The NILE Foundation proudly announces the scholarship winners for the 2026-2027 academic year.
“After diligently reviewing many high-quality and impressive applicants and carefully measuring the many factors that help to establish a student of good character, integrity, potential and dedication to agriculture the NILE Foundation is excited to announce our scholarship winners” says Trei Danielson, NILE Scholarship Committee Chair. “The NILE Foundation is proud to award a total of $34,000 to these outstanding students in support of their pursuit of higher education attending universities, junior colleges, and trade schools! ”
The NILE Foundation takes pride in being able to assist youth in agriculture. 27 new recipients were awarded scholarships and five rolling scholarships were renewed.
Since 1990, the NILE and NILE Foundation have awarded over $1,500,000 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.
Scholarships were awarded on various levels described below:
One-time $1,000 scholarships are 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 scholarship offered to a graduating high school senior that excelled academically, in their community, and at NILE Events.
Collegiate Scholarships are a $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 2026 rolling scholarships were chosen from the pool of applicants that are current seniors in High School.
NILE Legacy Award is a $500 award that is awarded to students based on their involvement in NILE and NILE activities.
Hugh F. Miller Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of long time NILE Member Hugh Miller. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded in his memory.
One-time $500 scholarships are awarded to either graduating high school seniors or current college students that will continue their education. Seven one-time scholarships have been awarded to the following seniors in high school in the amount of $1,000:
| Lauren Anderson Lauren Anderson is the daughter of Bryan & Becky Anderson of Shepherd, MT. She is currently a student at Shepherd High School, where she will graduate in May. Lauren plans to attend Carroll College in Helena to play volleyball and study Anthrozoology with plans of working in the Mental Therapy sector. |
| Tymber Billman Tymber Billman will be attending Black Hawk East College where she plans to study Agriculture Business with further studies of Agriculture Law, specializing in water rights. In May, Tymber will graduate from Rigby High School. Tymber is the daughter of Steve & Alicia Billman of Rigby, ID. |
| Hadley Cooper Hadley Cooper is the daughter of Allen Cooper & Andrea Earhart of Powell, WY. After graduating from Powell High School, she plans to attend Oklahoma State University to study Animal Science-Pre-Vet. Hadley plans to pursue a career as a large animal veterinarian. |
| Emma Heiken Emma Heiken is a soon to be graduate of Broadview High School. Emma plans to attend the Montana State University after graduation, where she plans to pursue a degree in Ag Marketing with plans to return to family ranch after college. Emma is the daughter of John & Kendra Heiken of Broadview, MT. |
| Elizabeth Moke Elizabeth Moke will be attending Northwest College in Powell, WY where she plans to study Agricultural Business & Animal Science, while being an active member of the Livestock Judging Team. In May, Elizabeth will graduate from Hysham High School as class valedictorian. She is the daughter of Chad & Jenny Moke of Hysham, MT. |
| | Dani Santee Dani Santee is the daughter of Clint & Tanya Santee of Riverton, WY. After graduating from Riverton High School, he plans to attend Casper College in Casper, WY to study Agriculture Education and be a member of the Livestock Judging Team. Dani plans to pursue a career as an Ag Teacher/Extension Agent. |
| Teah Vennes Teah Vennes is the daughter of Tyler & Holley Woosley-Vennes of Wilsall, MT. She is currently a senior at Shields Valley High School and will graduate in May. Teah plans to attend Montana State University to study Agriculture Business with plans of pursuing a career an Ag Lawyer. |
| The 2026 Shining Star Award is a scholarship that will be given to an outstanding graduating high school senior for the one-time amount of $2,000: |
| Maeve Korthuis Maeve Korthuis is undecided where she plans to attend, but she plans to study Animal Science. Maeve is a soon-to-be graduate of Lind-Ritzville High School and is the daughter of Kent & Tracey Korthuis of Sprague, WA. |
| Two high school seniors have been awarded rolling scholarships in the amount of $1,000 annually for up to four years. They are: |
| Madison Brist Madison is a soon-to-be graduate of Flathead High School. She is the daughter of Robin & Tess Brist of Kila, MT. Madison plans to attend the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY to study Pre-Veterinary Medicine with plans of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. |
