My least favorite day of each year was softball senior night. This was the day when all the seniors got to play on their home field one last time before moving on and graduating. All season long our team bonded together like a family. We laughed together, ran together, got into trouble together, and shared all of our wins together. And just like that, after senior night, we were separated. I could say that my favorite part of the game was getting fit, becoming a girl with greater grit, or hitting the ball past the outfielders but gaining sisters and being apart of our softball family does not even compare to those things. Our team knew what it meant to step up when one player got hurt or if we were a point or two behind in a game. I have made life long friends from playing softball. It wasn't just my coaches that pushed me to become the best version of myself that I could possibly be, it was my team-mates as well. My favorite game during one of my past seasons was actually a loss. We had an extremely hard practice the day before so we all felt prepared for the good team we would be playing against. Each girl played their hardest and gave it their all. What ended in an exiting yet devastating loss, our coach was happy. This was weird because the only time our coach gets happy is when we win or if we buy him CocaCola. As we took a knee in left field after our loss he said, "you played like winners and as a team, we are climbing the mountain." Though he said few words, we felt his pride in us which made us all smile and feel great about our performance and team. This coming season will be my senior year. I wonder how I will feel on senior night this year. After high school, I plan on attending South Dakota State University to pursue a degree in animal science. I can not imagine a spring when I am not on the diamond playing second base so, I plan on joining an intramural softball group at the university. I am forever thankful for the family, lessons, and grit softball has given me. It's hard to think this is my last year playing a sport that I have grown up playing.

Throughout my life, agriculture has been more than just something I grew up around, it has shaped my identity, my work ethic, and my goals for the future! As a fourth-generation farm kid, I spent my childhood learning the rhythm of early mornings, long days, and the responsibility that comes with caring for livestock. But it wasn’t until I began working more closely with dairy cattle that I discovered a true passion for animal health and the science behind dairy nutrition. The more time I spent feeding calves, studying cattle behavior, and volunteering at a local dairy, the more clearly I saw what I wanted to do with my future. These experiences helped guid me toward my goal of becoming a dairy nutritionist, a career that will allow me to support producers while improving the health and performance of the animals I’ve grown up caring for. To get a head start on my education, I enrolled in dual-credit classes and will graduate high school with my AA degree. This gives me the opportunity to begin my animal science studies immediately after graduation and move more quickly toward advanced coursework in nutrition and dairy management. My plan is to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal science and later pursue a master’s degree in dairy nutrition so I can develop the knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in the industry. Because agriculture is a male-dominated field, I have faced moments where people doubted my abilities based on my gender alone. Instead of discouraging me, this has pushed me to work harder and prove myself through dedication, leadership, and hands-on experience. As an FFA president, a state-level public speaking competitor, and a volunteer in youth service programs, I’ve learned how to lead by example and uplift others which are skills I hope to carry into my professional career. My ultimate goal is to support dairy producers by helping them build healthier, more sustainable herds while also serving as a role model for young women who want to pursue careers in agriculture. This scholarship will help me be able to afford the higher education that is needed to become a dairy nutritionist. Just like Kalia, I strive for excellence in every aspect of my life. I want to give back to the industry that raised me and help shape a stronger future for the farms and families who depend on it every single day.

If you know anything about pathfinders, guy on a buffalo, or Buffalo Bingo Thursday then you know the legend Mr. Gabriel. I was approaching 5th period as a freshman on the first Thursday of Winter trimester, I took a seat and felt exhausted. Mr. Gabriel was discussing what today's agenda would be and how we were going to play buffalo bingo. My eyes started to drift off into no-mans-land. That was until Mr. Gabriel yelled at the very top of his lungs "DOUBLE BONUS POINTS!" I suddenly became very awake and eager to play this bingo game. Buffalo Bingo is just like any ordinary bingo game but with a few twists. You have to answer a question about what we've been taught throughout the week to mark one of the boxes. And of course, Mr. Gabriel must put his buffalo hat on. Mr. Gabriel wasn't just fun on Thursday's. He was fun every day of the week. Some days he would take his class on field trips to a fish hatchery and others he would put on an old western movie as he carried conversations with a few of his favorite students. Mr. Gabriel's favorite thing to do is hike. He stared a hiking club at our school 30 years ago called pathfinders. He would take 4 groups of about 20 students hiking 6 times per school year. Pathfinders has given students something to look forward to, opportunities to make friends, and best of all enjoy nature. The part of Mr. Gabriel that really inspires me is the fact that he's 65 years old. Age is not an excuse for him. He has taught me to do what you love in this life because we don't have a lot of time. I remember talking to him once about passion. He told me that my passions are different than others and that is what makes me great. He went on to say that too many people give up their passions to 'fit it' or because they feel too old or lazy. Since then, I have lived my life with a more care-free attitude. He's right, life is too short to pass up things that make us truly happy. For Mr. Gabriel it is hiking, fishing, watching old westerns, and baseball. For me, it's advocating for agriculture, farming, serving people in my community, and skiing. I'm so glad I stepped into his classroom and left with a new perspective.

