04/29/2026
The scholarship committee awarded six scholarships this year. Each student completed a lengthy application and provided two letters of reference. Applicants were selected based on academic standing, leadership experience, civic involvement, and their commitment to rural Iowa and the agricultural community. Each student participated in a brief interview with our scholarship committee, which included Kaitlin Walton, Dustin Marolf, Noah Coppess and Lakaya Tenley.
Avery Caspary, the daughter of Bryan and Dawn Caspary of Clarence, will continue her education at Iowa State University. When asked, "How will your field of study and future plans support the mission of Iowa Farm Bureau (creating a vibrant future for agriculture, farm families, and their communities), rural Iowa, and the vitality of agriculture?" Avery responded: “After high school, I plan to attend Iowa State University. At Iowa State, I am undecided on my official major, but I have a pull towards Journalism. The future with a degree in Journalism would allow me to help advocate for Farm Bureau. As new generations come, new trends and phrases arise. As a journalist, I can bring awareness and education in simple, relatable ways. By educating the public about where food comes from and the importance of farming. While also informing and correcting misinformation talked about by the public. As someone who grew up with a strong connection to my community, I could interview and report about local farmers and their stories. Rural towns need to be educated on who their local farmers are and their experiences, both good and bad. Something that is not always talked about is Farmer Representation. Touching on this topic would boost farmers' perspectives on mainstream media platforms, while also showing the real challenges farmers face, and helping to humanize farming instead of categorizing it as an industry.”
Congratulations, Avery!
