In the 35-year history of the program, almost $800,000 in college scholarships has been awarded to 118 graduating high school seniors from Wisconsin who have pursued a career in agriculture.

Hard work, tenacity, adaptability, resilience are among the traits that define those working in agriculture. The same can be said for the high school graduates who comprise the Class of 2020.

Despite having their in-school classes, extracurricular activities, proms, senior trips and graduation ceremonies abruptly shifted to virtual attendance or altogether canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, not all was lost. The springtime tradition of supporting young people in Wisconsin who aspire to advance their education and a career in agriculture through the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship program continued for the 35^th consecutive year.

Matt Lutsey, president of Waseda Farms and grandson of program founder Thomas H. Lutsey, is proud to announce the selection of five graduating high school students for the 2020 Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship. Each scholar receives a four-year, $10,000 college scholarship.

Since its inception in 1986, the Lutsey-Waseda Farms program, which is supported by Waseda Farms, has awarded almost $800,000 in scholarship money to 118 scholars.

“To say the least, this year has been uniquely challenging, disruptive, worrisome and painful for so many because of the unexpected and unfortunate spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19),” Matt Lutsey said. “As our hearts go out to those in our communities who have lost resources, jobs, businesses, and, tragically, loved ones, our team at Waseda Farms has remained committed to the mission of the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship program: ‘Supporting the future of agriculture through education.’ We tip are hats to the Class of 2020 for their grit and resolve as they completed the school year under trying circumstances. And we thank the over 150 graduates who applied for the Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholarship this year; the response and pool of applicants was impressive!”

To be considered for the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship, students must be in their final year of high school, graduating from a high school that is within 150 miles of Green Bay, in good academic standing, planning to attend an accredited four-year college or university, and committed to pursue a career in agriculture that will enhance Wisconsin’s rural communities.

The late Thomas H. Lutsey started the scholarship. He was a dairy farmer in Pulaski, Wisconsin, who created Gold Bond Ice Cream (later rebranded as Good Humor-Breyers) and ice-cream novelties such as the Eskimo Pie. Thomas H. Lutsey’s son, Tom Lutsey, founded Waseda Farms in 2008. Waseda Farms is an organic farm in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, with two retail locations that also distribute certified organic food to restaurants, grocery stores, other retailers and schools throughout Wisconsin and other locations in the Midwest.

2020 Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship Recipients

This year’s scholars include three FFA presidents, a cattle owner and an affectionately nicknamed “cow whisperer.”

“As in previous years, the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship Committee had no easy task in reading, reviewing and judging the applications for this year’s scholarships,” Matt Lutsey said. “We commend everyone who applied and congratulate those selected as the 2020 scholars. They have distinguished themselves already in their young lives with a diligent work ethic, versatile skillsets and achievements inside and outside of school, selfless service to community, exemplary leadership, and a strong passion for agriculture and bettering their local communities.”

The 2020 Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship recipients are:

Hailey Gaedtke, Luxemburg, Wis. As a sixth-generation farmer on her family’s dairy farm that started in 1885, Gaedtke says she has “busy feet.” The go-getter’s commitment to hard work has served her well away from the farm, too. She’s been a longtime participant in 4-H and served as president of her local club as well as FFA. She was a three-sport athlete at Kewaunee High School. She also excelled academically with a 3.9 grade-point average. As a big advocate of agriculture among the youth in her community, Gaedtke plans to study agricultural business at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with an interest in educating consumers on food production. She is the first Kewaunee graduate to receive a Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholarship.

Katrina Hoesly, Denmark, Wis. Having been referred to as a “cow whisperer,” Hoesly has developed a close rapport with the cattle in her care. She’s juggled jobs as a herd manager and a farmhand at two livestock operations in her community. Hands-on experience she gained in the treatment of animals has Hoesly interested in pursuing a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and a career as a bovine reproductive specialist, after she completes her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with an emphasis on dairy science and agribusiness. Hoesly is the record-setting ninth Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholar — and the first since 1999 – from Denmark High School. She compiled a 3.7 grade-point average and was president of the school’s robust FFA as well as her local 4-H club.

