Aurora Cooperative Announces 2017 Scholarship Winners

Putting Owners’ Equity to Work for the Future of Ag in our Communities

Aurora, Neb. – The Aurora Cooperative is pleased to announce the 2017 scholarship winners. Each year
the Aurora Cooperative awards scholarships to students pursuing a college education and career in
agriculture. This year $10,000 in scholarships was awarded to 15 students. The top five scholarship
winners each received $1,000 with the remaining 10 students each receiving $500. The Aurora
Cooperative is honored to help each of these outstanding young people further their education and
achieve their goals within the agricultural field.

The students receiving $1,000 are as follows: Jason Line, son of Darby and Annette Line of Miller, Neb.;
Nathan Lundeen, son of Bradley and Deb Lundeen of Minden, Neb.; Corey Conway, son of Robert and
Kelli Conway of Campbell, Neb.; Marissa Kegley, daughter of Randy and Marcie Kegley of Kearney,
Neb.; Grace McDonald, daughter of John and Susan McDonald of Phillips, Neb.

Students receiving $500 are as follows: Elly Dahl, daughter of Monty and Heather Dahl of Courtland,
Kan.; Blake Kirchhoff, son of Matthew and Cindy Kirchhoff of Hardy, Neb.; Blake Bauer, son of Brian
and Sandy Bauer of Fairbury, Neb.; Keatton Reese, son of Ronnie and Kim Reese of Pleasanton, Neb.;
Michaela Cunningham, daughter of Chris and Carla Cunningham of Fullerton, Neb.; Jacob Simonson, son
of Jerry and Barbara Simonson of St. Libory, Neb.; Michelle Unruh, daughter of Robert and Joan Unruh
of Webber, Kan.; Lily Woitaszewski, daughter of Larry Woitaszewski and Anne Bohan of Wood River,
Neb.; Donovan Buss, son of Bryan and Diane Buss of York, Neb.; Landon Wright, son of Wryan and Cris
Wright of Hastings, Neb.

As part of the application, each student was asked to write an essay titled, “How I Plan to Contribute to
Agriculture.” Below is a small excerpt from the top five students’ essays.
“Pride in ownership of the ranch that has been in our family for 130 years instills in me a dedication to
rural life and contributing to agriculture. I realize being successful does not just mean being profitable,
but also providing an opportunity for the next generation of farmers, ranchers and hunters to enjoy our
great outdoors.” – Jason Line

“Something I have learned from watching my older siblings is the importance of being involved in the
agricultural community, no matter what my age. This is important to be me because I realize I am the next
generation farmer, and I need to gain every bit of knowledge I can to play my part in the agricultural
industry.” – Nathan Lundeen

“Ninety-eight percent of children in America no longer grow up on a farm. I consider myself blessed to
be among the two percent who still cling to that nearly extinct way of life. Being raised on a family farm
that is continually supportive of me has motivated me immensely to leave a legacy for generations to
come.” – Corey Conway

“In my future career, I will serve livestock producers and help them provide a healthy, nutritious product
to the consumer. My dedication not only stops at helping producers, but by making a commitment to the
agriculture industry by continuing education, awareness, advocacy, networking and teamwork to
empower our society to learn the importance of agriculture.” – Marissa Kegley
“Agriculture is the basis of our economy. My 18 years of growth has cultivated me to pursue a career
involved in agriculture communications, connecting my family’s farming heritage with my cherished
speaking and writing abilities. I want to help communicate the story of agriculture towards the future.”
– Grace McDonald

About Aurora Cooperative – The Aurora Cooperative is a resource for better information, better
products and services and better decision making all year long. With The Aurora Cooperative, farmerowners
have a trusted partner who looks well beyond the horizon. They are putting owners’ equity to
work – every day – by anticipating what their farmer-owners will need tomorrow and creating what’s next
for their farm.

A portfolio of innovation that supports every aspect of a farmer-owners’ operation. And an unwavering
commitment to their success – however they measure it. Any farmer-owner of The Aurora Cooperative
can rest assured that every investment the cooperative makes is focused on their farm, their cooperative,
their future. To learn more about The Aurora Cooperative, visit their website at www.auroracoop.com.