Kansas Farm Bureau honors Collegiate Fellows grads, announces incoming class

Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) is recognizing the achievements of its Collegiate Fellows graduates while welcoming a new class of students selected to participate in the organization's collegiate-level leadership development experience.

"Programs like the Collegiate Fellows are critical to ensuring agriculture has a strong future," says KFB President Joe Newland. "By investing in these students today, we are helping cultivate the leaders who will advocate for and advance our industry tomorrow."

The Collegiate Fellows program equips college students with the skills, knowledge and connections needed to become effective advocates for agriculture. The small cohort allows for leadership and personal development tailored to the career interest of participants.

KFB congratulates the following students who have successfully completed the program:

• Amelia Berends, of Franklin County, Allen County Community College
• Emily Dryden, of Finney County, Garden City Community College
• Amelia Foster, of Shawnee County, Fort Hays State University
• Abigail Graham, of Phillips County, Fort Hays State University
• Mackenzie Malson, of Canyon County, Idaho, Kansas State University
• Nicholas Zerr, of Logan County, Fort Hays State University

"These graduates have demonstrated a strong commitment to agriculture and a willingness to grow as leaders," says Lauren Gabriel, collegiate program manager. "I am confident they will continue to make a positive impact for agriculture in their communities and beyond."

In addition, KFB is pleased to announce the selection of the newest class of Collegiate Fellows:

• Hannah Donley, of Kearny County, Neb., Fort Hays State University
• Kierra Eck, of Russell County, Barton Community College
• Grady Gleason, of Finney County, Garden City Community College
• Lillian Hulse, of Ottawa County, Kansas State University
• Garrett Lanning, of Reno County, Pratt Community College
• Jory Ratzlaff, of McPherson County, Kansas State University
• Hank Stamper, of Shawnee County, Fort Hays State University
• Marisa Wasinger, of Ellis County, Kansas State University

The incoming fellows will begin their program experience in the fall semester and will dedicate a few hours each month during the school year to the program. In turn, they will gain skills, insight and connections to prepare them for success in their education, future career and continued Farm Bureau involvement.

For more information about Collegiate Fellows, visit https://www.kfb.org/CollegiateFellows.