KCA Scholarship Program Announces 2021-2022 Awards

The KCA and GoBob Pipe & Steel Scholarship Program recently awarded scholarship offers for 2021. This year, the Nathan Pike KCA Memorial Scholarship was awarded to one student applicants in honor of the late Nathan Pike, a long-time KCA member. Applicants were required to submit a completed application form detailing their secondary education plans, focus of future study, a formal resume as well as an essay of 250-500 words covering one of two topics. Those topics were how vertical integration both positively and negatively impacts beef cattle production as well as how might the beef checkoff be reformed to better represent independent cattle producer interests. After careful consideration and review, the KCA Board of Directors offered scholarships to five Kansas student applicants.

Chancy Johnson is the daughter of Chad and Janon Johnson of White City, Kansas. Chancy is a recent graduate of White City High School where she maintained a 4.0 cumulative GPA. Chancy served as Class President in Student Council, was her local FFA chapter President, participated in numerous sports, and graduated as class Valedictorian. In addition to incredible academic success, Chancy has worked on her family ranch and a local feedyard. She will attend Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and will study Agribusiness and Accounting. Chancy has been awarded the $500 KCA Nathan Pike Memorial Scholarship.

Lauren Gatz is the daughter of Taylor and Jennifer Gatz of Fairview, Kansas. Lauren is a recent graduate of Sabetha High School where she maintained a 4.0 cumulative GPA. Lauren served in leadership of both her local FFA chapter and 4-H and has a significant resume of service in her local community. She was the Kansas Hereford Princess, a member of the High Honor Roll throughout her high school career, and a Kansas Distinguished Young Woman. Lauren also worked as a Barista and Promotional Assistant while maintaining her studies. She will attend Kansas State University and will study Agricultural Communications. Lauren has been awarded the $500 GoBob Pipe and Steel & KCA Scholarship.

Tessa Beeman is the daughter of Preston and Jeanna Beeman of Hamilton, Kansas. Tessa is currently attending Kansas State University where she has maintained a 3.5 cumulative GPA. Tessa currently studies Animal Science with a business option. Tessa has been a member of the KSU Meat Judging Team and is a member of Alpha of Clovia where she serves as Business Manager and Parliamentarian. She is also a member of KSU Cattlewomen’s Club. Tessa works for Beeman Backgrounding in Madison, Kansas when not at KSU for school. Tessa has been awarded the $500 GoBob Pipe & Steel KCA Scholarship.

Jade Edwards is the daughter of DJ and Arlene Edwards of Hamilton, Kansas. She currently attends Oklahoma State University in pursuit of a degree in Animal Science specializing in Livestock Marketing and Food Science. Jade has maintained a 3.79 cumulative GPA during her tenure at OSU while participating in Block and Bridle, Meat Evaluation Team, Sigma Alpha, and recurring member of the OSU President’s Honor Roll. Additionally, she finished 5th overall in the Individual 2021 Mountain West Meat Judging Contest. Jade works as the Assistant Herd Manager at the OSU CVM Ranch as well as a Staffing Director for Leggett’s You Gotta Believe Livestock Camps. She also works as a Research Assistant for the Oklahoma State Meat Lab. Jade is the recipient of the $500 GoBob Pipe and Steel and KCA Scholarship. She plans to graduate in the spring of 2022.

Allison Miller is the daughter of Andy and Patty Miller of Fall River, Kansas. She currently attends Fort Hays State University pursuing a degree in Agribusiness and Animal Science. Allison has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.54 at FHSU and previously received her Associates of Science of Pre Vet from Coffeyville Community College. Allison has actively been involved as a KCA member, regularly attending KCA Convention and advocating on behalf of independent cattle producers. She has also participated in collegiate softball and volunteered building homes for struggling families. Allison has continued to work on the family ranch and as a retail sales associate while pursuing her education. She is the recipient of the $500 GoBob Pipe and Steel & KCA Scholarship.