Morgan Jones, Cambria, Wis. A self-described “passion for agriculture” has been cultivated since she was a young girl. Jones’ extensive work on her family’s dairy farm has included owning a herd of 16 cattle as well as assisting with the cash crop operations. She plans to earn a degree in agribusiness at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville after starting her studies at Western Technical College. The Cambria-Friesland High School graduate ranked near the top in her class with a 4.0 grade-point average. She also was a three-sport athlete and served as a team captain in basketball and volleyball. Her long list of leadership and success extended to FFA and 4-H. Jones is the first Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholar from Cambria-Friesland.

Kaylee Mess, Rosendale, Wis. Advocating for agriculture comes naturally for the Laconia High School alumna. The “farm kid” has spent countless hours away from her studies and work on her family’s dairy farm by making the rounds at fairs and other community events to educate the public about the agricultural world. With a particular interest in introducing kids to the dairy industry, Mess wants to be a high school agriculture teacher and FFA adviser. She was her school’s FFA president, involved in other activities, and strong academically with a 3.8 grade-point average. Mess, who is the third Laconia graduate to be named a Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholar (first since 2010), plans to study agriculture education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Ben Stone, Ripon, Wis. Inspired by his mother, a veterinarian who died of cancer when he was just 7 years old, Stone is determined to forge a career as a vet specializing in large animals. He plans to study pre-veterinary medicine at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Stone has logged plenty of hands-on experience working on and managing his family’s dairy farm, which features Guernsey cattle. As the first graduate of Omro High School to earn a Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholarship, Stone followed in the footsteps of his father and an uncle by serving as the school’s FFA president. Stone also was president of the school band, in which he played drums, was a team captain in wrestling and cross-country, and was president of his local 4-H club. He graduated with a stellar grade-point average of 3.9.

A Commitment to Sustainable Farming and Education

Waseda Farms is a certified organic, sustainable farm in Door County that encourages the best environmental practices and humane animal treatment and provides agricultural jobs to the community. Waseda Farms also operates Waseda Farms Market on the farm in Door County, provides curbside pickup orders at its butcher shop in De Pere, Wisconsin, and ships nationwide through its online marketplace. More information on Waseda Farms can be found at WasedaFarms.com.

The Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship underscores Waseda Farms’ commitment to organic, sustainable and responsible farming and its commitment to education. Thomas Lutsey was a strong believer in hard work and diligence being essential to success. He wanted to help students who had a passion for agriculture and a dedication to furthering their education to better their local communities. The annual goal is to support students in rural communities who go to college and plan to commit themselves to living and working in those communities to advance Wisconsin’s agricultural future.

For Cornell University graduate Jordan Siemers, being familiar with previous Lutsey scholarship recipients made receiving the scholarship himself seem attainable. Previous recipients, he said, reached out to him and encouraged him to apply. He listened, and in 2014, Siemers was announced a Lutsey Scholar.

The financial support of the scholarship allowed Siemers to devote more time to his studies, enabling him to pursue classes that were “outside of [his] comfort zone.” He also took advantage of more global study and travel opportunities than he could have without the scholarship’s assistance. These opportunities, Siemers says, “broadened my horizons and opened up a new world of opportunities.”

Since receiving the Thomas H. Lutsey Waseda Farms scholarship in 2014, Jordan Siemers went on to graduate from Cornell University with a degree in animal science. He now works as a Holstein sire analyst for Select Sires.

Siemers impresses on current high school seniors that “if you are looking to work in the agriculture field you need to be looking into this scholarship opportunity. The Waseda Farms team are great to work with, and they want you to succeed.”

Students will agree that financial aid of all kinds is helpful when it comes to paying for school. However, for Lutsey Scholar Tim Prestby, the Thomas H. Lutsey Waseda Farms Scholarship opened a host of other opportunities as well.

Prestby attends UW-Madison, where he is studying cartography and geographic information systems with a minor in environmental studies and has managed to study abroad in Europe twice. He’s interested in remote sensing and science communication and is still deciding whether he wants to do applied work after graduation or stay in academia. He switched majors several times before finally landing where he is now, in an area that feels right because it allows freedom in design and a wide range of environmental applications.

