North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation awards 12 scholarships

Posted 09/26/2026

For immediate release:

Sept. 26, 2026

For more information, contact:

Randy Schmitt, NDSF president: (701) 537-3440 • [email protected]

Julie Ellingson, NDSA executive vice president: (701) 223-2522 • [email protected]

Elizabeth Hasenwinkel, NDSA communications director: (701) 833-1162 • [email protected]

North Dakota Stockmen's Foundation awards 12 scholarships

The North Dakota Stockmen's Foundation (NDSF) awarded 12 scholarships during the North Dakota Stockmen's Association's (NDSA) 97^th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Bismarck, N.D., this afternoon.

The NDSF awarded seven Legacy Scholarships to Leah Davidson of Sentinel Butte, N.D.; Teagan Erbele of Lehr, N.D.; Ty MacDonald of Bismarck, N.D.; Stray Ressler of Mandan, N.D.; Bailey Urlacher of Regent, N.D.; Kacee Wasem of Halliday, N.D.; and Shayle Zimbelman of Oakes, N.D. Davidson is the daughter of Douglas and Tina Davidson. She is studying nursing and agribusiness. Erbele is the daughter of Gabriel and Shanon Erbele. She is studying agriculture education and animal science. MacDonald is the son of Will and Jerilyn MacDonald. He is studying animal science and agricultural communication. Ressler is the daughter of Scott and Sheila Ressler. She is studying nutrition science and dietetics. Urlacher is the daughter of Gregg and Mary Urlacher. She is studying animal science and agricultural communication. Wasem is the daughter of Chris and Jolyn Wasem. She is studying animal science. Zimbelman is the daughter of Greg and Gail Zimbelman. She is studying livestock production and agribusiness.

The NDSF awarded two Myron Wold Memorial Endowment Scholarships, which honor the longtime Watford City, N.D., rancher and NDSA member. The winners were Mariska Olson of Forbes, N.D., and Anisten Petersen of Ellendale, N.D. Olson is the daughter of NaTanya and the late Kurt Olson. She is studying animal science and horticulture. Petersen is the daughter of Grant Petersen and Katie Rongen. She is studying animal science.

The Tokach Angus Ranch Memorial Scholarship, which honors Richard M. "Dick" Tokach, the NDSA president from 1984 to 1986, was awarded to Madelyn Schmidt of Medina, N.D. Schmidt is the daughter of Serena and the late Jason Schmidt. She is pursuing a law degree.

Bleu Wanner of Golden Valley, N.D., was awarded the Jack and Vander Reich Memorial Scholarship. It honors the memory of Jack Reich, who was the NDSA president from 2008 to 2010, and his son, Vander. Wanner is the son of Adam and Paula Jo Wanner. He is studying agribusiness, farriery and auctioneering.

The NDSF Endowment Scholarship was awarded to Grace Ones of Kenmare, N.D. She is the daughter of Ryan and Amy Ones. She is studying animal science.

The NDSF will be offering scholarships again in 2027. Information and downloadable applications can be found at www.ndstockmen.org/foundation. The deadline to apply is March 1.

###