Sunrise Cooperative Honors 2026 Scholarship Recipients
May 06, 2026
Sunrise Cooperative, Inc. is proud to recognize the 2026 recipients of its annual Sunrise Cooperative College Scholarship Program, an investment in our future leaders.
This year, Sunrise awarded 50 scholarships to deserving students - forty $1,000 scholarships to children and grandchildren of common stockholders, and ten $1,000 scholarships to children and grandchildren of Sunrise employees. In total, 210 applications were received.Over the past decade, the Sunrise Cooperative Board of directors has awarded more than $550,000 in scholarships, reinforcing a long-standing commitment to supporting local families and encouraging the next generation of leaders.
While rooted in agriculture, the scholarship program is open to students pursuing any field of study, as long as they maintain a connection to Sunrise through a parent or grandparent who is a common stockholder or employee. As part of the application process, students were asked to write a one-page essay on an agriculture-related topic.
Entries were carefully reviewed by Terra State Community College in Fremont. Finalists were then invited to participate in phone interviews, and then final selections of the recipients were made.
“We are honored to support the future leaders of our communities,” said George D. Secor, President/CEO of Sunrise. “The Sunrise College Scholarship Program is an important way we give back to the families who support our cooperative, while also investing in the next generation. With the continued support of our Board of Directors, we’re proud to provide students with a meaningful opportunity to take the next step toward their education and career goals.”
Stockholder Scholarship Recipients
Adalyn Schaaf of Tiffin, Ohio. Adalyn attends Heidelberg University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminology. Adalyn receives eligibility from common stockholder Jim Schaaf (Granddaughter).
Adam Lesch of Fredonia, New York. Adam attends The Ohio State University pursuing Agricultural Systems Management. Adam receives eligibility from common stockholder Lesch Farms LLC -Heather Lesch Member (Son).
Addison Lust of Bucyrus, Ohio. Addison Lust attends Indiana Wesleyan University and is pursuing her Associates of Business. Addison Lust receives eligibility from common stockholder Paul Lust (Granddaughter).
Alexandria Gaerke of Russia, Ohio. Alexandria attends the University of Cincinnati to pursue a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Alexandria receives her eligibility from common stockholder Stephen E. York (Granddaughter).
Audrey DeMange of Greensboro, North Carolina. Audrey attends Northwest Guilford High School and plans to pursue her bachelors degree after high school. Audrey receives eligibility from common stockholder Alice DeMange (Granddaughter).
Averi Stitzel of Springfield, Ohio. Averi attends Greenon High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing Biology and Psychology. Averi receives eligibility from common stockholder Robert W McClure, Jr. (Granddaughter).
Brycen Dixon of New Carlisle, Ohio. Brycen attends Tecumseh High School with plans to attend Ohio Northern University to pursue Pharmacy. Brycen receives eligibility from common stockholder Eddie C. Dixon (Grandson).
Caleb Martin of Monroeville, Ohio. Caleb attends Bellevue High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing a bachelors in Agricultural Communications. Caleb receives eligibility from common stockholder Justin Martin (Son).
Callie Finnegan of Berlin Heights, Ohio. Callie attends Firelands High School with plans to attend Kent State University pursuing Air Traffic Control & Air Space Management. Callie receives eligibility from common stockholder Susan Finnegan (Granddaughter).
Carlie Tester of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Carlie attends Bowling Green State University pursuing a degree in Creative Writing. Carlie receives eligibility from common stockholders Dennis and Judith Werling (Granddaughter).
Carly Niekamp of Celina, Ohio. Carly attends Wright State and is pursuing a degree in Psychology. Carly receives eligibility from common stockholder Chris Niekamp (Daughter).
Caroline Kagy of Bloomville, Ohio. Caroline attends Miami University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business. Caroline receives eligibility from common stockholder Scott Kagy (Daughter).
Carter Klopfenstein of Maplewood, Ohio. Carter attends Jackson Center High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing Nursing (pre-anesthesia). Carter receives eligibility from common stockholder K&H Ag. LLC (Son).
Delana Pitts of Botkins, Ohio. Delana attends the University of Findlay pursuing Pre-Vet/Animal Science. Delana receives eligibility from common stockholder Huelskamp County Line Farms LLC (Granddaughter).