Receiving this scholarship, Prestby acknowledges, freed up a lot of his time, saving him from having to work 10 to 20 hours per week in addition to class like many of his friends. Even more noteworthy, Prestby thinks being a Lutsey Scholar helped him stand out in applying for other environmental scholarships and opportunities that have been influential in his college career.

Prestby urges high school seniors to do more than simply apply for the scholarship, but to make themselves stand out when they do. He recommends applicants be diligent, get creative, and truly share their passions with the selection committee. Crafting a good application is hard work, but to recipients like Prestby, it’s more than worth it.
The scholarship is “a wonderful opportunity [for] aspiring young scholars,” Prestby wrote.

Jessica Mehre remembers the day her high school guidance counselor mapped out her home address to be sure she met the geographic requirements for the Thomas H. Lutsey Waseda Farms Scholarship.

And it’s a good thing she did, because as Mehre said, “receiving the award at the end of my senior year was a sign that it was all worth it.”

Mehre spent high school overloading herself with AP classes, chores on her family’s dairy farm, extra curriculars, and more. Becoming a Lutsey Scholar proved all that work was going to pay off, and that someone thought her goals and passions were worthwhile.

Mehre now attends the University of Wisconsin Madison where she studies dairy science and agronomy. She’s studied abroad twice in Costa Rica and Mexico and will be heading off to the Netherlands this spring. In addition to classes, Mehre works in a dairy nutrition lab and at a local gym, both of which are jobs she enjoys so much she hardly considers them work.

It’s work I want to do; not work I have to do.

Mehre credits the Thomas H. Lutsey Waseda Farms scholarship for allowing her to develop such a positive relationship with her work. Rather than finding a job in a dining hall as some of her friends have had to do in order to cover tuition and other expenses, Mehre had the freedom to seek employment opportunities that truly interest her. The scholarship, Mehre said, allowed her to develop the ability to look at work as something she enjoys.

To high school seniors with their eyes on the Thomas H. Lutsey Waseda Farms scholarship, Mehre recommends refining the essay component of the application. “Use your background as a strength to identify yourself in a novel manner,” she said.

I stumbled across the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholarship in much the same way many members of Generation Z make their best online finds: scrolling through Instagram. A sponsored advertisement for the scholarship popped up on my feed, and I decided to take a closer look. I met all the guidelines, so naturally, I applied even though I figured winning was a long shot.

After I pressed submit on the application, the weeks didn’t waste any time passing as my senior year of high school came to a whirlwind of a close, peppered with more scholarship applications, AP exams, award banquets, and track meets. Amid the chaos, I practically forgot about the scholarship. That is, until the Senior Awards Ceremony at my high school, when I was announced a recipient of the Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholarship.

The scholarship, $10,000 spread across four years, was an incredible comfort to both my college budget and my nerves about university tuition. Post-secondary education comes at a formidable cost that is hard, I think, for many young adults to fully comprehend. The pursuit of a four-year degree feels almost like a gamble; will we make enough to pay off our student debt and live comfortably, or will we be making loan payments until well after even our children are in college? Unfortunately, this tradeoff tends to gain severity for farm kids. After all, given the current state of agriculture in the United States, especially on small farms, few farm families can afford to offer their children much more than emotional support as they head off to college.

However, as helpful as the scholarship has been in offsetting tuition costs, it’s made another contribution of even greater value: belief in my own abilities. I figured the selection committee must have seen something in me that inspired confidence, enough to trust that I will turn their generous gift into positive impacts within the agricultural community after graduation. And, if they trust me to accomplish meaningful change and come out ahead in the gamble of college, why shouldn’t I trust myself?

With this self-assurance, I jumped into my first year of college with vigor and determination. Enough, in fact, to boldly change my major from biology, which had seemed like a safe option, to a double major in Professional Journalism and Environmental Science, Policy, and Management. I realized that what I love to do is write, what I’m interested in is law, and what I want to do is help small farmers. So, I stepped from science to communication and policy, and I’m excited to continue down this path that I think will best prepare me for a career in agricultural policy, an angle from which I can fight for the changes that our small farmers and rural communities need.

So, with a genuine heart, I thank the Thomas H. Lutsey Waseda Farms Foundation for the financial means to chase my dreams and the confidence to believe they are possible.

