NILE Scholarship Program

For 30 years, the NILE has awarded scholarships to deserving FFA and 4-H students that have been actively involved in their respective programs and communities, excelled in the classroom, and participated in NILE events. "Few things are as essential to survival as production agriculture! Therefore, we must continue to create and support AGvocates," says Jennifer Boka, General Manager of the NILE. "The NILE is proud to increase educational opportunities for youth through scholarships! The NILE, supporting the future of agriculture, through today’s youth."

Since 1990, the NILE and NILE Foundation has awarded over $950,000 in cash and 'live animal' scholarships to deserving youth active in 4-H, FFA, and their communities. The following recipients excelled in the classroom while participating in NILE events.

Similar to previous years, scholarships were awarded on various levels described below:

A one-time $1,000 scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors that will continue their education at a college or vocational school.
A one-time $2,000 "Shining Star Award" is a new scholarship offered to a graduating high school senior that excelled academically, in their community, and at NILE Events.
Collegiate Scholarships are $1,000 one-time grant, for students already enrolled in college or a vo-tech school.
The Rolling Scholarships are offered to a select group of high school seniors who may renew the scholarship annually for up to four years of their secondary education. Recipients for the 2020 rolling scholarships were chosen from the pool of applicants that are current seniors in High School.
NEW in 2020, the NILE Foundation is now offering a one-time $500 scholarship aptly named the NILE Legacy Award. This award goes to one student, either a high school senior or college student, based on their involvement in NILE and NILE activities.

The NILE Foundation was established in 2009 as a supporting arm of the NILE organization, which is dedicated to the promotion of livestock, agriculture education and respect for the western culture.

Each year the NILE and NILE Foundation touch the lives of nearly 10,000 youth through the many programs, events, "live" animal scholarships, and college scholarships. Together, these organizations provide over $75,000 in cash and live animal scholarships annually.

If you're interested in contributing to the NILE Foundation send a donation to P.O. Box 1981, Billings, MT 59103

2020 One Time Freshman Recipients - $1,000

Shane Dawson

Shane Dawson is the daughter of Todd & Mikala Dawson of Lander, WY. She is currently a student at Lander Valley High School, where she will graduate in May. Shane plans to attend the Central Wyoming College in Riverton, WY; while currently undecided on her intended major, she is interested in Ag Communications and Pre-Law.

Lexy Dietz

Lexy be attending Williston State College in Williston, ND where she plans to study Animal Science and Ag Policy. In May, Lexy graduated from Shepherd High School. Lexy is the daughter of Russell and Stacy Dietz of Shepherd, MT.

Danika Gordon

Danika is the daughter of Bruce & Kindra Gordon of Whitewood, South Dakota. After graduation from Sturgis Brown High School, she plans to attend South Dakota State University to study Agribusiness and Marketing. Danika plans to work as an Ag Lender for the Department of Agriculture after college.

Luke Heupel

Alfred "Luke" Heupel is a soon-to-graduate of Glacier High School. He is the son of Justin & Vicki Heupel of Kalispell, Montana. Luke plans to attend Montana State University - Bozeman to study Animal Science and Plant Science with hopes of obtaining a crop science degree.

McKenna Quirk

McKenna Quirk plans to attend Montana State University - Bozeman where she plans to study Microbiology and Animal Science. Her future plans include becoming a large animal Veterinarian. She is the daughter of James & Dari Quirk of Missoula, MT.

Madalyn Rohr

Madalyn Rohr is the daughter of Mitch & Lea Rohr of Elbert, Colorado. Madalyn will graduate in May from Douglas County High School and plans to attend Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas to study Agricultural Communications with intentions of working in the field of Ag Journalism, Advertising and Marketing in the future.

Matthew Rosman

Matthew Rosman is the son of Jeff & Katie Rosman of Creston, Washington. Currently, Matthew is a soon-to-be graduate at Wilbur-Creston High School where he will graduate in June. After graduation, he plans to attend Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma to pursue a degree in Ag Communications and Animal Science.

2020 Shining Star Freshman Scholarship - $2,000

Rachael Stevenson

Rachael Stevenson plans to attend Montana State University - Bozeman to major in Political Science with future plans of working in Journalism. Rachael is a soon-to-be graduate of Hobson High School in Hobson, MT. She is the daughter of Clint & Adana Stevenson.

2020 Secondary Scholarship Recipients - $1,000

Andee Baker

Andee Baker is the daughter of Mike & Roni Baker of Park City, MT. She is currently a student at Montana State University - Bozeman where she is studying Agriculture Communications and Political Science. Andee has hopes of becoming an International Delegate for Foreign Agriculture Services.

Garrett Bromenshenk

Garrett is the son of Paul & Brenda Bromenshenk of Billings, MT. At the present time, Garrett is attending Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO where he will graduate this spring. in the fall, Garrett plans to attend Montana State University - Bozeman to study Ag Business & Farm Management. His future plans include returning to the family farm.

McKenzie Mork

McKenzie Mork is the daughter of Don & Ann Mork of Sanders, MT. Currently, McKenzie is a freshman at Montana State University - Bozeman studying Animal Science with a minor in Genetics. McKenzie's future plans include researching genetics for cattle breed associations.

Shelbie Oblander

Shelbie Oblander is a current freshman at Northwest College in Powell, WY. Shelbie is studying Animal Science with hopes of locating a job within the field following her secondary education. He is the daughter of Clalyton & Arla Oblander of Ballantine, MT.

Jessica Paul

Native of Ismay, Montana and daughter of Albert & Lynn Paul, Jessica Paul is a current student at Sheridan College in Sheridan, WY. She is pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. Jessica plans to pursue her calling in the Nursing field following her secondary education.

