GROWING THE FUTURE:
COMPEER’S COMMITMENT TO YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE
Celebrating Compeer’s 2025 Scholarship Recipients
We’re proud to announce this year’s recipients of the Compeer Financial High School Senior Scholarships, an inspiring group of students who represent the future of agriculture and rural leadership.
This year, we received more than 487 applications from across Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. After a competitive review process, 123 students were selected for their academic excellence, dedication to agriculture and passion for making a difference in their communities.
At Compeer, we believe advocating for rural youth is just as vital as supporting today’s farmers. We’re on a mission to champion rural communities and that starts with supporting the people who shape them.
By removing financial barriers to higher education, our $1,500 scholarships help young people pursue their dreams and plant the seeds for the next generation of thriving rural communities.
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Each of our 2025 scholars has a unique story to tell. Get to know three standout recipients who embody the spirit of leadership, service and innovation we strive to support:
Mitchell Wilcox | West Point, IL
Mitchell Wilcox knows agriculture isn’t just about what happens in the field. It’s also about the equipment, repairs and expertise that keep it all going. With a 4.0 GPA, certificates in both basic and industrial welding and hands-on experience repairing machinery, Mitchell is ready to begin his next chapter at Spoon River College, studying Diesel & Power Systems Technology.
After years spent working alongside his family on their farm, he discovered how vital reliable equipment is to keeping operations running, especially during critical seasons. Backed by Compeer’s scholarship, he’s one step closer to his dream of launching a diesel shop on his family farm, offering both in-shop and mobile repairs to keep local farms running smoothly.
“My goal is to serve in both of these areas as I progress throughout my career, and I hope to earn a reputation as a reliable, knowledgeable diesel mechanic. It will truly be an honor to be part of the workforce labor solution leading to a new generation of American agriculture.”
– Mitchell Wilcox
Claire Veenker | Windom, MN
Claire Veenker isn’t just preparing for a future in agriculture, she’s already living it. The daughter of a first-generation farmer, she’s currently managing 75 acres of rented land through a $30,000 operating loan she secured with Compeer, co-signed by her dad. That hands-on experience became the foundation for her first FFA proficiency award, earned through her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), where she placed second in the state.
Now, she’s ready to continue her journey at South Dakota State University, where she’ll major in Agronomy and minor in Agricultural Business. With Compeer’s support, Claire is working toward a future where she can advocate for farmers and help others get their start in agriculture.
“My goal is to become an entrepreneur in the agronomy field and help young farmers overcome some of the same challenges I faced. I want to provide the same guidance and support I received from my dad to beginning farmers who are eager to succeed and ensure they have the resources and representation they deserve.”
– Claire Veenker
Jack Firgens | Appleton, WI
Jack Firgens wasn’t raised on a farm, yet he always had a fascination with farm equipment and semi-trucks. Driven by this interest, he got his start working as an auto mechanic, where he honed his skills. Without access to ag programs in school, Jack forged his own path by joining Midlakes Custom Services, a custom harvesting farm and client of Compeer. There, he discovered his passion for heavy equipment, earned his CDL and began working as both a diesel mechanic and truck driver.
This fall, he’ll continue his training at Fox Valley Technical College studying Diesel Equipment Technology and preparing for a career maintaining the machines farmers rely on every day. With support from Compeer, Jack is pursuing a future in agriculture that once felt out of reach, proving that where you start doesn’t define where you can go.
“Being a diesel mechanic with a CDL makes my future career open to so many opportunities. I can show people you don't need to have a four-year college degree to become successful no matter what field you decide to pursue.”
– Jack Firgens
Congratulations to Our 2025 Scholars
Illinois Scholars
Ella Anderson
Lilliana Bernabei
Grace Birkey
Benjamin Biros
Kade Boatman
Kendall Boatman
Ethan Bremmer
Alaina Dinderman
Kashen Ellerbrock
Elizabeth Ellis
Grace Emmerich
Gwendolyn Hall
Karlee Ham
Benjamin Harpster
Ingrid Hays
Eli Heyvaert
Isabella Hinthorne
Brayden Hubble
Kasandra Hughes
Macon Kessler
Kamber Kilgus
Miranda Klingler
Claire Lovgren
Maddox Main
Ethan McKim
Hannah Miller
Jacob Mitchell
Emma Moss
Samuel Nightingale
Makayla Oleson
Laikyn Parchert
Masyn Riggins
Cole Saathoff
Klay Schaffner
Paige Sierens
Aubree Sparry
Chelsey Stotler
Erin Welch
Lane Wheelwright
Mitchell Wilcox
Hannah Williams
Minnesota Scholars
Cameron Addington
William Bastian
Logan Bleyenberg
Tyson Bleyenberg
Weston Collins
Brooklyn Drescher
Nicole Duehn
Madison Ehrich
Rylee Folkerts
Dan Frericks
Keith Harner
Maria Hegland
Holly Hughes
Katherine Huneke
Haylee Jolitz
Kaedyn Judd
Bryson Kellogg
Craig Knutson
Jack Langlois
Taylor Larson
Megan Lawver
Caden Lodermeier
Michael Mackenthun
Adalia Matzner
Eden Messerli
EllieRose Nelson
Joseph Neutz
Rachel Portner
Lydia Rose
Keeley Runge
Dylan Schroeder
Hannah Schuhmacher
Mara Schwarz
Tyler Steele
Darian Stransky
Gabriella Symens-Otero
McKade Tewes
Claire Veenker
Haddie Walter
Ella Weist
Abigail Willegal
Wisconsin Scholars
Rita Achenbach
Brenna Berg
Claire Bos
Shaelyn Brantner
Ashton Brusveen
Payge Clark
Macy Cross
David Dorn
Andrea Esterby
Carter Fetzer
Emily Fetzer
Jack Firgens
Kaela George
Brinna Goplin
Kyra Hetland
William Huenink
Max Luedtke
Braelyn Meinert
Elizabeth Meylor
Brandon Miess
Samuel Miller
Maggie Mindemann
Brooke Mitchell
Macie Noble
Nathan Pyka
Annie Robinson
Ellen Robinson
Alex Roe
Logan Schmidt
Marlee Schroeder
Luke Schubert
Elliott Small
Wyatt Stowell
John Swenson
Maggie Tutor
Isabella Wallin
Elizabeth Weinzirl
Jonathon Wellnitz
Matthew Winch
Isabelle Woodard
Olivia Zuehls
Interested in applying for our scholarship? Applications for the 2026 program will open January 1.
How We Support Youth in Ag
Our commitment extends far beyond the classroom, with various programs that nurture and encourage young people to thrive in the world of agriculture. Discover all the ways Compeer is making a difference for rural youth and ag communities.
County Fair Facility Grant
Enhance the fair-going experience with repairs and improvements to fairground facilities like livestock buildings and 4-H spaces.
Agriculture Education Grant
Foster student engagement with hands-on learning opportunities and access to modern classroom equipment.
Sponsorships
Strengthen support for organizations that share our same values, missions and goals such as 4-H clubs and FFA chapters.
We’re proud to support our youth and inspire them to dream as boundlessly as the rural landscapes they call home.
Agritourism & Education Centers
In Wisconsin’s heartland, the Food + Farm Exploration Center has emerged as a beacon of agricultural innovation and sustainability.
Agricultural Education Opportunities
Turning green space — or any available space — into food production is an agricultural art. “There is a lot of untapped potential in cities and urban gardening scenes.”
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