wallace pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Stephan receives eligibility from employee Matt Lukac (Father).
Stephanie Altstaetter of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Stephanie attends Wilmington College, pursuing an Ag Business degree. Stephanie receives eligibility from employee Phil Altstaetter (Father).
Zoie Widman of Fremont, Ohio. Zoie attends Heidelberg University and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree. Zoie receives eligibility from employee Michael Widman (Father).