Katie Shockley

Jessi "Katie" Shockley is pursuing a Masters in Agricultural Communications at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Katie is the daughter of Marty Shepard and Missy Shockley of Wheatland, WY. Her future hopes include teaching Agriculture Communications at the University level.

Nicole Stevenson

Nicole Stevenson is a current student at Montana State University - Bozeman pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business, with a focus in Farm & Ranch Management. Nicole's goal is to pursue a job in Agricultural Marketing & Sales following graduation. Nicole is the daughter of Doug & Sharon Stevenson of Joilet, Montana.

2020 Rolling Scholarship Recips - $1,000 Annually

Nathan Hill

Nathan Hill is a soon-to-graduate of Broadwater High School. He is the son of David & Julianne Hill of Townsend, Montana. Nathan plans to attend Montana State University - Bozeman to study Civil Engineering with hopes of becoming a Civil Engineer focusing on Agriculture Applications and Avalanche Studies.

Kelty Raciborski

Kelty Raciborski is the daughter of Travis & Jessica Stroh of Glendive, Montana. Kelty will graduate in May and will attend Montana State University in Bozeman, where she plans to major in Animal Science and Genetics. Kelty hopes to obtain a degree as a Veterinarian after college.

Alyssa Thormahlen

Alyssa is the daughter of Dennis Thormahlen Jr. and Lori LeBrun of Bridger, MT. Alyssa is currently attending Belfry High School where she will graduate in May. Alyssa plans to attend Northwest College in Powell, WY to major in Animal Science and Veterinary Assistant. Alyssa's hopes are to become a Veterinarian after college.

2019 Rolling Scholarship Recips - $1,000 Annually

Brandi Fuller

Brandi Fuller is attending the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY majoring in Ag Business. Brandi is the daughter of Pat and Angel Fuller of Wright, WY. Brandi has become involved in a variety of collegiate agriculture clubs and looks forward to returning to the NILE in 2020 to exhibit and sell calves.

Bethany Lyford

Bethany Lyford is the daughter of Joel and Helen Lyford of Kalispell, MT. Bethany is currently attending Montana State University in Bozeman, MT pursuing a degree in Animal Science, with a focus in Livestock Management. Her future goals include working as an Embryologist.

Claire Stevenson

Claire Stevenson is a current college freshman at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, California studying Microbiology. Claire's future plans include working as a Researcher after completing college. Claire is the daughter of Darrell and Sara Stevenson of Hobson, MT.

2018 Rolling Scholarship Recips - $1,000 Annually

Mamie Hertel

It is with great pleasure that we share the news that NILE Scholar, Mamie Hertel is currently the 2019-2020 Central Region Vice-President for the National FFA Organization. Mamie has been agvocating all over the nation for youth in Agriculture, thus she has put her secondary education on pause. Mamie is the daughter of Koly Hertel and Ruth Boedecker of Lewistown, MT.

Lainee Hill

Lainee Hill is the daughter of David and Julianne Hill of Townsend, MT. Laniee is attending Montana State University in Bozeman, MT pursuing a degree in Animal Science. Her future goals include working in the field of Veterinary Medicine in rural Montana.

Andrea Rutledge

Andrea is the daughter of Kelly and Kristie Rutledge of Big Sandy, MT. Andrea is attending Montana State University in Bozeman, MT majoring in Animal Science, with a focus on Livestock Management and Industry. Andrea hopes to work as an the field of Beef Reproduction after completing college.

2017 Rolling Scholarship Recips- $1,000 Annually

Konnar Knotwell

Konnar is the daughter of Guy and Lael Knotwell of Encampment, WY. Konnar is currently attending West Texas A & M University in Canyon, TX where she is pursuing a degree in Animal Science. Her future plans include training horses and returning to the ranch.

Kelsey Kraft

Kelsey is attending Montana State University in Bozeman, MT double majoring in Agricultural Education and Elementary Education. Her future plans include becoming an Ag or Elementary Teacher. Kelsey is the daughter of Rick and Brenda Kraft of Billings, MT.

Ty Paisley

Ty Paisley is the son of Steve and Carrie Paisley of Wheatland, WY. Ty is currently attending the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY to majoring in Animal Science. Ty hopes to return to the family ranch and become the 5th generation rancher after completing college.

2020 NILE Legacy Scholarship - $500

Wesley Brown

Wesley Brown is the son of Lance & Shelley Brown of Stevensville, MT. Currently, Wes is a soon-to-be graduate at Stevensville High School where he will graduate in May. After graduation, he plans to attend Montana State University - Bozeman to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Wes's NILE Involvement includes participation in the NILE Merit Heifer Program, both as a recipient in 2015 and his family, LB Farms, is a three-time donor.

Needle In The Haystack Scholarships

The NILE awards two 'Needle In The Haystack' Scholarships. One was awarded at the 2019 Stetsons and Stilettos in the sum of $500. The other was awarded at the 2019 Jr. Fed Sale.

Each year at Stetsons & Stilettos one individual is drawn at random. All of the 2019 NILE Scholarship Applicants, 2019 NILE Scholarship Recipients, and past Rolling Scholarship Recipients were eligible. The lucky winner from the 2019 Stetsons and Stilettos drawing was Claire Stevenson!

The Jr Fed "Needle in the Haystack" scholarship was given out at the NILE in 2019 to one lucky Jr. Fed exhibitor. Of the eight Champion Senior Showman from all four species (hogs, lambs, goats, & steers), Bailey Lake of Kalispell, MT was the lucky recipient drawn at the beginning of the 2019 NILE Jr Fed Sale of Champions Sale.

For a chance to win the 2020 'Needle in the Haystack' applicants or immediate family must be present to win at either Stetsons and Stilettos or the Jr. Fed Sale, June 2020 and October 2020 respectively.

Thank you!