—-

Jessica Jurcek is a 2018 Lutsey Scholarship recipient currently attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

In the 34-year history of the program, more than $700,000 in college scholarships has been awarded to graduating high school seniors from Wisconsin who plan to pursue a career in agriculture.

The premise of the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship program is “supporting the future of agriculture through education.”

Support from the program for young people in Wisconsin who aspire to advance their education and a career in agriculture continues to build after 34 years.

Four graduating high school students were selected for the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship this year. The presentation of the four-year, $10,000 college scholarship to each recipient at his or her high school this spring raises the total of Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholars to 113 since the start of the program in 1986.

Matt Lutsey, president of Waseda Farms, which sponsors the scholarship program through Green Bay, Wisconsin-based Lutsey Enterprises, says more than $700,000 has been awarded to Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship recipients in the history of the program.

My late grandfather Thomas H. Lutsey started the scholarship foundation nearly 35 years ago with a singular vision of rewarding students who worked hard, did well in school, and had a passion for agriculture and a desire to further their education to enhance their community,” Matt Lutsey said. “We are thrilled to once again honor my grandfather’s dream by enabling the dreams of our young scholars.”

To be considered for the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship, students must be in their final year of high school, graduating from a high school that is within 150 miles of Green Bay, in good academic standing, planning to attend an accredited four-year college or university, and committed to pursue a career in agriculture that will enhance Wisconsin’s rural communities.

Thomas H. Lutsey was a dairy farmer from Pulaski, Wisconsin, who created Gold Bond Ice Cream (later rebranded as Good Humor-Breyers) and ice-cream novelties such as the Eskimo Pie. Thomas H. Lutsey’s son, Tom Lutsey, founded Waseda Farms in 2008. Waseda Farms is an organic farm in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, that distributes certified organic food to several restaurants, grocery stores, other retailers and schools throughout Wisconsin and other locations in the Midwest.

2019 Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship Recipients

This year’s scholars include a valedictorian, an Eagle Scout, a 4-H president and an animal lover who has experience bringing cattle into the world.

Year after year, as the applications are submitted and then reviewed by the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship Committee to determine the next deserving scholars, it never ceases to amaze me the all-around passion, commitment, talent and success these young people have in everything they do—from schoolwork to extracurricular activities to serving and bettering their community to taking on leadership responsibilities to working countless hours on a farm or in another agricultural-related job,” Matt Lutsey said. “This year’s scholars epitomize why the future of agriculture is in good hands.”

The 2019 Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship recipients are:

Justin Engebretsen, Gillett, Wis. An industrious spirit shaped by working on his family’s large dairy farm has served Engebretsen well in other facets of his life. He has been an FFA president and a dairy ambassador for Oconto County, attained the prestigious Boy Scouts status of Eagle Scout, ranked fifth in his graduating class at Gillett High School with a 3.8 grade-point average, and plans to study agricultural engineering at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with an interest in designing efficient machines for farming. Engebretsen is the fourth Gillett graduate — and the first since 1995 — to be named a Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholar.

Hailey Fink, Kaukauna, Wis. A love of animals, which has included working with cows and helping deliver calves at a dairy farm in her community, has inspired Fink to pursue a career as a veterinarian to care for livestock. She will enroll at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to study animal science after graduating in the top 25 of her class at Kaukauna High School with a 3.95 grade-point average, where she was an accomplished musician and a leader in the school’s peer-mentoring program. Fink is the first graduate of Kaukauna to earn a Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholarship.

Jessica Magdanz, Pine River, Wis. Besides working as a caretaker for the young stock on her family’s dairy farm, Magdanz filled many days the last few years with leadership roles (including 4-H president) and organizing numerous activities in her community. She plans to study agribusiness at UW-River Falls after excelling at Weyauwega-Fremont High School, where she ranked sixth in her graduating class with a 3.9 grade-point average and played in the school band in addition to many years of dancing. Magdanz is the first Weyauwega-Fremont graduate to receive a Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholarship.

Lily Wagner, Westfield, Wis. This year’s class valedictorian at Westfield Area High School with a perfect grade-point average of 4.0 redefined highly involved. She participated in band, choir and musicals, played four sports, was a multi-year state qualifier in forensics, and served as president of her class, Student Council and the National Honor Society. After also working at a local farm, Wagner embarks on her college studies at UW-Madison with a goal of becoming a veterinarian. She is the first Westfield Area graduate to be named a Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholar.