Throughout my life, agriculture has been more than just something I grew up around, it has shaped my identity, my work ethic, and my goals for the future! As a fourth-generation farm kid, I spent my childhood learning the rhythm of early mornings, long days, and the responsibility that comes with caring for livestock. But it wasn’t until I began working more closely with dairy cattle that I discovered a true passion for animal health and the science behind dairy nutrition. The more time I spent feeding calves, studying cattle behavior, and volunteering at a local dairy, the more clearly I saw what I wanted to do with my future. These experiences guided me toward my goal of becoming a dairy nutritionist, a career that will allow me to support producers while improving the health and performance of the animals I’ve grown up caring for. To get a head start on my education, I enrolled in dual-credit classes and will graduate high school with my AA degree. This gives me the opportunity to begin my animal science studies immediately after graduation and move more quickly toward advanced coursework in nutrition and dairy management. My plan is to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal science and later pursue a master’s degree in dairy nutrition so I can develop the knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in the industry. Because agriculture is a male-dominated field, I have faced moments where people doubted my abilities based on my gender alone. Instead of discouraging me, this has pushed me to work harder and prove myself through dedication, leadership, and hands-on experience. As an FFA president, a state-level public speaking competitor, and a volunteer in youth service programs, I’ve learned how to lead by example and uplift others which are skills I hope to carry into my professional career. The support that my agriculture teacher has given me all four years of high school has made me believe in myself and to not give up on my dreams. He inspires me to always be the best version of myself and push myself to failure because we only live once so we should make the most of it. My ultimate goal is to support dairy producers by helping them build healthier, more sustainable herds while also serving as a role model for young women who want to pursue careers in agriculture. I want to give back to the industry that raised me and help shape a stronger future for the farms and families who depend on it every single day!

Throughout my life, agriculture has been more than just something I grew up around, it has shaped my identity, my work ethic, and my goals for the future! As a fourth-generation farm kid, I spent my childhood learning the rhythm of early mornings, long days, and the responsibility that comes with caring for livestock and equipment. But it wasn’t until I began working more closely with dairy cattle that I discovered a true passion for animal health and the science behind dairy nutrition. The more time I spent feeding calves, studying cattle behavior, and volunteering at a local dairy, the more clearly I saw what I wanted to do with my future. These experiences guided me toward my goal of becoming a dairy nutritionist, a career that will allow me to support producers while improving the health and performance of the animals I’ve grown up caring for. To get a head start on my education, I enrolled in dual-credit classes and will graduate high school with my AA degree. This gives me the opportunity to begin my animal science studies immediately after graduation and move more quickly toward advanced coursework in nutrition and dairy management. My plan is to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal science and later pursue a master’s degree in dairy nutrition so I can develop the knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in the industry. Getting this degree will mean more than taking the next step in my life. I will prove to my family and myself that I am capable of doing more than turning wrenches. Because agriculture is a male-dominated field, I have faced moments where people doubted my abilities based on my gender alone. Instead of discouraging me, this has pushed me to work harder and prove myself through dedication, leadership, and hands-on experience. As an FFA president, a state-level public speaking competitor, and a volunteer in youth service programs, I’ve learned how to lead by example and uplift others which are skills I hope to carry into my professional career. My ultimate goal is to support dairy producers by helping them build healthier, more sustainable herds while also serving as a role model for young women who want to pursue careers in agriculture. I want to give back to the industry that raised me and help shape a stronger future for the farms and families who depend on it every single day!