Ellie Grieshop of Minster, Ohio. Ellie attends Minster Local School with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing a Bachelors of Nursing. Ellie receives eligibility from common stockholder Nicholas Grieshop (Granddaughter).
Erin Bergman of Yorkshire, Ohio. Erin attends The Ohio State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences. Erin receives eligibility from common stockholder Brent Bergman (Daughter).
Evan Miller of Vickery, Ohio. Evan attends The Ohio State University and is pursuing Agribusiness and Applied Economics with a minor in Agricultural Systems Management. Evan receives eligibility from common stockholder Wesley Miller (Grandson).
Evelyn Welschenbach of Norwalk, Ohio. Evelyn attends Norwalk High School with plans to attend Ohio University pursuing a Bachelors in Education. Evelyn receives eligibility from common stockholder Ray Enderle (Granddaughter).
Gabby Bevan of Lebanon, Ohio. Gabby attends Cedarville University pursuing a Bachelors in Accounting. Gabby receives eligibility from common stockholder Bob Bevan, Benholme Farms Inc (Granddaughter).
Grace Huelskamp of Sidney, Ohio. Grace attends Fairlawn Local Schools with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing her bachelors degree. Grace receives eligibility from common stockholder Scott Huelskamp (Daughter).
Gracy Henneman of Toledo, Ohio. Gracy attends Oregon State University pursuing a Zoology degree. Gracy receives eligibility from common stockholders Gary and Deborah Bach (Granddaughter).
Grant Belleville of Bowling Green, Ohio. Grant attends The Ohio State ATI with plans to attend The Ohio State University to pursue a degree in Agronomy. Grant receives eligibility from common stockholder Gary Jordan (Grandson).
Hannah Brackman of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Hannah attends Memorial High School with plans to attend Wilmington College pursuing a degree in Agronomy. Hannah receives eligibility from common stockholders Nicholas J. & Krista M. Brackman (Daughter).
Jocelyn Tuente of Yorkshire, Ohio. Jocelyn attends Bowling Green State University pursuing her BFA in Art Education. Jocelyn receives eligibility from common stockholder Jeff Tuente (Daughter).
Jordan Bradford of Wellington, Ohio. Jordan attends John Carroll University pursuing a degree in Education. Jordan receives eligibility from common stockholder Jeremy Bradford (Daughter).
Joseph Faber of Sandusky, Ohio. Joseph attends Kent State University to pursue a degree in Architecture. Joseph receives eligibility from common stockholder Tad Faber (Son).
Karlee Buschur of Henry, Ohio. Karlee attends St. Henry High School with plans to attend St. Francis to pursue Nursing. Karlee receives eligibility from common stockholder Patrick Buschur (Buschur Dairy Farms Inc.) (Granddaughter).
Kate Mattinson of South Solon, Ohio. Kate attends Cedarville University pursuing a Bachelors of Psychology. Kate receives eligibility from common stockholder Kevin Mattinson (Daughter).
Kyra Sutherland of Lakeview, Ohio. Kyra attends the University of Findlay pursuing Animal Science Pre-Vet. Kyra receives eligibility from common stockholder Drew Sutherland (Daughter).
Luella Burkholder of Republic, Ohio. Luella attends Seneca East High School with plans to attend Wilmington College to pursue Ag Business. Luella receives eligibility from common stockholder Burkholder Farms J & M LLC (Daughter).
Lylah Henneman of Temperance, Michigan. Lylah attends Grand Valley State University pursuing a Bachelor's of Art (AD/PR). Lylah receives eligibility from common stockholders Gary and Deborah Bach (Granddaughter).
Macy Young of Springfield, Ohio. Macy attends Oklahoma State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. Macy receives eligibility from common stockholder Jay Young (Daughter).
Madalynn Gillmor of Tiffin, Ohio. Madalynn attends Lakota High School with plans to attend Bowling Green State University pursuing Early Childhood Education. Madalynn receives eligibility from common stockholder Gillmor Farms - Craig Gillmor (Daughter).
Madison Seitz of Anna, Ohio. Madison attends Anna High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing her bachelors degree. Madison receives eligibility from common stockholder Gary J. Buehler (Granddaughter).
Mallorie Williams of Bucyrus, Ohio. Mallorie attends Marion Technical College with plans to attend OSU Marion pursuing a degree in Business Administration. Mallorie receives eligibility from common stockholder Ray Williams (Daughter).
