The FRS awarded $87,000 to 34 students from rural communities served by members of NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association, including Nex-Tech. In its announcement, the FRS noted that the awardee’s applications were stellar and showcased not only their academic dedication, but an incredible amount of pride in their rural communities.
Maggie Speno received the $7,000 Everett Kneece scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to one student who demonstrates strong interest in returning to a rural community. Maggie is the daughter of Timothy and Jessica Speno of Hays. She is a Thomas More Prep-Marian graduate and will attend Fort Hays State University majoring in Mathematics to become a high school Math teacher.
Taylor Weidenhaft received a $5,000 JSI Staurulakis Family scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to four students with interest in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math. Taylor is the daughter of Brandon and Julie Weidenhaft of Hays. She is a Hays High School graduate and will attend Kansas State University majoring in Human Health Microbiology with a Pre-Med focus and minor in Psychology.
Patrick Heath received a $2,000 FRS General scholarship with a match of $500 from Nex-Tech. A total of 19 students received this award. Patrick is the son of Dan and Kim Heath of Great Bend. He is a Great Bend High School graduate and will attend Wichita State University majoring in Graphic Design.
The FRS Scholarship Program awards one-time scholarships to students from across rural America for their first year of college, university or vocational-technical school. Each student is sponsored by an NTCA member company. FRS had tremendous response to their scholarship program receiving over 650 applications.
“Nex-Tech is pleased to be a part of national organizations like FRS that offer advancement opportunities to our youth,” said Jimmy Todd, CEO/General Manger. “We congratulate Maggie, Taylor, and Patrick on their accomplishments thus far and wish them great success in the future.”
“It is a privilege for FRS to have a small role in supporting the continued education of these students through our scholarship program,” said FRS Executive Director Pam Becker. “Every applicant was impressive and demonstrated a deep knowledge of and dedication to their rural communities. We thank all our donors for making this scholarship program possible year after year.”
A full list of scholarship awardees and the NTCA member companies who are partnering with FRS to make the funding possible is available
online.