Awards Recognize Outstanding Students and Their Achievements in the Dairy Industry
GREEN BAY, WI — The Dairy Business Milk Marketing Cooperative (DBMMC), a bargaining cooperative that verifies milk components and represents dairy producers on legislative issues, recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to students Brad Zander and Lauren Berdan.
Brad Zander is a student at Iowa State University, and wants to eventually return to his family’s dairy operation in Barneveld, Wisconsin. He volunteers with “Food at First” program through the ISU Dairy Science Club.
Professor Lee Kilmer of ISU said Brad “has a burning desire to be involved in the production side of dairying, the leadership potential to be a strong advocate for dairy and the personality to make friends easily.”
The second scholarship recipient, Lauren Berdan, is a student at Auburndale Middle/Senior High School, and plans to attend UW-River Falls to double major in Ag Studies and Ag Education. She has been active in Future Farmers of America (FFA) for six years and is currently the FFA Vice President. She also participates in high school sports including varsity basketball and volleyball.
Mark Cournoyer, Ag Ed Instructor & FFA Advisor, states Lauren has a contagious positive attitude and “brings her work ethic, which is second to none.” He also added, “Her peers look up to her, and view her as a leader.”
This is the first year DBMMC established the scholarship program to help finance higher education for the children of its members. Scott Munes, DBMMC’s Business Development Manager, plans to continue awarding scholarships for outstanding dairy-minded students in the years to come.
“Quality leadership is important for our dairy industry,” Scott said. “Passion and work-ethic in our youth will allow us to accomplish great things into the future. These students exemplify just that.”
Students competing for the scholarships were judged on academic achievement, leadership and participation in school and community activities, academic honors, goals and aspirations, recommendations and work experience.
About DBMMC
The Dairy Business Milk Marketing Cooperative is a testing, verification cooperative within Federal Milk Marketing Order #30. DBMMC advocates on behalf of its members for the implementation of policies that advance the dairy industry. For more information on DBMMC, please visit www.dbmmc.com.
