HAVRE — The Montana Grain Growers Association announced recently that it has awarded $26,000 in scholarships across the state to students at the high school and college level.
Justin Robicheau reports - watch the video here:
Reese Whitehead, a junior at the university, received the highest award to go toward her bachelor’s degree.
"I was in complete and utter shock," Whitehead said. "I cried, a lot because it was just an amazing moment. Definitely tears of joy because I besides this, I have never won a scholarship before."
"Right now I'm in the agricultural, technology operations program, so definitely going to use it full towards that," Whitehead said.
Alison Vergeront, executive vice president of the Montana Grain Growers Association, said a committee reviews applications across three categories. The awards range from $500 up to the $5,000 top prize.
"The $5,000 is specifically for an AG major, whereas the other two categories are really anything that's going to impact rural communities," Vergeront said. "So it's money that's going to the students to provide, you know, that financial assistance for anything with, tuition, books, any sort of needs that a student has."
While agriculture is a primary focus for the top award, Vergeront noted the scholarships reach students in many different career paths.
"We've had a few linemen, we've had plumbers, HVAC, pharmacy, dental students, teachers, different medical, radiology technologists, etc. in all capacities," Vergeront said.
"What's been so incredible is meeting the students, reading their applications, talking to them and just hearing about their aspirations and goals and to be able to partner with them and support them," Vergeront said. "It's just priceless."
Whitehead said the funds will help her continue her education, which at one point she considered stopping.
"You know, it's taking a long time," Whitehead said. "It's very expensive to, you know, pursue something like this. But it actually, you know, gave me a little bit of hope that all of my hard work is, you know, it's not for nothing, said Whitehead."
Applications for next year’s scholarships open December 1.
The recipient of the MGGA $5,000 scholarship is Montana State University – Northern student Reese Whitehead, who also works full time at the Northern Ag Research Center.
Recipients for the $500 scholarships: Addisyn Bengston (Cut Bank), Aiden Kitto (Toston), Ali Erickson (Hobson), Ayden DeBruycker (Fairfield), Brianna Terry (Big Sandy), Carrie Killen (Huntley), Carson Maloney (Turner), Dylan Clark (Shelby), Evan Walter (Conrad), Hailey Goroski (Glendive), Kaeden Wolery Hickman (Inverness), Kendall Clausen (Malta), Kylee Finn (Cascade), Landon Tveit (Fairview), Laynie Sattoriva (Hingham), Lily Bingaman (Conrad), Madelyn Myers (Hingham), Mara Salevold (Froid), Noah Walter (Conrad), Parker Hansen (Gildford), Riese Sattoriva (Hingham), Rye Miller (Gildford), Shayne Taylor (Wilsall), Shea Ostberg (Fairfield), Tate Beck (Hogeland), Tori Dixon (Big Sandy), Ty Baker (Havre) and Wyatt Ramage (Billings).
Recipients for the $1,000 scholarships: Alice Bold (Big Sandy), Baylor Davis (Great Falls), Dawson Hammond (Malta), Dirk Wolery (Rudyard), Helen Darlington (Great Falls), Reinhard Bold (Big Sandy) and Tiara Whitmus (Stanford).
2027 Scholarship opportunities will open December 1, 2026, and students who are qualified should consider applying for the $500, $1,000 and $5,000 scholarships.
