South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of $1,000 college scholarships from the South Dakota Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund. 

Four scholarships were awarded this year to these outstanding students who are children of SDFB members:

* Braeden Edleman of Huron, S.D.
* Ali Haines of White Lake, S.D.
* Shaelynne Heitsch of Hermosa, S.D.
* Maria Schwader of Winfred, S.D.

“On behalf of all South Dakota Farm Bureau members, I’d like to congratulate these young people on their outstanding academic success and wish them the very best as they continue in their college studies,” said Scott VanderWal, SDFB President and family farmer from Volga, S.D. “This scholarship is one way we give back to our Farm Bureau families, just as we know that Braden, Ali, Shaelynne and Maria will give back to their communities in big ways through their chosen careers.”

The South Dakota Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 by Agnes and Richard Ekstrum, past SDFB President, of Kimball, S.D. The first scholarships were awarded in 2007, and to date $28,000 in college scholarships has been awarded to 28 students who are children of SDFB members.  





Braeden Edleman of Huron, S.D.

Braeden will graduate this year from Huron High School and plans to attend the University of South Dakota to study medical biology. He has set his sights on a career in orthopedics. Braeden is the son of Jason and Ann Edleman.













Ali Haines of White Lake, S.D.

Ali is currently in the communications studies program at the University of South Dakota. Ali is a 2012 graduate of White Lake High School, the daughter of Wayne and Kristie Haines. She aspires to become a rural family practice physician.


















Shaelynne Heitsch of Hermosa, S.D.

Shaelynne will graduate this year from Rapid City Central High School and plans to attend the University of Wyoming to study nursing. Her career goals include becoming a nurse anesthetist. Shaelynne is the daughter of Thomas and Tracy Heitsch.



















Maria Schwader of Winfred, S.D.

Maria will graduate this year from Howard High School and plans to attend Dakota Wesleyan University to study business management. She would like to put her business degree to work as a successful small-business owner. Maria is the daughter of Max and Julie Schwader.