Dollars for Scholars awarded virtually

With school closed during the pandemic, the Minneota Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Program was broadcast online Sunday afternoon.
The Dollars for Scholars Committee gathered in a group of less than 10 at the school to announce the winners of the scholarships virtually.
“It was important to the Minneota Dollars for Scholars Committee that the senior scholarships be awarded at the scheduled time and date,” said Dollars for Scholars President Sue Buysse.
Since Minneota Dollars for Scholars began this program in 2001, over $245,000 has been awarded to Minneota graduates.
Every senior that applies for a Minneota Dollars for Scholars Scholarship receives money to further their education, provided they meet all criteria. Thirty-nine students from the class of 2020 received a total of 76 scholarships.
Each scholarship has certain criteria which are followed when selecting the recipient. Some of those criteria might be the field of study the student is pursuing. They may also be awarded based on things the student has already done, such as community service projects or participation in school events such as athletics, drama, or music.
The virtual event was kicked off with the announcement of the Andersen-Christianson Athletic and Musical Awards by Keven Larson and John Voit, respectively.
The Andersen-Christianson Awards are not chosen by the Dollars for Scholars Committee, but all other scholarships are.
Bob Anderson, a 1966 Minneota graduate, and Tom Christianson, a 1968 Minneota graduate, were killed in a car accident 50 years ago. Each were heavily involved in sports and music, and those awards have been named in their honor.
Recipients of the Andersen-Christianson Athletic Awards must have participated in two or more sports, is a positive leader both on and off the field of play, and follow all rules and regulations.
The female recipient this year is Morgan Hennen, while Cole Sanow is the male recipient.
Cecilia Rabey was the winner of the Andersen-Christianson Music Award, which is awarded to a senior who participates, shows leadership, and is dedicated to the music program and community.
There were three new scholarships awarded this year: Craig Ahmann Memorial Scholarship, MMA Van Vooren Memorial Scholarship and CTE Educational Scholarship.
“A big thank you to these new scholarship sponsors,” said Buysse.
“Stay strong, Class of 2020. We’re thinking about you. We miss you. Hang in there and we will see you soon,” said High School Principal Jeremy Frie in conclusion of the virtual program.
And the 2020 winners are:

Andersen-Christianson Athletic Award: Morgan Hennen, Cole Sanow.
Andersen-Christianson Music Award: Cecilia Rabaey
Dale Yost Memorial Scholarship: Grady Moorse
Minneota Rotary Educational Scholarship: Natalie Bot, Jacob Haen, Cecilia Rabaey
Thurmond T. Thurmond Scholarship: Molly Krog, Katie Konold, Tara Thooft, Emily Rybinski, Rachel Vlaminck
Franz Nelson Agriculture Scholarship (Swede Home Lutheran Church): Cole Sanow
Nels and Junina Nelson Medical Scholarship (Swede Home Lutheran Church): Grady Moorse
Friends of Swede Home Lutheran Church Scholarship: Morgan Hennen
Emily Ufkin Memorial Scholarship: Nolan Boerboom
Musser Environmental Consulting Inc. Scholarship: Faith Traen, Paige Welsh
Donny Belaen Memorial Scholarship: Logan Sussner, Tate Walerius
State Bank of Taunton Scholarship: Zoe DeBoer
Curt Breyfogle Memorial Scholarship: Logan Sussner
CTE Educational Scholarship: Kim Bloch
Minneota Wrestling Scholarship: Blake Reiss
Van Vooren MMA Memorial Scholarship: Jacob Haen
Educators of Tomorrow Scholarship: Anne Gruenes
Universal Forest Products Achievement Scholarship: Tate Walerius, Jackson Jeremiason
Southwest Sportsmen’s Club Scholarship: Madison Scholten, Hannah Brewers
PEO Chapter AS Scholarship: Molly Krog
Lyon County Farm Bureau Scholarship: Riley Buysse
Knights of Columbus Educational Scholarship: Cecilia Rabaey
Craig Ahmann Memorial Scholarship: Reese Gillund
Rev. Richard and Mavis Erickson & Family Scholarship (in memory of Mark and Mary Ann Full): Hannah Brewers
Minneota Manor Scholarship: Merissa Traen, Madison Scholten
Ruth M. Przymus Memorial Scholarship: Sean Dilley, Brenden Kimpe
Eagles Scholarship: Avery DeVlaeminck, Elizabeth Voit
Marjorie A. Pesch Teacher’s Scholarship: Tara Thooft
Bank of the West Employee Scholarship: Ali DeVlaeminck
Joseph R. Fischer Memorial Scholarship: Parker Eischens
4.0 Bus Service Scholarship: Mackenzie Vierstraete
Ufkin Family Memorial Scholarship: Natalie Bot, Jackson Jeremiason, Katie Landrus
Prairie Winds Wellness Educational Scholarship: Alex Saltzer
AgPlus Educational Scholarship: Cole Sanow
Schwan’s Company Scholarship: Austin Kloos
Dollars for Scholars Scholarships: Kim Bloch, Nolan Boerboom, Riley Buysse, Hannah Brewers, Ali DeVlaeminck, Avery DeVlaeminck, Sean Dilley, Reese Gillund, Anna Gruenes, Morgan Hennen, Jackson Jeremiason, Brenden Kimpe, Austin Kloos, Katie Konold, Katie Landrus, Kalob Regnier, Kolby Regnier, Blake Reiss, Emily Rybinski, Alex Saltzer, Madison Scholten, Madison Sorenson, Marissa Traen, Rachel Vlaminck, Elizabeth Voit.

If anyone has any questions or would like to start a scholarship, please email Sue Buysse at sue.buysse@minneotaschools.org.