Aurora Cooperative is excited to recognize the recipients of our 2026 scholarship program. This year, ten outstanding students have each been awarded a $1,000 scholarship to further their education in agriculture-related fields. All scholarship recipients will be attending public or private post-secondary institutions during the 2026–2027 academic year.
These students have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, meaningful involvement in their communities, and a clear passion for advancing agriculture and driving positive change beyond it. We are proud to support this next generation of ag leaders. The Aurora Cooperative Scholarship reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in the future of rural communities and empowering youth to pursue higher education.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to every student who applied. The applicant pool was extremely competitive and showcased the dedication, talent, and enthusiasm of tomorrow’s agricultural professionals. We value each student’s ambition to build a career in agriculture and contribute to this essential industry.
The 2026 Aurora Cooperative Scholarship winners are as follows:
Karah Bartels – Attending Colby Community College – Colby, KS, majoring in Beef and Equine Production Management with a Feedlot certificate. Graduate of Silver Lake Public Schools, daughter of Todd and Becky Bartels.
Lizzie Black – Attending University of Nebraska – Lincoln, majoring in Agronomy. Graduate of Kearney Catholic High School, daughter of Kendall and Kathryn Black.
Kayden Crosby – Attending Northeast Community College, majoring in Agronomy. Graduate of Aurora High School, son of Mike and Carrie Crosby.
Wyatt Dose – Attending University of Nebraska – Lincoln, majoring in Ag Business. Graduate of Hampton High School, son of Shane and Theresa Dose.
Brooks Handrup – Attending Northeast Community College, majoring in Diversified Agriculture. Graduate of Aurora High School, son of Brandon and Deanna Handrup.
Alyssa Johnson – Attending Fort Hays State University, majoring in Agriculture Education. Graduate of Minden High School, daughter of Bradley and Julie Johnson.
Alizabeth Nielsen – Attending Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture – Curtis, majoring in Livestock Management. Graduate of Minden High School, daughter of Anson and Amanda Nielsen.
Weston Panko – Attending University of Nebraska – Lincoln, majoring in Animal Science. Graduate of Heartland Community Schools, son of Nathan and Lacey Panko.
Ian Schiller – Attending University of Nebraska – Lincoln, majoring in Agribusiness. Graduate of West Point Beemer High School, son of Chris and Michelle Schiller.
Devin Wall – Attending Dordt University – Sioux Center, IA, majoring in Agriculture Service Technician/Diesel Mechanics. Graduate of Nebraska Christian High School, son of Daren and Voleta Wall.
Congratulations to all our scholarship recipients! We are excited to support these talented individuals as they embark on their educational and professional paths.
For more information about the Aurora Cooperative scholarship program, please visit our website, www.auroracoop.com, or contact our office directly.
— Published on 4/14/2026 —