Mason Ludwig of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Mason attends Wapakoneta Senior High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University to pursue Mechanical Engineering. Mason receives eligibility from common stockholder John Limbert (Grandson).
Peyton Schroeder of Leipsic, Ohio. Peyton attends Leipsic High School with plans to attend Owen’s Community College pursuing a future as a Physical Therapy Assistant. Peyton receives eligibility from common stockholder Anthony Schroeder (Daughter).
Samuel Bohner of Medina, Ohio. Samuel attends Lorain County Community College pursuing Business Admin/Entrepreneurship. Samuel receives eligibility from common stockholder Gerard Bohner (Son).
Sarah Waddle of Springfield, Ohio. Sarah attends Global Impact STEM Academy with plans to attend Kansas State or Iowa State University pursuing Animal Science and Ag Communications. Sarah receives eligibility from common stockholder Brian Waddle (Daughter).
Victory Beckwith of Seaman, Ohio. Victory attends Peebles High School with plans to attend Shawnee State University to pursue Business Management. Victory receives eligibility from common stockholder Russell Shupert (Granddaughter).
Adam Lesch of Fredonia, New York. Adam attends The Ohio State University pursuing Agricultural Systems Management. Adam receives eligibility from common stockholder Lesch Farms LLC -Heather Lesch Member (Son).
Addison Lust of Bucyrus, Ohio. Addison Lust attends Indiana Wesleyan University and is pursuing her Associates of Business. Addison Lust receives eligibility from common stockholder Paul Lust (Granddaughter).
Alexandria Gaerke of Russia, Ohio. Alexandria attends the University of Cincinnati to pursue a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Alexandria receives her eligibility from common stockholder Stephen E. York (Granddaughter).
Audrey DeMange of Greensboro, North Carolina. Audrey attends Northwest Guilford High School and plans to pursue her bachelors degree after high school. Audrey receives eligibility from common stockholder Alice DeMange (Granddaughter).
Averi Stitzel of Springfield, Ohio. Averi attends Greenon High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing Biology and Psychology. Averi receives eligibility from common stockholder Robert W McClure, Jr. (Granddaughter).
Brycen Dixon of New Carlisle, Ohio. Brycen attends Tecumseh High School with plans to attend Ohio Northern University to pursue Pharmacy. Brycen receives eligibility from common stockholder Eddie C. Dixon (Grandson).
Caleb Martin of Monroeville, Ohio. Caleb attends Bellevue High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing a bachelors in Agricultural Communications. Caleb receives eligibility from common stockholder Justin Martin (Son).
Callie Finnegan of Berlin Heights, Ohio. Callie attends Firelands High School with plans to attend Kent State University pursuing Air Traffic Control & Air Space Management. Callie receives eligibility from common stockholder Susan Finnegan (Granddaughter).
Carlie Tester of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Carlie attends Bowling Green State University pursuing a degree in Creative Writing. Carlie receives eligibility from common stockholders Dennis and Judith Werling (Granddaughter).
Carly Niekamp of Celina, Ohio. Carly attends Wright State and is pursuing a degree in Psychology. Carly receives eligibility from common stockholder Chris Niekamp (Daughter).
Caroline Kagy of Bloomville, Ohio. Caroline attends Miami University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business. Caroline receives eligibility from common stockholder Scott Kagy (Daughter).
Carter Klopfenstein of Maplewood, Ohio. Carter attends Jackson Center High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing Nursing (pre-anesthesia). Carter receives eligibility from common stockholder K&H Ag. LLC (Son).
Delana Pitts of Botkins, Ohio. Delana attends the University of Findlay pursuing Pre-Vet/Animal Science. Delana receives eligibility from common stockholder Huelskamp County Line Farms LLC (Granddaughter).
Ellie Grieshop of Minster, Ohio. Ellie attends Minster Local School with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing a Bachelors of Nursing. Ellie receives eligibility from common stockholder Nicholas Grieshop (Granddaughter).
Erin Bergman of Yorkshire, Ohio. Erin attends The Ohio State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences. Erin receives eligibility from common stockholder Brent Bergman (Daughter).
Evan Miller of Vickery, Ohio. Evan attends The Ohio State University and is pursuing Agribusiness and Applied Economics with a minor in Agricultural Systems Management. Evan receives eligibility from common stockholder Wesley Miller (Grandson).
