With funds raised from the MonDak Cattlemen’s Ball, four students received scholarships from the MonDak Area Stockgrowers Association on May 24.
Officials explained that because of increased profits from the Cattlemen’s Ball, the number of scholarships increased from two to four this year.
Marci Sondeno, co-organizer of the Cattlemen’s Ball, noted in each of the three years, the ball has been more successful than the previous year. In 2016, profits were more than $49,000. Tickets were sold out in 18 days.
“I’m pretty proud of this event,” Sondeno said. “The money stays in our area.”
Along with the scholarships, funds are donated to Sidney Health Center for health care purchases. The Foundation for Community Care lists needed equipment, and then the MonDak Area Stockgrowers decides which to purchase.
“It brings two industries together – the cattle industry and health care,” Sondeno said.
Organizers thanked ranch sponsors and individual sponsors.
“We’re really providing an event the public sees value in,” Vanessa Pooch, co-organizer of the ball, said.
The fourth ball is scheduled for Feb. 18, 2017.
Whiteman and Wick each received $1,000 scholarships while Lunderby and Fellman received $500 scholarships. Applicants must be pursuing further education in an agriculture related field. Selections are based on an essay, leadership and community service.
Whiteman is a 2016 graduate of Richey High School. She will attend Sheridan College to study animal science. She plans to be a doctor of veterinary medicine in rural Montana. She hopes to maintain healthy animal systems while being an advocate for agriculture.
Lunderby is a 2016 graduate of Sidney High School. He plans to attend Sheridan College and study agriculture business. Upon graduation, he hopes to start his own ranch or feedlot, putting his passion of working with livestock into raising a safe and healthy product.
Wick, a graduate of Fairview High School, now attends Kansas State University. She is pursuing a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. She hopes to bring information and services back to rural communities that will improve all aspects of ranch management.
Fellman graduated from Culbertson High School and now attends Montana State University in Bozeman. She studies animal science and hopes to attend Washington State University to become a doctor of veterinary medicine. She wants to return to northeastern Montana and fulfill the veterinary needs of her rural community.
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