Milbank Educational Foundation Awards $144,700 In Scholarships

The Milbank Educational Foundation presented $144,700 in scholarships to 25 seniors during the annual awards banquet on Thursday, May 5. The foundation celebrated its 30th year and has given out approximately 584 scholarships since 1986, with approximately a total of $1,873,800 awarded.

Earning scholarships were Andrew Mears, Whetstone Valley Nursing Home, $2,500 and the Class of 1956 second year award for $1,000; Shauna Pauli, Gus Kline, $2,500 and the Sam Grorud second year award for $2,500; Katie Cannedy, Anderson Family, $2,500 and the JoAnn VanLith second year award for $1,500; Ellie Webb, James Emanuel, $2,500 and the Connor Munson second year award for $1,000; Erin Thomson, Robert and Verna Ostlie, $2,500 and the Stengel Family second year award for $1,000; Abby Wollschlager, SA, $2,500; Janette Hall, Kiwanis, $2,500; Cara Berkner, Kiwanis-Dr. Johnson, $2,500; Chris Loutsch, Kiwanis-Agriculture, $2,500; Morgan Schmitt, Reva J. Bracht, $2,500; Isaac Snaza, Valley Queen, $2,500; Josh Pillatzki, Willard Meyer, $2,500; Whitney Falk, Dr. Norm and Carol Madsen, $2,500; Brianna Schreurs, Linda’s Fashions, $2,500; Joshua Fonder, Stengel Family, $2,500; Dalton Fox, Clarence Modin, $2,500, and Caleb Seehafer, Art Campbell, $2,500.

Kala Loehrer received the Leo P. Flynn $5,000 scholarship which is given at $2,500 per year for two years. Rachelle Gabriel and Courtney Lusk each received a $5,000 scholarship from Paul and Aaron Buri, which is also awarded at $2,500 each year for two years.

Three $9,400 Patridge/Brisco scholarships were given which is awarded at $4,700 per year for two years. Award recipients were Shelby Hooth, Mikayla Street and Hannah Rick.

The final two scholarships presented went to Rebekah Tuchscherer and Heidi Bergquist. Each received a $26,000 David J. Engebretson scholarship which is awarded at $6,500 per year for four years.

The Milbank High School Educational Foundation was chartered as a non-profit corporation by the State of South Dakota on June 9, 1986. In the fall of that year, it was declared a tax exempt charitable foundation by the US Internal Revenue Service. The impetus for the creation of the foundation came from a group of public-spirited Milbank business people. The first major financial contribution was made by the stockholders of the former Whetstone Valley Nursing Home, Inc. All gifts to the Milbank Educational Foundation are tax deductible and will not only promote the purpose of the foundation, but can reduce the donor’s income tax liability. A minimum donation to the foundation of $50,000 is required to award a scholarship in ones name.

Board members include Chad Nelson, president; Doug Buri, vice-president; Sue Stengel, secretary; Susan Leddy, treasurer, and other members Jeff Jones, Mike Misterek and Nichole Bury. Jones was also recognized for his 18 years of service as president and recently turned over that role to Nelson.