| Peyton Skinner Peyton Skinner is the daughter of Kim & Michelle Skinner of Hall, MT. Peyton will graduate from Capital High School in June and plans to attend Montana State University in Bozeman this fall to study Animal Science. Her future plans are currently undecided. |
| Students selected as rolling scholarship recipients must remain in good standing by maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA as a full-time student in college. These recipients must also continue involvement in NILE, while participating in college organizations and activities The following students of the class of 2025 have met these requirements and will be rewarded with their second installment of a rolling scholarship in the amount of $1,000. |
| Garrett Burkett Garrett is the son of Jeremy & Karen Burkett of Evansville, WY. Garrett graduated from Natrona County High School last May and started college at Casper College last fall where he is studying Animal Science. Garrett is currently a member of the Casper College Livestock Judging Team and and has a goal of becoming a Veterinarian. |
| Claire Murnin Claire is the daughter of Jared & Julie Murnin of Pompey’s Pillar, MT. Currently Claire is serving as the 2025-2026 Montana State FFA President and the 2026 Miss American Angus. Claire plans to transfer to Oklahoma State University in the fall of 2026 and study Agricultural Business Her future plan is to be an Agriculture Lobbyist. |
| The following students of the class of 2024 have met the requirements and will be rewarded with their third installment of a rolling scholarship in the amount of $1,000. |
| Miya Carey Miya is a current student at Wayne State College in Wayne, NE and plans to transfer to the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy in the fall of 2026, with goals of becoming a Pharmacist. She is the daughter of Tyler & Misty Carey of Atkinson, Nebraska |
| Jhett West Jhett West is the son of Justin & Rindy West of Sheridan, WY. Jhett is currently attending Blinn College in Brenham, TX where he is a member of the Livestock Judging Team and is studying Agriculture Economics. In the fall of 2026 he plans to transfer to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK. His future plans include working as an Ag Lawyer once he completes his secondary education. |
| The following student of the class of 2023 have met the requirements and will be rewarded with their final installment of rolling scholarship in the amount of $1,000. |
| Leah Beery Leah is the daughter of Matt & Krista Beery of Circle, MT. Leah is currently attending South Dakota State University majoring in Agriculture Sciences, with a minor in Animal Science . Leah plans on returning to the family ranch after college to be actively involved in the management, financial records and bookkeeping operations. |
| Five current college students pursuing degrees in higher education have been awarded a Secondary Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. |
| Cailee Flood Cailee Flood is a current student at the Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. Cailee is studying Agriculture Economics with hopes of working as an Agriculture Lobbyist after college. She is the daughter of Brian & Tamara Flood of Oakdale, CA. |
| Morgan Friede Hailing from Chinook, MT, Morgan is the daughter of Scott & Fay Friede. Morgan currently attends North Dakota State University and is majoring in Accounting with hopes of working for an agriculture based CPA firm while continuing to raise her own seedstock herd in the future. |
| Lane Hess Lane Hess is currently attending Montana State University – Northern where he is studying Diesel Mechanics. His future plans include working as a Diesel Mechanic. Lane is the son of John & Nicole Hess of Park City, MT. |
| Alexa Smieja Alexa Smieja is the daughter of Trevor & Cassie Smieja of Belgrade, MT. She is currently attending Oklahoma State University where she is studying Agriculture Education with plans of becoming an Agriculture Education Teacher/Extension Agent. |
| Alyssa Williams Alyssa Williams is a current student at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX majoring in Animal Science and minoring in Agricultural Communications. Alyssa’s goals of becoming a Animal Science Professor and Beef Production Specialist after college. Alyssa is the daughter of Andy & Lori Williams of Ritzville, WA. |
| NILE Legacy Award is a $500 award that is awarded to students based on their involvement in NILE and NILE activities. |
| | Elizabeth Moke Elizabeth Moke will be attending Northwest College in Powell, WY where she plans to study Agricultural Business & Animal Science, while being an active member of the Livestock Judging Team. In May, Elizabeth will graduate from Hysham High School as class valedictorian. She is the daughter of Chad & Jenny Moke of Hysham, MT. Elizabeth has been involved in the NILE in a variety of ways as a youth. She has exhibited in the Junior Fed Market Hog and Red Angus Divisions, was a NILE Merit Heifer Recipient in 2024 and competed in the Livestock Judging contest. Her family, Redland Red Angus, have been very involved in NILE and NILE events for many years as NILE members. Redland Red Angus has been a NILE Merit Heifer donor since the program’s inception in 2000 and have exhibited cattle at NILE and MATE Show. |
