The North Dakota Grocers Association is pleased to announce the 2023 Richard Bronson Scholarship Award Recipients. NDGA grocery retailers and associate vendor members employees were eligible to apply for a $1000 scholarship. Student applications were evaluated for academics, community involvement, essay, and recommendations.
This year three college and nine high school students were selected. Students came from all across North Dakota representing all sizes of stores.
This year’s recipients are:
Zac Miller VP of Operations, Johanneson’s Co., Hannah Peterson, Lora Peterson Asst. Produce Manager Marketplace Foods, Anisaa Otto, Store Director Marketplace Foods.
Hannah Peterson
Hannah Peterson is a college student attending Minot State University majoring in Social Work. While attending college Hannah has been active volunteering in several organizations. Hannah is planning on pursuing a masters degree in social work. Her mother, Lora, is employed by South Broadway Marketplace Foods, Minot
Terry Knutson Store Director Leevers, Izabella Baker – Schilken
Izabella Baker-Schilken
Isabella is currently enrolled in the Turtle Mountain Community College in Belcourt working towards her Associates of Science degree. She plans on attending Minot State University and is interested in the field of Radiologic Technology. According to an advisor at TMCC “if your scholarship is intended to go to someone who demonstrates strong leadership and academic skills, Izabella fits these guidelines perfectly”.
Christopher Pfeifle, Kirk Rueb, owner Ashley Super Valu
Christopher Pfeifle
Christopher is a high school student in Ashley ND and works for Ashley Supervalu. He is involved in numerous organizations and has received a number of awards. Christopher currently is maintaining a 4.28 GPA while holding two part-time jobs. Attending the University of North Dakota is his plan for the fall majoring in Finance.
Roger Voeller, Store Director, Cylee Walton
Cylee Waltin
Cylee Waltin is a senior at Cavalier High School and is employed at Leevers Foods. Cylee has extensive experience in extracurricular activities, has held numerous leadership positions, and is a recipient of many honors and awards. She is planning on attending the University of North Dakota in the fall majoring in Marketing.
Kim Oien Owner, Hunter, Melanie Miller Manager
Hunter Oien
Hunter Oien is currently a senior at Grant County High School in Elgin ND. His family owns and operates Oien Grocery store in Mott ND. Hunter plans on attending Free Lutheran Bible College in Plymouth MN and will then attend a secular college to pursue a career in Wildlife Biology. Hunter has been active in church and sports while also being a member of the National Honor Society and a member of the Math Meet team.
Rich Steidler, Territory Sales Rep, Colin Steidler
Colin Steidler
Colin Steidler is a student at St. Mary’s High School in Bismarck, ND. Colin’s father, Richard, is employed by Dacotah Paper Co. headquartered in Fargo. He is employed at Dunn Brothers Coffee and is active in sports and is a volunteer in numerous organizations all the while maintaining straight A’s. He is planning to attend the University of North Dakota majoring in Biology. He hopes to continue his education with the goal of becoming a physician.
Becky Leaf, Store Director, Derek Jackson, Christian Hustad Asst. Store Director.
Derek Jackson
Derek Jackson is a Guest Service Representative for Northport Hornbacher’s in Fargo. He is a student at Fargo North High School and has a cumulative 4.09 GPA. Derek has received numerous scholastic honors and is a member of the National Honor Society. Derek is active in the community, such as being a Fill the Dome Student council member and participating in a number of Key Club service projects. Derek has not decided on a major or which university to attend, he is considering an engineering degree.
Tim Rhode, Cash Wise Store Director, Gavin Peterson, Chris Kjar Shift Manager.
Gavin Peterson
Gavin Peterson is a senior attending Sheyenne High School and is employed at Cash Wise Foods in West Fargo. He has a 3.66 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. Gavin is active in music and sports and plans on attending North Dakota State University majoring in Engineering.
Jessica Monge-Manager, Tate Grossman
Tate Grossman
Tate Grossman has been employed by the Warehouse Grocer in Harvey ND for 4 years and has also been employed by a local bank and the school. As a senior attending Harvey High School Tate is maintaining a 3.84 GPA and has been a 5 time All Region Academic Team member. He plans on attending the University of Jamestown majoring in Physical Therapy. Recipient of the Joseph”Fred”Barth Memorial Scholarship
Allen Tellmann owner, Daniel Blend
Daniel Blend
Daniel Blend attends the Blend Private Home School where he has a 3.71 GPA. Daniel is employed at Tellmann’s Market in New Salem ND. He is active in sports and 4-H. He also volunteers at Heaven Helpers Soup Kitchen, Dreamcenter-Bismarck, and at St. Bernard Mission School in Ft. Yates ND. Daniel is planning on attending Williston State College majoring in a Technical or Trades college. Recipient of the Joseph”Fred”Barth Memorial Scholarship.
Jeff Westrom, Human Resources Director, Jacqueline Lien
Jaqueline Lien
Jacqueline Lien has been employed full time with Valley Markets (Hugo’s) in Grand Forks since 2006. Jacqueline states that “working in the grocery industry has changed my life. Being employed by Valley Market has taught me to become more comfortable with skills that I previously had not been.” While working full time and raising a family Jaqueline has enrolled in the University of Mary online program majoring in accounting.
Allen Jackson – COO Hugo’s, Joslyn Jackson
Joslyn Jackson
Joslyn Jackson is a senior at West Fargo High School. Her father, Allen, is employed by Hugo’s located in Grand Forks ND. Joslyn has a 4-point GPA while competing in sports, participating in community and church events, and is a member of the National Honor Society . She is planning on attending the University of North Dakota majoring in Nursing with the hopes of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.
Since 2020 NDGA with the generous support of its Retail and Vendor members has awarded $40,000 in scholarships. Please consider supporting this program by donating directly to the Richard Bronson Scholarship Fund (tax exempt) or by supporting the annual Golf Fundraiser and Convention Silent/Live Auction.