Evelyn Welschenbach of Norwalk, Ohio. Evelyn attends Norwalk High School with plans to attend Ohio University pursuing a Bachelors in Education. Evelyn receives eligibility from common stockholder Ray Enderle (Granddaughter).
Gabby Bevan of Lebanon, Ohio. Gabby attends Cedarville University pursuing a Bachelors in Accounting. Gabby receives eligibility from common stockholder Bob Bevan, Benholme Farms Inc (Granddaughter).
Grace Huelskamp of Sidney, Ohio. Grace attends Fairlawn Local Schools with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing her bachelors degree. Grace receives eligibility from common stockholder Scott Huelskamp (Daughter).
Gracy Henneman of Toledo, Ohio. Gracy attends Oregon State University pursuing a Zoology degree. Gracy receives eligibility from common stockholders Gary and Deborah Bach (Granddaughter).
Grant Belleville of Bowling Green, Ohio. Grant attends The Ohio State ATI with plans to attend The Ohio State University to pursue a degree in Agronomy. Grant receives eligibility from common stockholder Gary Jordan (Grandson).
Hannah Brackman of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Hannah attends Memorial High School with plans to attend Wilmington College pursuing a degree in Agronomy. Hannah receives eligibility from common stockholders Nicholas J. & Krista M. Brackman (Daughter).
Jocelyn Tuente of Yorkshire, Ohio. Jocelyn attends Bowling Green State University pursuing her BFA in Art Education. Jocelyn receives eligibility from common stockholder Jeff Tuente (Daughter).
Jordan Bradford of Wellington, Ohio. Jordan attends John Carroll University pursuing a degree in Education. Jordan receives eligibility from common stockholder Jeremy Bradford (Daughter).
Joseph Faber of Sandusky, Ohio. Joseph attends Kent State University to pursue a degree in Architecture. Joseph receives eligibility from common stockholder Tad Faber (Son).
Karlee Buschur of Henry, Ohio. Karlee attends St. Henry High School with plans to attend St. Francis to pursue Nursing. Karlee receives eligibility from common stockholder Patrick Buschur (Buschur Dairy Farms Inc.) (Granddaughter).
Kate Mattinson of South Solon, Ohio. Kate attends Cedarville University pursuing a Bachelors of Psychology. Kate receives eligibility from common stockholder Kevin Mattinson (Daughter).
Kyra Sutherland of Lakeview, Ohio. Kyra attends the University of Findlay pursuing Animal Science Pre-Vet. Kyra receives eligibility from common stockholder Drew Sutherland (Daughter).
Luella Burkholder of Republic, Ohio. Luella attends Seneca East High School with plans to attend Wilmington College to pursue Ag Business. Luella receives eligibility from common stockholder Burkholder Farms J & M LLC (Daughter).
Lylah Henneman of Temperance, Michigan. Lylah attends Grand Valley State University pursuing a Bachelor's of Art (AD/PR). Lylah receives eligibility from common stockholders Gary and Deborah Bach (Granddaughter).
Macy Young of Springfield, Ohio. Macy attends Oklahoma State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. Macy receives eligibility from common stockholder Jay Young (Daughter).
Madalynn Gillmor of Tiffin, Ohio. Madalynn attends Lakota High School with plans to attend Bowling Green State University pursuing Early Childhood Education. Madalynn receives eligibility from common stockholder Gillmor Farms - Craig Gillmor (Daughter).
Madison Seitz of Anna, Ohio. Madison attends Anna High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University pursuing her bachelors degree. Madison receives eligibility from common stockholder Gary J. Buehler (Granddaughter).
Mallorie Williams of Bucyrus, Ohio. Mallorie attends Marion Technical College with plans to attend OSU Marion pursuing a degree in Business Administration. Mallorie receives eligibility from common stockholder Ray Williams (Daughter).
Mason Ludwig of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Mason attends Wapakoneta Senior High School with plans to attend The Ohio State University to pursue Mechanical Engineering. Mason receives eligibility from common stockholder John Limbert (Grandson).
Peyton Schroeder of Leipsic, Ohio. Peyton attends Leipsic High School with plans to attend Owen’s Community College pursuing a future as a Physical Therapy Assistant. Peyton receives eligibility from common stockholder Anthony Schroeder (Daughter).
