American Royal Names 2024 Royal Scholars

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Royal Names 2024 Royal Scholars
Ten high-performing students selected to represent the American Royal mission

KANSAS CITY, Mo (June 26, 2024) – The American Royal Association has selected its 2024 class of Royal Scholars, a group of outstanding college students studying agriculture, food or natural resources. Each Royal Scholar will receive a $3,000 scholarship.

Throughout the next year, the Royal Scholars will advocate for the agriculture industry and represent the American Royal’s mission to champion food and agriculture. The scholarship program also allows students two unique opportunities to attend American Royal events and participate in business and industry visits throughout the Kansas City metro area.

The 2024 Royal Scholars are: Aidan Ainslie, Erynn Allison, Taylor Burke, Maddie Dollarhide, Gracie Grimes, Cody Loganbill, Irene Nielsen, Rachel Sebesta, Kylie Schakel and Cortney Zimmerman.

Aidan Ainslie of Clayville, New York, attends Cornell University majoring in interdisciplinary studies with a focus in agricultural economics. Erynn Allison of Tifton, Georgia, attends Oklahoma State University majoring in agricultural education with a minor in ethical leadership. Taylor Burke of Altona, Illinois, attends the University of Tennessee–Martin majoring in agriculture education. Maddie Dollarhide of The Dalles, Oregon, attends Oklahoma State University majoring in agricultural communications and animal science with a minor in agricultural leadership and a certification in ethical leadership. Gracie Grimes of Metter, Georgia, attends the University of Georgia majoring in animal and dairy science with minors in agribusiness and management. Cody Loganbill of Lawrence, Kansas, attends Oklahoma State University majoring in agribusiness. Irene Nielsen of Potterville, Michigan, attends Iowa State University majoring in dairy science, agricultural communications and international agriculture with a minor in public relations. Rachel Sebesta of Wilson, Kansas, attends Kansas State University majoring in agricultural education and global food systems leadership with minors in agronomy and anthropology. Kylie Schakel of Atlanta, Indiana, attends Kansas State University majoring in agricultural communications and journalism. Cortney Zimmerman of Spencer, Wisconsin, attends Oklahoma State University majoring in agricultural communications with a minor in agricultural business and economics.

“Our Royal Scholars applicant pool was highly competitive this year with 145 applicants from 28 states, representing 44 colleges and universities,” said Nathan Laudan, director of education at the American Royal. “We are thrilled to recognize the 10 selected scholars for their remarkable achievements. I am confident that they will positively represent the American Royal mission throughout the upcoming year at our events, around their universities and in their hometowns.”

Through an application and interview process, the Royal Scholars were selected based on their academic achievement, leadership excellence and community involvement. Each recipient must be an undergraduate student studying agriculture, food or natural resources and have a cumulative GPA above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Learn more about the American Royal at americanroyal.com.

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About the American Royal Association
A Kansas City tradition since 1899, the American Royal is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to be the nation’s leader for food and agriculture education, events, and engagement. The American Royal provides opportunities for youth and adults from around the world to engage in high-quality events and experiences, including nationally competitive livestock shows, the world’s largest barbecue competition, regional and national equine shows, youth and professional rodeos, and elementary and secondary education outreach. Support from partners, members, and volunteers help the American Royal achieve its vision of a world where food and agriculture are celebrated, and all generations are committed to its future.

Contact:
Julie Warner
AdFarm
2101 Broadway Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64108
[email protected]