DEFOREST, Wis. — Wisconsin Custom Operators, Inc. (WCO) recently awarded four scholarships to students pursuing further education. These students were selected based on leadership, civic engagement, academics, and volunteer activities related to agriculture. Students also submitted essays detailing their educational and vocational plans for the future. Scholarship winners are required to have ties to WCO – either as a member, relative or employee of a member, or as a relative of a member-client. Students received a $1,000 or $1,500 scholarship.
“WCO understands that continued success of Wisconsin’s agricultural economy depends on a well-trained workforce,” said Joseph Sanford, chairman of the WCO Scholarship and Awards Committee and an assistant professor in the School of Agriculture at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville. “We also recognize that there are a growing number of training opportunities to fulfill this need, ranging from traditional college experiences to trade and apprenticeship programs.”
Amber Anhalt of Chilton, Wis. was chosen to receive the $1,500 Robert Hoerth Memorial Scholarship, which honors the late WCO Past President Robert Hoerth, who tragically passed away in early 2020. The scholarship is awarded to the most deserving applicant based on their alignment with the established criteria. Amber is pursuing a degree in radiology at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Driven by a desire to help others, she chose radiology because it is a growing field with numerous opportunities for advancement. After graduation, Amber plans to continue her medical education with additional certifications in CT and MRI technology. This award holds special significance for Amber, as Robert Hoerth was her grandfather. She fondly remembers riding in the chopper with him and showing animals at the county fair. Completing her education is one of the ways Amber hopes to honor his memory and make him proud.
Chloe Breunig of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. received a $1,000 scholarship. She is majoring in dairy science with the ambition of becoming the 6th generation to run her family’s dairy farm in rural Sheboygan County. Nominated by Kraus Custom Forage Harvesting LLP, Chloe credits scholarships for enabling her to devote time outside of her studies to co-curricular activities such as the UW Marching Band, the Association of Women in Agriculture, and the Badger Dairy Club. Initially, Chloe felt that attending college and stepping away from the farm seemed selfish, but she quickly realized that experiencing new environments and meeting different people would ultimately help her achieve her goal of continuing her family’s farming legacy.
Brenna Dulak of Mosinee, Wis. was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. She is a freshman at Winona State University, majoring in nursing with the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner and travel nurse. During high school, Brenna earned her certification as a nursing assistant and began working at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. It was there that she developed a passion for the profession and decided to pursue nursing. Nominated by Swidersky Equipment, Brenna found choosing a career in nursing to be an easy decision, as she has always been driven by a desire to care for others and make a meaningful difference in the world.
Emily Vollmer of Hilbert, Wis. was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. She is a sophomore at Drake University, majoring in English and Spanish, with the goal of earning a master’s degree in education to teach at the high school or college level. Emily believes that language is the ultimate bridge between people from different backgrounds and credits her experience working at an on-campus writing center for inspiring her to pursue a teaching career. Emily is the daughter of Greg and Jennifer Vollmer, owners of Midlakes Custom Services LLC and long-time members of WCO. From a young age, Emily developed a strong work ethic by assisting in the family business, taking on tasks such as picking rocks, transporting employees, and helping in the office.
Applications for the 2025 WCO scholarship are being accepted through May 1. Interested students should visit https://wiscustomoperators.
In 2025, three (3) awards will be given: Two (2) $1,000 scholarships and the $1,500 Robert Hoerth Memorial Scholarship.
To be eligible, applicants may have direct family ties to a current WCO member or to an employee of a WCO member. Applicants may also be a member themselves. In addition, a WCO member may nominate a scholarship applicant who does not meet the above criteria. For example, if a WCO member has a customer who has an exemplary son, daughter, or employee, they are eligible to apply.
The program is open to any post-secondary training, including traditional college experiences and career-focused programs such as CDL truck driver training courses, pesticide applicator training programs/exams, or other industry-relevant certifications. Individuals pursuing non-academic post-secondary education who are seeking career opportunities in the industry, such as joining a harvest crew or participating in an apprenticeship program, are also encouraged to apply.
About Wisconsin Custom Operators, Inc.: WCO is an organization comprised of individuals throughout the state who derive their income in whole or part from providing custom farming services. To learn more about the Wisconsin Custom Operators, Inc. including membership and events, go to wiscustomoperators.org or email info@wiscustomoperators.org.
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