Samuel Bohner of Medina, Ohio. Samuel attends Lorain County Community College pursuing Business Admin/Entrepreneurship. Samuel receives eligibility from common stockholder Gerard Bohner (Son).
Sarah Waddle of Springfield, Ohio. Sarah attends Global Impact STEM Academy with plans to attend Kansas State or Iowa State University pursuing Animal Science and Ag Communications. Sarah receives eligibility from common stockholder Brian Waddle (Daughter).
Victory Beckwith of Seaman, Ohio. Victory attends Peebles High School with plans to attend Shawnee State University to pursue Business Management. Victory receives eligibility from common stockholder Russell Shupert (Granddaughter).
Employee Scholarship Recipients
Caleb Altstaetter of Bellefontaine, Ohio. Caleb attends Columbus State Community College pursuing Aviation Maintenance. Caleb receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Philipp Altstaetter (Son).
Cora Liskai of Clyde, Ohio. Cora attends the University of Mount Union and is pursuing her Bachelor of Science. Cora receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Bryan Liskai (Daughter).
Gabriel Snyder of Norwalk, Ohio. Gabriel attends Norwalk St. Paul with plans to attend Lorain County Community College to pursue Computer Science. Gabriel receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Chris Snyder (Son).
Izaac Snyder of Norwalk, Ohio. Izaac attends Norwalk St. Paul with plans to attend Lorain County Community College pursuing a future in Exercise Science. Izaac receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Christopher Snyder (Son).
Jacoby Widman of Fremont, Ohio. Jacoby is a senior at Lakota High School. Jacoby Widman receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Michael Widman (Son).
Kalebe Goodbar of Springfield, Ohio. Kalebe attends Global Impact Stem Academy and plans to attend Indiana Tech pursuing Bachelor of Science in Engineering. Kalebe receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Jeff Goodbar (Son).
Morgan Cook of Mansfield, Ohio. Morgan attends Madison Comprehensive High School and plans to attend The Ohio State University - Mansfield to pursue Primary Education. Morgan receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Michael Cook (Daughter).
Riley Brodman of Carey, Ohio. Riley attends the University of Kentucky where she is pursuing a Doctorate of Pharmacy. Riley receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Peggy Brodman (Daughter).
Riley Little of Ashland, Ohio. Riley attends Bob Jones University pursuing a degree in Kinesiology. Riley receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Timothy Little (Daughter).
Zoie Widman of Fremont, Ohio. Zoie attends Heidelberg University where she is pursuing her Bachelors Degree. Zoie receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Michael Widman (Daughter).
Cora Liskai of Clyde, Ohio. Cora attends the University of Mount Union and is pursuing her Bachelor of Science. Cora receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Bryan Liskai (Daughter).
Gabriel Snyder of Norwalk, Ohio. Gabriel attends Norwalk St. Paul with plans to attend Lorain County Community College to pursue Computer Science. Gabriel receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Chris Snyder (Son).
Izaac Snyder of Norwalk, Ohio. Izaac attends Norwalk St. Paul with plans to attend Lorain County Community College pursuing a future in Exercise Science. Izaac receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Christopher Snyder (Son).
Jacoby Widman of Fremont, Ohio. Jacoby is a senior at Lakota High School. Jacoby Widman receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Michael Widman (Son).
Kalebe Goodbar of Springfield, Ohio. Kalebe attends Global Impact Stem Academy and plans to attend Indiana Tech pursuing Bachelor of Science in Engineering. Kalebe receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Jeff Goodbar (Son).
Morgan Cook of Mansfield, Ohio. Morgan attends Madison Comprehensive High School and plans to attend The Ohio State University - Mansfield to pursue Primary Education. Morgan receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Michael Cook (Daughter).
Riley Brodman of Carey, Ohio. Riley attends the University of Kentucky where she is pursuing a Doctorate of Pharmacy. Riley receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Peggy Brodman (Daughter).
Riley Little of Ashland, Ohio. Riley attends Bob Jones University pursuing a degree in Kinesiology. Riley receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Timothy Little (Daughter).
Zoie Widman of Fremont, Ohio. Zoie attends Heidelberg University where she is pursuing her Bachelors Degree. Zoie receives eligibility from Sunrise employee Michael Widman (Daughter).