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."- Philippians 4:13. Through every stage of my life, this scripture verse has stuck with me and given me courage to pursue my dreams. I was born and raised going to church every single Sunday. I always paid tithing, got baptized, and said my prayers. As I got older, those things started to feel life just another thing on my to-do list. I prioritized school, work, and my leadership roles over my relationship with God and even my family. At school, I am currently earning my honors diploma and graduating high school with a AA degree. I work on my families fourth generation farm and irrigate my neighbors 15-acre corn field. I am serving as this year's FFA president for my chapter and Yakima Valley Dairy Ambassador. During a random Sunday in July, I was sitting in Sunday School waiting for the teacher to finish her lesson until she said something that would change my perspective on everything. She said, "What's important to you is important to God." These few words made me realize that God knows the stress and effort that I put towards school, work, and my leadership roles. I didn't put my relationship with my Father in Heaven on the back burner anymore. Now, I turn to him for guidance in school, pray before I go to work on the farm, and try to be a good example as a leader. I have seen a drastic change in not only my character but the daily decisions I make. My goal is to attend South Dakota State University to study Dairy Nutrition. My faith is going to be important as I pursue this specific career because I know there will be times when I feel discouraged. As a woman in the agriculture and dairy industry, I often feel unheard or small. Knowing I have God to help and strengthen me, I fear not. I will work hard to make my goals a reality to prove to not only myself but also to my family that I am capable of doing more than turning wrenches. I also realize that consistency is key. I shouldn't only feel Gods love for me when everything is going right, I shouldn't only pray when I need help, and I shouldn't only read the scriptures when I have time. To me, faith means feeling Gods love when you're facing adversity, praying when you feel blessed, and making time for scripture study. From college classrooms to muddy cow stalls, my faith will have a major role in my life and career.

I try to embody selflessness by focusing on how I can serve others before myself. Whether through FFA, my role as Yakima Valley Dairy Ambassador, or helping on my family's farm, I believe leadership is about helping people succeed and supporting them when they need it. Not just by the words we speak but by the actions we take and the people the we genuinely want to help. One example was serving as president of my FFA chapter. Rather than focusing on my own accomplishments, I took as many opportunities as I could for members to become involved and develop their leadership skills. I spent time helping younger members prepare for competitions, answering questions, and encouraging them when they lacked confidence. I wanted to be the president lower class-men looked up to and come to for anything. I spent many hours studying and helping FFA members get ready for competitions or even work on leadership skills. Seeing them grow and succeed was more rewarding than any personal recognition. Another example is my work as Yakima Valley Dairy Ambassador. I volunteer my time to educate the public about agriculture and dairy farming. Many people have misconceptions about farming, and I see it as an opportunity to serve my community by providing accurate information and helping connect consumers with the people who produce their food. Where I live in Washington, the dairy industry is a major part of its local economy yet dairies face a rising rate of backlash and hate. I knew that I had to stand up and take on the role to speak for the dairymen who are facing these challenges. I also work on my father's farm as an irrigator, machine operator, and general farm laborer. This has taught me that no matter the weather, how ill you are, or if you are exhausted, the corn needs to be watered, the animals need to be fed, and the equipment needs serviced. Putting farm chores before yourself takes a level or commitment and responsibility that most people will never fully understand. These experiences have taught me that selflessness is not about trying to get recognition but about using my time, knowledge, and abilities to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I've learned over the years and through my leadership roles that people will look up to you and respect you when you are doing the right thing, even when no one is looking.

