UNION GROVE – A talented group of young, future leaders were recognized for their excellence inagriculture, engineering, fashion and art in being named this year’s recipients of Community StateBank’s LEAD Scholarship.
Eight area students were awarded scholarships totaling $7,500. Those students are Amanda Bender,Kathryn Domino, Kyle Ellsworth, Grace Giovingo, Nathan Huff, Ben Reed, Landon Rehberg and LucyStinebrink.
The LEAD (Leadership, Expectation, Achievement, Dedication) Scholarship was developed by Community State Bank in partnership with the Walworth County Fair Meat Animal Sale Committee.It recognizes exhibitors that are committed to serving their community.
“We had another year of exceptional applicants,” said Molly Krause, Community State Bank Vice President – Cash Management.
“It was inspiring to read all about the applicants and see how these young exhibitors are giving back to the community with both their time and talent. Walworth County is fortunate to have such an amazing group of future leaders.”
The LEAD Scholarship is for Walworth County Fair exhibitors. Applicants must be a graduating highschool senior or a post-secondary education student enrolled in the 2024-25 school year. A selection committee chose recipients based on an essay or video describing how they meet the LEADcriteria.
Here is a closer look at this year’s recipients:
Amanda BenderHometown: WalworthHigh School: Big FootCollege: University of WisconsinMajor: Plant PathologyExhibit: Swine, goatsDid you know?: Bender began showing pigs at the Fair when she was eight years old.Quotable: “I can’t imagine a future shaped the way I want it to be without the Walworth County Fairinstilling a passion for agriculture within me.”
Kamryn DominoHigh School: Lake Geneva BadgerCollege: TBAMajor: Biomedical EngineeringExhibits: Arts, crafts, natural science, shooting sports, LEGO non-mechanicalDid you know?: In the past three years, Domino’s artwork won five Grand Champion ribbons andmultiple Judge’s Favorite honors at the Fair.Quotable: “The Fair has taught me how to be patient and how to work hard. The Fair has taught mehow to be dedicated and how to show up not only for myself, but for others.”
Kyle EllsworthHometown: ElkhornHigh School: Elkhorn Area High SchoolCollege: University of Wisconsin-PlattevilleMajor: Animal SciencesExhibit: Beef cattleDid you know?: Ellsworth spent the majority of his childhood working on his family’s beef and cropfarm.Quotable: “I want to instill in the youth the value of hard work and the love of seeing a project through until the end. My goal is to make an impact on the future generations to come.”
Grace GiovingoHometown: Genoa CityHigh School: Lake Geneva BadgerCollege: TBAExhibit: Home Environment, Clothing, Child DevelopmentDid you know?: Giovingo finished second in Fashion Construction at the 2024 Family, Career andCommunity Leaders of America (FCCLA) Nationals this summer in Seattle, Wash.Quotable: “Leadership is more than just a position or title. It is a series of actions, experiences andimportant opportunities that shape an individual’s ability to guide and inspire.”
Nathan HuffHometown: DelavanHigh School: Delavan-DarienSchool: UW-Stevens PointMajor: Physical EducationExhibit: BeefDid you know?: The three-sport varsity athlete spent 14 years showing animals at the Fair. Huff wasseven years old when he showed his first Hereford heifer in the open barn with his dad andgrandparents.Quotable: “I wouldn’t trade those years for anything. I will still enjoy coming and visiting the Walworth County Fair.”
Ben ReedHometown: DelavanHigh School: Elkhorn AreaCollege: Gateway Technical CollegeExhibit: Steer, restored tractor, vegetables, cropsDid you know?: Reed co-chaired the restoration of a 1962 Oliver 770 tractor. The project is a finalist atthe National FFA Convention & Expo on Oct. 23-26 in Indianapolis.Quotable: “I am dedicated to lifelong learning because I’m terrible at sitting down and doing nothing. I like to challenge myself.”
Landon RehbergHometown: ElkhornHigh School: Elkhorn AreaSchool: Iowa State UniversityMajor: Agricultural EngineeringExhibit: Beef, swineDid you know?: Rehberg began showing livestock when he was 8 years old. He hopes to work at JohnDeere as an engineer.Quotable: “I believe agricultural engineers play a crucial role in impacting agriculture and rural America. One day, I hope to take part in making improvements to the agricultural industry as an engineer and hopefully give my children the opportunity to show livestock.”
Lucy StinebrinkHometown: Lake GenevaHigh School: Lake Geneva BadgerCollege: University of KentuckyMajor: Animal SciencesExhibit: SheepDid you know?: Stinebrink is combining her love for animals and community into a future career as aveterinarian.Quotable: “My expectation for my future is to be able to spread as much good in my communitythrough charity, volunteering and community organizations as my family before me did.”
ABOUT COMMUNITY STATE BANKCommunity State Bank has proudly served the communities of Southeast Wisconsin since 1898. Theyare a locally owned and operated community bank, headquartered in Union Grove, WI. For moreinformation please visit CSB online at CSB.bank.
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