Pictured above are GreenStone Financial Services Officer Joe Schlies and scholarship recipients Aaron Wavrunek and Julie Koeppel.
GreenStone Farm Credit Services is proud to announce the recipients of both the GreenStone Scholarship Program and the Dave Armstrong Scholarship Program in 2024, totaling $60,000 in educational support awarded to exceptional students. Since 2010, GreenStone has awarded $500,000 in scholarships to students preparing to make a positive impact in the agriculture industry.
The GreenStone Scholarship Program selected 23 high school seniors who demonstrated outstanding dedication to coursework, extracurricular activities, leadership, and a strong commitment to pursuing careers in agriculture. Recipients received either a $2,000 or $1,000 award to support their education.
The 2024 awardees for the GreenStone Scholarship Program are: Aaron Wavrunek (Denmark, WI), Abby Thelen (St. Johns, MI), Alexis Ewing (Jonesville, MI), Anna Woller (Montague, MI), Blake Barr (Yale, MI), Briar Albaugh (Manitowoc, WI), Bryant Janetzke (Saranac, MI), Chloe Steiner (Mecosta, MI), Dori Stuever (Capac, MI), Helen McBroom (Dickinson County, MI), Jaqueline Maye (Wausaukee, WI), Jocelyn Cerveny (Gresham, WI), Joshua Tomlinson (Baroda, MI), Julie Geiger (Harbor Beach, MI), Julie Koeppel (Two Rivers, WI), Karlee Whitmore (Ithaca , MI), Makaila Cantrell (Ruth, MI), Ross Kelsey (Blanchard, MI), Sophia Barnum (Leslie, MI), Talan Hiemstra (Marcellus, MI), Tyler Buckland (Armada, MI), Wyatt Epple (Watervliet, MI), and Zoe VanRijin (Deford, MI).
In addition, four outstanding college students were awarded the Dave Armstrong Scholarship, named after GreenStone's former CEO who dedicated 41 years to advancing agricultural innovation and stewardship. This prestigious scholarship, $5,000 each, aims to recognize and support students pursuing careers in agriculture, timber, and natural resources.
The 2024 awardees for the Dave Armstrong Scholarship Program are: Amy Kern (Saginaw, MI), Clarissa Ulness (Manitowoc, WI), Laken DuRussel (Bay, MI) and Tyler Zelinko (Saginaw, MI).
"At GreenStone, we have a deep commitment to investing in the future of agriculture by empowering the next generation of leaders," expressed Travis Jones, President and CEO. “By providing financial support to these students, we not only enable them to pursue their dreams but also instill hope and inspiration for a brighter future in agriculture. Their passion and dedication truly contribute to the heart and soul of our industry."
Each student selected for either of GreenStone’s scholarship programs met specific criteria, including residency within GreenStone's territory in Michigan or northeast Wisconsin, competitive GPA, and plans to pursue an agriculture or natural resources-related field. Additionally, awardees demonstrated active community involvement, leadership in school, and a passion for agriculture.
Applications for the 2025 scholarship will be available on the GreenStone website later this year, providing another opportunity for aspiring agricultural leaders to apply for financial support.
