Vita Plus Loyal Names Agriculture Scholarship Winners (May 2014)

(Loyal, Wis.) – Vita Plus Loyal is proud to name three high school seniors as recipients of the 2014 “Our Future is Agriculture” scholarships. This program recognizes deserving students with long-term career interests in agriculture.  Students must plan to enroll in an accredited vocational/technical institute, community college or four-year college or university that offers an academic major in a field related to agriculture.  The $500 scholarships may be applied toward tuition, room and board, or other expenses.  This year’s recipients are Paige Lindner, Greenwood High School; Carly Stumpner, Loyal High School; and Taylre Wilke, Loyal High School.

Paige Lindner, Greenwood, is the daughter of Terry and Carmella Lindner.  She is an active member of the Greenwood FFA Chapter and Greenwood Satellites 4-H Club, serving as president of both organizations.  She is also active in the National Honor Society, student council and choir, and was twice named to the Cloverbelt All-Conference Honorable Mention softball team.  Lindner will attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls to major in agricultural studies and become a veterinary technician.  “I want to come back to Clark County to work as a large animal veterinary technical and also work with my family to expand our dairy farm,” Lindner said.

Carly Stumpner, Loyal, is the daughter of Sheri Stumpner.  She serves as the president of her Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter and co-captain of the flag corps.  Stumpner is also involved in the National Honor Society, student council, one-act play, forensics and choir.  She plans to attend UW-Green Bay to major in biology with an emphasis on ecology and a minor in environmental science.  She would like to pursue a career in wildlife rehabilitation.  “Helping the environment has always been something that is very important to me,” Stumpner said.  “If we don’t manage land correctly and safely, it can also harm wild and domestic animals.”

Taylre Wilke, Loyal, is the daughter of Robert and Tanya Wilke.  She serves as president of the National Honor Society and Loyal Lads & Lassies 4-H Club, as well as vice president of the Loyal FFA Chapter.  She was also named captain of the varsity softball, basketball and volleyball teams.  This fall, Wilke will attend UW-Madison to major in dairy science with plans to pursue a career in agribusiness.  “Today many people in our world are unaware of where their food comes from or what the dairy industry does for them,” Wilke said. “I feel it is my duty to inform the public about agriculture as it is a huge part of Wisconsin’s economy, generating $59 billion a year.”

The employee owners at Vita Plus Loyal recognize that supporting students in their pursuit of agricultural careers is essential to developing the next generation of leaders and innovators in the agriculture industry.  “Agriculture is Wisconsin’s signature industry and developing strong leaders will fuel our future growth and success,” said Vita Plus Loyal General Manager John Every.  “We are proud of the long list of accomplishments that these students have already achieved and look forward to seeing them share their talents and skills with the agriculture industry.”

Vita Plus Corporation is an employee-owned company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Vita Plus has been serving livestock producers since 1948. More than just a feed supplier, Vita Plus consultants offer the latest cutting-edge technology, nutrition and management information. For more information about the organization, call 1-800-362-8334 or go online at www.vitaplus.com.