A Commitment to Sustainable Farming and Education

Waseda Farms is a certified organic, sustainable farm in Door County that encourages the best environmental practices and humane animal treatment and provides agricultural jobs to the community. Waseda Farms also operates Waseda Farms Market on the farm in Door County and provides curbside pick-up for market orders at its facility in De Pere, Wisconsin. More information on Waseda Farms can be found at wasedafarms.com.

The Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship underscores Waseda Farms’ commitment to organic, sustainable and responsible farming and its commitment to education. Thomas Lutsey was a strong believer in hard work and diligence being essential to success. He wanted to help students who had a passion for agriculture and a dedication to furthering their education to better their local communities. The annual goal is to support students in rural communities who go to college and plan to commit themselves to living and working in those communities to advance Wisconsin’s agricultural future.

Three of this year’s four scholars are their high schools’ first-time recipients of the four-year, $10,000 college scholarship since the program started in 1986 to advance agriculture in rural communities.

The reach – and resulting impact – of the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship continues to expand in Wisconsin after 33 years.

Three of the four recipients this year are the first graduating high school students from their respective schools to be selected for the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship.

The presentation of the four-year, $10,000 college scholarship to each recipient this spring raises the total of Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholars to 109 since the start of the program in 1986. And the collective money awarded to the scholarship winners in the history of the program has climbed to more than $700,000.

To be considered for the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship, students must be in their final year of high school, graduating from a high school that is within 150 miles of Green Bay, in good academic standing, planning to attend an accredited four-year college or university, and committed to pursue a career in agriculture that will enhance Wisconsin’s rural communities.

In keeping with the vision my grandfather had when he created the scholarship foundation over three decades ago, we are delighted to once again support young, resourceful and aspiring students who have a passion for agriculture and a desire to someday strengthen their own communities as they further their education,” said President Matt Lutsey of Waseda Farms, which sponsors the scholarship program through Green Bay-based Lutsey Enterprises.”

Matt’s late grandfather, Thomas H. Lutsey, was a dairy farmer from Pulaski, Wisconsin, who created Gold Bond Ice Cream (later rebranded as Good Humor-Breyers) and ice-cream novelties such as the Eskimo Pie. Thomas H. Lutsey’s son, Tom Lutsey, founded Waseda Farms in 2008. Waseda Farms is an organic farm in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, that distributes certified organic food to several restaurants, grocery stores, other retailers and schools throughout Wisconsin as well as other locations in the Midwest.

2018 Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship Recipients

This year’s scholars include a valedictorian, a salutatorian, a businesswoman and a fireman, all from different parts of Wisconsin.

These four students stood out among a large pool of applicants, all worthy of consideration for the scholarship award by the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship Selection Committee,” Matt Lutsey said. “It’s impressive to see how each of the scholars excelled in the classroom, participated in numerous activities, took on leadership roles and balanced all of that with time-consuming work on the farm.”

The 2018 Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship recipients are:

Sarah Albers, Prairie du Sac, Wis. Inspired daily by her late father’s hardworking mindset, Albers graduated at the top of her class at Sauk Prairie High School with a 4.3 grade-point average. Combining her love and experience of caring for livestock as a farmhand with extensive leadership opportunities in organizations such as FFA and 4-H, Albers plans to study animal science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and pursue a career as a veterinarian.

Jessica Jurcek, Jefferson, Wis. Having grown up and worked many years on her family’s grass-fed beef farm, Jurcek is passionate about sustainable agriculture. So much that the salutatorian of Jefferson High School’s graduating class with a 4.3 grade-point average and former Student Council president will enroll at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to study sustainable systems management so she can help farmers implement renewable technologies.

Olivia Pusch, Rubicon, Wis. A top-10 student at Hartford Union High School with a 4.1 grade-point average and a well-rounded pedigree of multiple extracurricular activities, Pusch made her mark as a young entrepreneur, too. She started to raise, show and sell Angus cattle as a 14-year-old, expanded the operation to breed Wagyu cattle and will pursue a degree in animal science at UW-Madison with a career goal of researching livestock genetics and nutrition.

