Crop West Susan Cunningham Memorial Scholarship

To me, going to college represents more than just the pursuit of a degree, it is the realization of a dream that began with the sacrifices of my parents. Neither of them had the opportunity to earn a college degree. Instead, they chose to serve our country by joining the military and raising a family, placing our needs before their own educational goals. Their dedication and discipline have inspired me to value hard work, resilience, and service. Now, I have the chance to build upon their foundation and take a step they didn’t have the opportunity to. As a first-generation college student, I understand the importance of seizing this opportunity. I am pursuing a degree in business because I have always had a strong interest in entrepreneurship and leadership. I am fascinated by how businesses grow, how leaders inspire teams, and how innovation can create value for communities. My ultimate goal is to own and operate my own business. I want to build something meaningful, not only to provide for my future family but also to create jobs and give back to my community. My time in high school has prepared me for the challenges and responsibilities that come with college. As a multi-sport athlete, I have learned the value of time management, perseverance, and teamwork. Balancing sports with academics and extracurricular involvement has taught me how to stay focused and determined, even when faced with setbacks. These lessons are ones I will carry with me throughout my college journey and into my future career. In addition to athletics, I have been actively involved in Key Club, DECA, and the National Honor Society. Each of these organizations has shaped me in different but equally important ways. Key Club has instilled in me a strong commitment to service and helping others. DECA has sharpened my business and marketing skills, giving me a head start in understanding the world I plan to enter. National Honor Society has challenged me to maintain high academic standards while also embodying values like leadership and character. Through these experiences, I have grown into a well-rounded individual who is prepared to contribute to the college community both inside and outside the classroom. College is not just the next step in my education, it is a personal milestone and a tribute to the sacrifices my parents made. It is the beginning of a journey that will allow me to follow my passions, achieve my goals, and honor the values they instilled in me. I am ready to work hard, stay committed, and make the most of this opportunity. With the support of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to turning my dreams into reality and eventually becoming the kind of leader and business owner who uplifts others just as my parents have uplifted me.

I grew up on my family’s ranch in the Shields Valley of Montana, where math and business aren’t just school subjects, they are part of everyday life. Whether it’s figuring feed costs, keeping records, or making decisions about our herd, I learned early that numbers actually matter. One wrong decision can affect an entire year’s work. That’s where my interest in mathematics and business started, not in a classroom, but in real life situations where those skills directly impact whether an operation survives and grows. Through 4-H and FFA, I’ve built my own livestock program that includes cattle, horses, and rabbits. It started small, but it has grown into something that has taught me a lot more than just animal care. I’ve learned how to keep detailed records, track expenses, and make decisions that balance what I want with what actually makes financial sense. I’ve also learned that it is easy to get attached to animals, but real responsibility sometimes means making hard, practical choices. Those lessons have helped me grow a lot in how I think about both agriculture and business. Community has always been a big part of my life, and serving others is something I take seriously. Through 4-H, I have volunteered helping clean highways and cemeteries, assisted elderly community members, and mentored younger kids who are just starting their livestock projects. I enjoy helping them because I remember what it felt like to be new and unsure. In FFA, I have helped organize a community petting zoo, our chapter’s Ag Banquet, and a Christmas tree drive to support local families during the holidays. These experiences have shown me that service does not have to be complicated to matter. Small efforts really do add up in a community. One of the biggest things I have taken on is starting the Sedan Cow Camp and Show. I saw that a lot of kids were interested in livestock but did not always have access to the same resources, mentorship, or opportunities. Instead of just recognizing that gap, I wanted to do something about it. Through SCCS, we teach skills like feeding, fitting, showmanship, and basic livestock care in a hands-on environment. Even more important than the skills, I’ve watched kids gain confidence in themselves. It has been one of the most challenging and rewarding things I have ever been part of, because it pushed me into leadership in a real way, not just a title, but actual responsibility for other people’s experience. Looking ahead, I plan to earn a degree in Agricultural Business and then go on to law school. My goal is to use that education to be a strong voice for agriculture and the families behind it. I want to advocate for producers who often do not have time to navigate all the regulations and policies that affect their livelihoods. I also want to help protect land, water, and the ability for family operations like mine to continue into the future. I do not have everything figured out yet, but I do know I want to come back to rural communities with tools, knowledge, and a voice that can make a difference. At the end of the day, I want my education to mean something beyond just a degree. I want it to connect back to the people and places that raised me. I’ve been shaped by hard work, agriculture, and community, and I plan to take that with me into everything I do next.