I fell in love with agriculture at a very young age. Growing up, I was taught to work hard, stay humble, and do what needed to be done without complaining. I felt helpful and appreciated when I worked, and I honestly love it. Living and working on my family’s fourth-generation farm in south-central Washington has taught me the value of hard work which is a trait I carry with me in every aspect of my life. Especially at school, where I am currently taking dual-credit classes to earn my AA degree. I learned responsibility through irrigating my neighbor’s 15-acre corn field for three years and raising livestock. However, it wasn’t until I joined FFA and became president of my chapter that I discovered my voice had power and meaning. Through competing in FFA events and leading my officer team, I learned that the words I speak can create change. In 2023, my family purchased a 300-cow dairy near our farm. This became a pivotal moment in my life because, although I already loved agriculture, I did not realize how deeply I would fall in love with the dairy industry. Working on our dairy was challenging, but it opened my eyes to many possibilities and opportunities within the industry. Though our dairy is no longer in operation today, I still proudly represent the dairy community as the Yakima Valley Dairy Ambassador. In this role, I carry the responsibility of advocating for the dairy industry with grace, professionalism, and knowledge. My experiences working in and advocating for the dairy industry have inspired me to major in dairy nutrition at South Dakota State University with the goal of becoming a dairy nutritionist. If you don't catch me on a tractor, in a corn field, or wearing my blue FFA jacket, you will most likely find me spending time with my family. I love being around the people closest to me. Somehow, I always find myself in the middle of a competitive board game, watching a new movie, or sitting around the dinner table talking about corn prices and politics with my family. For my seventh birthday, I asked my dad for a dirt bike. When he asked why, I responded with something along the lines of, “I want to keep up with the boys.” I grew up with brothers, and most of my cousins around my age were boys as well. I believed that if I wanted to keep up with them, I needed to learn how to ride. So my dad bought me a dirt bike, and ever since then, riding has become one of my favorite hobbies. It has taught me toughness, grit, and perseverance. When I ride, I feel free. I will contribute to the agricultural industry as a hardworking woman in agriculture who refuses to give up when things become difficult. Failure, rejection, and doubt are all parts of life, and everyone experiences them at some point. I am willing to face those challenges while continuing to pursue my dreams. I hope to use my education in dairy nutrition to help producers improve herd health, efficiency, and sustainability while continuing to advocate for the dairy industry.

Most people see math as something that happens at a desk, with pencils and worksheets. For me, math goes on in my everyday life, standing in a feed alley with the sound of the mooing from cattle. The concept of math has never just been numbers on a page, it’s the difference between a healthy herd and one that struggles. Growing up on a farm, especially around dairy cattle, I’ve seen firsthand how math is implemented into every part of the job. When feeding cows, every pound of hay, silage, and grain has to be measured and balanced. Their diet is carefully calculated. A small change in a ration can affect milk production and your herds health which ultimately affects the farms business. That’s where my appreciation for math began. I started to see it as a tool rather than a subject. Once I started to understand how important math is in agriculture, I realized that math isn't as bad as others perceive it to be. As I’ve become more involved in agriculture, my interest in math has grown alongside my goal of pursuing a career in dairy nutrition. Dairy nutritionists rely heavily on math to formulate rations that meet the exact needs of the herd. Balancing energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals requires precision. Too much or too little of one component can throw everything off. What I love most about math is that it allows me to solve problems that matter. It gives me a way to improve the health and productivity of animals while also supporting farmers and their livelihoods. I've always been told that the most important thing in agriculture is efficiency. Math is the key to an efficient crop yield, diet for your herd, and managing finances. In the future, I hope to use math every day as a dairy nutritionist, helping farms create balanced, effective feeding programs and this scholarship would help me do just that.

Throughout my life, agriculture has been more than just something I grew up around, it has shaped my identity, my work ethic, and my goals for the future! As a fourth-generation farm kid, I spent my childhood learning the rhythm of early mornings, long days, and the responsibility that comes with caring for livestock. But it wasn’t until I began working more closely with dairy cattle that I discovered a true passion for animal health and the science behind dairy nutrition. The more time I spent feeding calves, studying cattle behavior, and volunteering at a local dairy, the more clearly I saw what I wanted to do with my future. These experiences guided me toward my goal of becoming a dairy nutritionist, a career that will allow me to support producers while improving the health and performance of the animals I’ve grown up caring for. To get a head start on my education, I enrolled in dual-credit classes and will graduate high school with my AA degree. This gives me the opportunity to begin my animal science studies immediately after graduation and move more quickly toward advanced coursework in nutrition and dairy management. My plan is to earn a bachelor’s degree in animal science and later pursue a master’s degree in dairy nutrition so I can develop the knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in the industry. Because agriculture is a male-dominated field, I have faced moments where people doubted my abilities based on my gender alone. Instead of discouraging me, this has pushed me to work harder and prove myself through dedication, leadership, and hands-on experience. As an FFA president, a state-level public speaking competitor, and a volunteer in youth service programs, I’ve learned how to lead by example and uplift others which are skills I hope to carry into my professional career. My ultimate goal is to support dairy producers by helping them build healthier, more sustainable herds while also serving as a role model for young women who want to pursue careers in agriculture. I want to give back to the industry that raised me and help shape a stronger future for the farms and families who depend on it!