Austin Vandertie, Brussels, Wis. As the eighth Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholar from Southern Door High School (matching Denmark High School for the most Lutsey-Waseda Farms scholarship recipients from one school), a highly involved Vandertie excelled academically as well as outside the classroom. The longtime farmhand on his family’s dairy farm aspires to lead the operations there as a fifth-generation farmer after he pursues a degree in dairy science at UW-Madison. Vandertie also is a state-certified firefighter who plans to continue helping his volunteer fire department.

A Commitment to Sustainable Farming and Education

Waseda Farms is a certified organic, sustainable farm in Door County that encourages the best environmental practices and humane animal treatment and provides agricultural jobs to the community. Waseda Farms also operates Waseda Farms Market on the farm in Door County and provides curbside pick-up for market orders at its facility in De Pere, Wisconsin. More information on Waseda Farms can be found at wasedafarms.com.

The Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship underscores Waseda Farms’ commitment to organic, sustainable and responsible farming and its commitment to education. Thomas Lutsey was a strong believer in hard work and diligence being essential to success. He wanted to help students who had a passion for agriculture and a dedication to furthering their education to better their local communities. The annual goal is to support students in rural communities who go to college and plan to commit themselves to living and working in those communities to advance Wisconsin’s agricultural future.

Referring to someone or something for turning a hundred can be made in different ways. A century is a period of time that spans 100 years. A centennial is a birthday or anniversary of 100 years. A centenarian is a person who is 100 years old.

Make room in the “100 Club” for the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship.

With the selection of six new recipients who will become part of tomorrow’s agricultural future, the scholarship program has surpassed the century mark for the number of exemplary students who earned financial means to realize the dreams they have for their own rural communities.

Since 1986, a total of 105 graduating high school students have benefited from over $600,000 in scholarships gifted through the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship. Each scholarship recipient is given a $10,000 scholarship over four years.

Thomas H. Lutsey was a dairy farmer from Pulaski, Wis., who created Gold Bond Ice Cream (later rebranded as Good Humor-Breyers) and ice-cream novelties such as the Eskimo Pie. His son, Tom Lutsey, founded Waseda Farms, an organic farm in Baileys Harbor, Wis., that also has two local markets and distributes food to several restaurants in the region.

Waseda Farms President Matt Lutsey, grandson of the late Thomas Lutsey, noted the significance of the 100^th scholarship being given out this year.

“Knowing that so many people have been given an opportunity that they may have not had otherwise is really an amazing feeling,” he said. “I know that my grandfather would be proud to see how this his little scholarship has grown over the years. This was near and dear to his heart.”

2017 Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship Recipients

The selection of six scholarship winners this year is an increase of one from previous years.

“We had a very difficult time narrowing it down with so many deserving scholars this year,” Lutsey said. “We really felt that adding the extra scholar this year was the right thing to do.”

All of this year’s scholarship recipients are children of farmers and/or farm operators.

The students expertly balanced their school studies and extracurricular activities while tending to daily chores and work duties on the farm. One recipient graduated at the head of her class as valedictorian, and two others are salutatorians by ranking second academically.

“We have no doubt that this small contribution to enhancing rural communities here in our backyard will pay dividends for years to come,” Lutsey said.

The 2017 Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship recipients are:

Lillian Feider, New Holstein, Wis. While working on her family’s third-generation, 300-cow dairy farm and leading her FFA chapter, Feider starred in the classroom with an exceptional 4.1 grade-point average to rank No. 2 at New Holstein High School.

Emma Gwidt, Pulaski, Wis. The oldest of six kids, Gwidt aspires to run her family’s multigenerational dairy farm, where she has raised a herd of 15 Holstein cattle. After serving as president of her local FFA and 4-H chapters and qualifying for the 2017 National Holstein Convention, the Pulaski High School graduate plans to study Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Jessica Mehre, Glenbeulah, Wis. With vast interests that included participation in music, theater and sports as well as serving as president of her FFA and AFS-USA chapters, Mehre ranked second in her class at Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah High School. A partner in her family’s third-generation dairy farm, she will enroll at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study Dairy Science with an interest in dairy systems research.

