KJLS Scholarships Support Future Agricultural Leaders

By Scout Nelson

The Kansas Junior Livestock Show (KJLS) awarded $22,500 in scholarships to 12 exhibitors during its annual event held October 2-4 in Hutchinson. The scholarships recognize young livestock exhibitors for their achievements and support their future educational goals.

Since launching the scholarship program in 1993, KJLS has distributed more than $620,000 to 423 junior exhibitors across Kansas. The initiative continues to encourage leadership, academic success, and participation in the livestock industry.

This year’s highest scholarship awards went to Cami Miller of El Dorado and Cassidy Dalquest of Wilsey, who each received $2,750 scholarships. Their recognition reflects years of involvement and dedication to youth agricultural programs.

Four exhibitors received $2,000 scholarships, including Kinsley Gillig of Blue Rapids, Ella Hoeltzel of Olsburg, Ella Neher of Pfeifer, and Kamryn Kirkham of Hugoton. The awards honored their commitment to livestock projects, leadership activities, and community engagement.

Three students, Jewel Endicott of Uniontown, Leah Howard of Ellsworth, and John Aden Grathwohl of Hiawatha, were awarded $1,800 scholarships. Their accomplishments highlight the values of hard work, responsibility, and service promoted through KJLS programs.

Additional scholarship recipients included Hannah Feiser of Plains and Katie Aubert of Rossville, who each received $1,300 awards. Genayla Warnken of Manhattan was recognized with a $1,000 scholarship.

The scholarship program is supported by a network of agricultural organizations, businesses, foundations, and donors. Sponsors for the 2026 awards included Cargill, the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas Bill House Leadership Award, Coonrod Family Foundation, Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, Friends of Lois Johnson, Lattner Family Foundation, Prill Garwood Financial Advisors, and the Terry Fritz Memorial Scholarship.

KJLS remains one of Kansas’ leading youth livestock events, helping exhibitors build livestock management knowledge, leadership skills, and connections within the agricultural industry. Through its scholarship program, the organization continues to invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders across the state.

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