| The NILE Foundation is honored to create a scholarship in memoriam of Hugh F. Miller. Hugh was a long-time NILE member from Rock Falls, Illinois. Hugh always enjoyed traveling to the NILE, first as a buyer, then as a beef judge, and finally as a staunch supporter of all that the Stock Show and Rodeo stands for. It is estimated that Hugh made this trek at least 70 times and his impact has lasted well beyond those trips to Big Sky Country! Two high school students have been selected to receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship in memory of Hugh this spring. |
| Wyatt Johannes Wyatt is the son of Clint & Cheri Johannes of Worden, MT. Currently, Wyatt is a senior at Huntley Project High School. After graduation, Wyatt plans to attend Montana State University to study Biotechnology-Animal Systems and has plans pursing a career in Animal Immunology after college. |
| Lily Johnson Lily Johnson is a soon-to-be graduate from Froid High School. Lily plans to study Farm & Ranch Management at Dickenson State University in Dickenson, ND with goals of returning to the farm after college. Lily is the daughter of AJ & Kayla Johnson of Froid, MT. |
| Ten one-time scholarships have been awarded to the following seniors in high school or current college students in the amount of $500: |
| Rowan Blodgett Rowan Blodgett is a soon-to-be graduate from Laurel High School. Rowan plans to study Animal Science at North Dakota State University, with her future goals yet to be determined. Rowan is the daughter of Dustin Blodgett & Hannah Swain-Blodgett of Laurel, MT. |
| Teagan Flint Teagan is the daughter of Alfred Flint & Jennifer Fisher of Columbia Falls, MT. Currently, Teagan is a senior at Flathead High School. After graduation, she plans to attend Black Hills State University to study Biology and has plans pursing a career in Veterinary Medicine after college. |
| Sidney Frank Sidney Frank will be attending Miles Community College where she plans to study Agricultural Business. In May, Sidney will graduate from Red Lodge High School. She is the daughter of Lance & Chrissy Frank of Joliet, MT. |
| Hailey Goroski Hailey Goroski is a soon-to-be graduate from Dawson County High School. Hailey plans to study Veterinary Medicine with goals of pursuing a career as a Veterinarian after college. Hailey is the daughter of Kevin & Julia Goroski of Glendive, MT. |
| Corlan Laughery Corlan is the daughter of Carl & Camille Laughery of Ekalaka, MT. Currently, Corlan is a senior at Carter County High School. After graduation, she plans to attend Weber State University to study Radiologic Sciences and has plans pursing a career in Radiology Technology/Ranching after college. |
| Caitlynn Poser Caitlynn Poser will be attending Sheridan College in Sheridan, Wyoming where she plans to study Agricultural Business. In May, Caitlynn will graduate from Denton High School. She is the daughter of Cory & Tammie Poser of Denton, MT. |
| Reagan Redding Reagan Redding is a soon-to-be graduate from Newcastle High School. Reagan plans to study Agricultural Business at Casper College in Casper, Wyoming. Reagan is the daughter of Hale & Alicia Redding of Newcastle, WY. |
| Jasmine Torralba Jasmine Torralba, of Pompey’s Pillar, MT, is currently attending Montana State University – Northern where she is studying School Counseling. She plans to continue working as a rural school counselor. Jasmine is the daughter of Andrew & Jodie Drange of Laurel, MT. |
| Lexie Wichman Lexie is the daughter of Justin & Carmen Wichman of Moore, MT. Currently, Lexie is a senior at Moore High School. After graduation, she plans to attend Montana State University to study Animal Science and has plans pursing a career as a Veterinarian after college. |
| Kyleigh Zentz Kyleigh Zentz is a current student at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT majoring in Animal Science with goals of becoming a Veterinarian after college. Kyleigh is the daughter of Keenan & Heidi Zentz of Miles City, MT. |
“The NILE Foundation awards scholarships each year for Ag and Ag related studies at universities, junior colleges and trade schools. NILE scholarships are one of the most important mission accomplishments for us each year. Over seventy high school and college students annually apply for the NILE scholarships and we are excited to announce the winners for this year”, stated David Allen, NILE General Manager.
The NILE Foundation was established in 2009 as a supporting arm of the NILE organization, which is dedicated to the promotion of livestock, agricultural 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
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