Midwest Dairy Illinois Division awards scholarships

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Midwest Dairy announced that five students will receive $1,000 over the 2025-2026 academic school year to study agriculture education, dairy science, applied sciences and animal science, starting this fall at the college or university of their choice.

Recipients were chosen based on their community and school involvement, their leadership skills, their academic credentials, their involvement within the dairy industry and how they will strive to continue to represent the dairy industry in years to come.

The recipients of the Midwest Dairy Illinois Division Scholarships are:

• Clay Friestad, of Newark, is enrolled at Lakeland Community College and is pursuing his associate’s degree in applied sciences.

• Aubrey Wall, of Sorento, will be attending the University of Illinois in the fall to begin her degree in agriculture education.

• Cassandra Bohnert, of East Moline, is enrolled at Iowa State University and is pursuing her degree in dairy science.

• Alaina Dinderman, of Orangeville, will be attending University of Wisconsin-Platteville in the fall to begin her degree in animal science.

• Ellie Hildebrandt, of South Beloit, is enrolled at University of Wisconsin-Platteville and is pursuing a degree in agriculture education.

“The dairy world is not just a part of my past; it’s a vibrant part of my future. I look forward to continuing my journey, sharing stories and inspiring others in the world of agriculture and will roll up my sleeves and step forward when future opportunities arise,” Bohnert said.

Over the past five years Midwest Dairy’s Illinois Division has awarded scholarships to more than 25 students from dairy farms, work on a dairy farm, or who are studying dairy related majors.

It’s all part of the organization’s continued commitment to invest in creating dairy advocates, as well as developing the next generation of dairy leaders.

High school seniors and above can apply for the Illinois Division Midwest Dairy Scholarship. Requirements for the Illinois Division Scholarship include:

• Applicant must be considered or accepted as a full-time student at an accredited college.

• Applicant must contribute checkoff to Illinois Milk Promotion Board as of Jan. 1 of the current calendar year by one of the following: Applicant, or applicant’s parents, guardians, grandparents or sibling, must own a dairy farm located in the state of Illinois or applicant must be employed on a dairy farm located in the state of Illinois and be recommended by the producer employee.

• Former recipients of the scholarship may reapply in subsequent years, providing they remain eligible.

For more information about the Midwest Dairy Illinois Division scholarship, visit: https://tinyurl.com/Illinois-Dairy-Scholarships.