Community State Bank awards $7,500 in scholarships to eight local students
Several local students recently were recognized for their knowledge in agriculture, engineering, fashion and art in being named this year's recipients for Community State Bank's Leadership, Expectation, Achievement, Dedication scholarships.
Representatives from Community State Bank recently awarded $7,500 in scholarships to eight local students.
The students who received scholarships included Amanda Bender, Kathryn Domino, Kyle Ellsworth, Grace Giovingo, Nathan Huff, Benjamin Reed, Landon Rehberg and Lucy Stinebrink.
The LEAD Scholarship program was developed by Community State Bank in partnership with the Walworth County Fair Meat Animal Sale Committee. The scholarships are for Walworth County Fair exhibitors.
Applicants must be a graduating high school senior or post-secondary education student enrolled in the 2024-2025 school year.
Members of a selection committee chooses the recipients based on an essay or video describing how they meet the LEAD criteria.
"We had another year of exceptional applicants," Molly Krause, Community State Bank vice president of cash management, said in a press release. "It was inspiring to read all about the applicants and see how these young exhibitors are giving back to the community with both their time and talent. Walworth County is fortunate to have such an amazing group of future leaders."
Bender of Walworth has exhibited swine and goats at the Walworth County Fair. She began showing pigs at the fair when she was 8 years old.
"I can't imagine a future shaped the way I want it to be without the Walworth County Fair instilling a passion for agriculture within me," Bender said.
Domino has exhibited art, craft, natural science, shooting sport and LEGO non-mechanical projects at the fair.
During the past three years, Domino's artwork has won five grand champion ribbons and several judge's favorites awards.
"The fair has taught me how to be patient and how to work hard," Domino said. "The fair has taught me how to be dedicated and how to show up not only for myself, but for others."
Ellsworth of Elkhorn has exhibited beef cattle at the fair. He spent the majority of his childhood working on his family's beef and crop farm.
"I want to instill in the youth the value of hard work and the love of seeing a project through until the end," Ellsworth said. "My goal is to make an impact on the future generations to come."
Giovingo of Genoa City has featured home environment, clothing and child development projects at the fair. She finished second place in fashion construction at the 2024 Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Nationals in Seattle, Washington this summer.
"Leadership is more than just a position or title," Giovingo said. "It is a series of actions, experiences and important opportunities that shape an individual's ability to guide and inspire."
Huff has exhibited beef at the fair. He has been showing animals at the fair for about 14 years. Huff showed his first Hereford heifer in the open barn with his father and grandparents when he was 7 years old.
"I wouldn't trade those years for anything," Huff said. "I will still enjoy coming and visiting the Walworth County Fair."
Reed of Delavan has showed steer, a restored tractor, vegetables and crops at the fair.
He co-chaired the restoration of a 1962 Oliver 770 tractor. The project was a finalist at the National FFA Convention & Expo, which was held Oct. 23-26 in Indianapolis.
"I am dedicated to lifelong learning because I'm terrible at sitting down and doing nothing," Reed said. "I like to challenge myself."
Rehberg of Elkhorn has shown beef and swine at the fair. He began showing livestock at the fair when he was 8 years old. He plans to work as an engineer for the John Deere company.
"I believe agricultural engineers play a crucial role in impacting agriculture and rural America," Rehberg said. "One day, I hope to take in making improvements to the agricultural industry as an engineer and hopefully give my children the opportunity to show livestock."
Stinebrink of Lake Geneva has exhibited sheep at the fair. She hopes to work as a veterinarian in the future.
"My expectation for my future is to be able to spread as much good in my community through charity, volunteering and community organizations as my family before me did," Stinebrink said.
