KJLS Awards Scholarships to Young Livestock Leaders

Recognizing Youth Excellence in Agriculture and Education

• Bonnie Johnson
• October 16, 2025
• Media Article

The Kansas Junior Livestock Show awards $20,000 in scholarships to 13 student exhibitors who excel in academics, leadership, and agriculture, supporting future generations of young agricultural leaders.

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The Kansas Junior Livestock Show (KJLS) continues to honor and encourage the next generation of agriculture leaders by presenting $20,000 in scholarships to 13 talented exhibitors.
 

The awards were announced on October 4 during the inaugural Supreme Female Drive, recognizing students who have shown exceptional academic performance, strong community involvement, and active participation in 4-H and FFA programs.
 

Since the beginning of this scholarship initiative in 1993, KJLS has awarded a total of $597,550 to 411 exhibitors. This long-running effort highlights the organization’s dedication to helping young agriculturalists pursue higher education and career development in the agriculture industry.
 

The scholarship program thrives because of the generous support of partners and sponsors, including Cargill, the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas Bill House Leadership Award, the Coonrod Family Foundation, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, the Lattner Family Foundation, Merck Animal Health, and the Terry Fritz Memorial. Their continued commitment helps KJLS recognize youth who exemplify leadership, dedication, and service to their communities.
 

These scholarships not only provide financial support but also encourage recipients to continue building their future in the agriculture industry. Through such recognition, KJLS reinforces the importance of education, leadership, and community service within the agricultural community.
 

This year’s recipients include:
 

• $2,000 scholarships: Adelaide Haverkamp (Bern), Lakyn Huncovsky (Riley), Allyson Rietcheck (Gardner), and Josi Schrader (Wells).
   
• $1,500 scholarships: Jaci Falkenstien (Oswego), Jansen Gerstner (Frankfort), Grady Gleason (Garden City), Trey Hommertzheim (Andale), Lizzy Vajnar (Hays), and Aubree Vering (Marysville).
   
• $1,000 scholarships: Jase Beltz (Canton), Rebecca Durler (Wright), and Reese Grady (St. George).
   

Through programs like this, the Kansas Junior Livestock Show continues to invest in youth who will shape the future of American agriculture. The program is made possible through the generous support of partners such as Cargill, the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas Bill House Leadership Award, the Coonrod Family Foundation, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, the Lattner Family Foundation, Merck Animal Health, and the Terry Fritz Memorial.
 

By investing in young leaders, KJLS continues to strengthen the future of American agriculture, inspiring students to carry forward the values of hard work, dedication, and innovation in the livestock industry.
 

Photo by: www.kla.org