Beckman Wins Farm Scholarship Contest

Treasurer Don Stenberg announced the scholarship winners for the NEST on the Farm scholarship contest recently at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island, NE. The three first place winners each received a $5,000 NEST (Nebraska Educational Savings Trust) scholarship sponsored by First National Bank of Omaha.

The contest was announced in late June and ran through August 5, 2011. It was open to children of Nebraska farmers.

Each contestant was required to write and submit an essay describing how growing up as part of a farming family in Nebraska impacts his or her goals for higher education. All entries were divided into three age groups: 7-9 years of age; 10-11 years of age; and 12-13 years of age.

The scholarship winners, as well as first and second runners up, for each age group are listed below:

In the 12-13 Years division the winner was Elgin’s Nicole Beckman. She is the daughter of John and Tracy Beckman.

Her essay is printed below:

What is farming? In my life, it means devoting yourself to agriculture. This can be done by raising crops and animals, but devoting yourself to agriculture is more than raising livestock. It is about family, friends, your faith, and peace of mind.

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