Erik Ohman, Glenbeulah, Wis. A Plymouth High School graduate who was a team captain in football and wrestling and attained a perfect 4.0 grade-point average, Ohman heads to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study Biochemistry. He wants to promote organic farming and operate a small livestock farm, having already logged 15 years of helping out with the cattle and swine at his family’s farm.

Iris Schira, Mosinee, Wis. The Mosinee High School valedictorian with an unblemished 4.0 grade-point average plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Schira has distinguished herself as a leader, from class president in Student Senate and team captain in track and field at school to mentoring as a “Big” in Big Brothers Big Sisters to managing a herd of 28 beef cattle on her family’s dairy farm.

Joseph Tomandl, Medford, Wis. An entrepreneurial mindset has Tomandl thinking about starting a farm or an agriculture-focused business in his rural community as the Medford Area Senior High School graduate moves on to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls to pursue agricultural engineering. He has been president of his FFA and 4-H chapters, a cross-country team captain and entrusted with leadership responsibilities at his family’s grass-based dairy farm, including raising a herd of Hereford cattle organically. 

A Generational Commitment to Farming and Education

Thomas Lutsey’s son, Tom Lutsey, continued his father’s passion for the farm and purchased land in Baileys Harbor, Wis., that is now Waseda Farms.

The certified organic, sustainable farm encourages the best environmental practices and humane animal treatment and provides agricultural jobs to the community. Waseda Farms also has a store on the farm in Door County as well as Waseda Farms Market in De Pere, Wis. More information on Waseda Farms can be found at wasedafarms.com.

The Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship underscores Waseda Farms’ commitment to organic, sustainable and responsible farming and its commitment to education. The four-year, $10,000 scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors with a rural background who live within 150 miles of Green Bay and are pursuing a college degree in agriculture that will enhance rural communities.

Thomas Lutsey was a strong believer in hard work and diligence being essential to success. He wanted to help students who had a passion for agriculture and a dedication to furthering their education to better their local communities.

Three generations of the Lutsey family have carried on the legacy that started with the gifting of the first scholarship in 1986. The annual goal is to support students in our rural communities who go to college and plan to commit themselves to living and working in those communities to advance Wisconsin’s agricultural future.

Hazel Schira grew up on a family farm in Mosinee, Wis., a community of nearly 4,000 people. It was early mornings, long days and never-ending hard work. And Schira loved every minute of it.

“Growing up on the farm has been an incredible experience,” recalls Schira. And that love of farming has taken her from Mosinee to Madison.

Schira is now a senior at UW-Madison double majoring in Biochemistry and Chinese. Next year, she will present her research on white blood cells at a conference in Chicago. She is fluent in Mandarin and has studied abroad twice in China.

As a graduating senior, Schira gets asked a lot about what comes next. Right now, she’s isn’t quite sure, and she isn’t concerned about it either. Options include graduate school, medical school, or maybe the peace corps.

She ultimately plans on returning to a rural community where she can help; in a similar way her home community of Mosinee has helped her family.

“I am looking to move to a more rural community, like the one I grew up in. It’s a great place to raise a family,” she said. “They are supporting my family in our time of need.”

Schira is referring to the health struggles both her parents face. Her father is disabled, bipolar and faces an ongoing struggle with depression. Schira’s mother is fighting breast cancer. Her parents’ health challenges are one of the primary reasons Schira is interested in pursuing the medical field.

The community support shown to Schira and her family includes providing dinner for the family every night. Schira, while busy with school and preparing for her future, returns home about once a month to help on the farm. For her, it’s helping out her family most when they need it.

Schira is no stranger to the theme of overcoming challenges; in kindergarten, she was diagnosed with dyslexia. She credits the Mosinee School District with helping her succeed. By middle school, she was keeping up with the other students. While she needed extra time to do it all, she continued.

“I believe I have overcome my disability by working hard,” said Schira. In addition to her dyslexia, she also has an autoimmune disease and physical limitations, but those have never stopped her from pursuing her life goals. Schira shared that she always knew she’d go to college and nothing would stop her.

“If you really set your mind to something, you’ll find a way to do it,” she said.

Schira was the valedictorian at Mosinee High School, class of 2013. She is also a 2013 recipient of the Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship.