Jun 5, 2024

GreenStone Farm Credit Services awards scholarships

This year GreenStone Farm Credit Services awarded $60,000 to exceptional students via the GreenStone Scholarship Program and the Dave Armstrong Scholarship Program. Since its inception in 2010, the scholarship initiative has granted $500,000 to students ready to make meaningful impacts in the agriculture sector.

The GreenStone Scholarship Program selected 23 high school seniors this year who demonstrated outstanding dedication to coursework, extracurricular activities, leadership and a strong commitment to pursuing careers in agriculture.

2024 GreenStone Scholarship Program awardees

• Aaron Wavrunek (Denmark, Wisconsin)
• Abby Thelen (St. Johns, Michigan) 
• Alexis Ewing (Jonesville, Michigan)
• Anna Woller (Montague, Michigan)
• Blake Barr (Yale, Michigan)
• Briar Albaugh (Manitowoc, Michigan)
• Bryant Janetzke (Saranac, Michigan))
• Chloe Steiner (Mecosta, Michigan)
• Dori Stuever (Capac, Michigan)
• Helen McBroom (Dickinson County, Michigan)
• Jaqueline Maye (Wausaukee, Michigan)
• Jocelyn Cerveny (Gresham, Michigan)
• Joshua Tomlinson (Baroda, Michigan)
• Julie Geiger (Harbor Beach, Michigan)
• Julie Koepple (Two Rivers, Wisconsin)
• ​Karlee Whitmore (Ithaca , Michigan)
• Makaila Cantrell (Ruth, Michigan)
• Ross Kelsey (Blanchard, Michigan)
• Sophia Barnum (Leslie, Michigan) 
• Talan Hiemstra (Marcellus, Michigan)
• Tyler Buckland (Armada, Michigan)
• Wyatt Epple (Watervliet, Michigan)
• Zoe VanRijin (​Deford, Michigan)

In addition, four outstanding college students were awarded the Dave Armstrong Scholarship, named after GreenStone’s former CEO who dedicated 41 years to advancing agricultural innovation and stewardship. This prestigious scholarship, $5,000 each, aims to recognize and support students pursuing careers in agriculture, timber, and natural resources.

2024 Dave Armstrong Scholarship Program awardees

• Amy Kern (Saginaw, Michigan)
• Clarissa Ulness (Manitowoc​, Wisconsin)
• Laken DuRussel (Bay, Michigan)
• Tyler Zelinko (​Saginaw, Michigan)

“At GreenStone, we have a deep commitment to investing in the future of agriculture by empowering the next generation of leaders. By providing financial support to these students, we not only enable them to pursue their dreams but also instill hope and inspiration for a brighter future in agriculture. Their passion and dedication truly contribute to the heart and soul of our industry,” expressed Travis Jones, president and CEO.

Each student selected for either of GreenStone’s scholarship programs met specific criteria, including residency within GreenStone’s territory in Michigan or northeast Wisconsin, competitive GPA and plans to pursue an agriculture or natural resources-related field. Additionally, awardees demonstrated active community involvement, leadership in school and a passion for agriculture.

Applications for the 2025 scholarship will be available on the GreenStone website later this year, providing another opportunity for aspiring agricultural leaders to apply for financial support.

For more information on GreenStone, visit greenstonefcs.com.