The North Dakota State Fair Foundation and partner Hess Corporation presented a total $46,000 in scholarships during a special presentation at the State Fair Wednesday.

The Foundation honored 19 graduates in the N.D. State Fair Graduating Class of 2021 during the event. Six members of the class were selected in a random drawing for $1,000 each scholarships. Those receiving scholarships were:

– Zachary Lalum of Marion

– Brianna Fike of Chaseley

– Molly Black of Devils Lake

– Madison Jones of Bowdon

– Elizabeth Lee of Carrington

– Reed Wendel of LaMoure

Other members of the class are Beau Retzlaff, Carrington; Lane Underdahl, Makoti; Mariah Braach and Kaden Korgel, both Minot; Eliza Freund, Cando; Lindsey Galbreath, Enderlin; Laura Muggli, Carson; Karlee Sailer, Golden Valley; Abby Sigvaldsen, Epping; Alanna Pritchard, West Fargo; Lily Obert, Stanley; Amie Kjorsvik, Lakota; and Ann Estvold, Michigan.

A requirement for students in applying for the N.D. State Fair Foundation scholarships includes that they have exhibited and/or competed at the State Fair for a minimum of two years and been a 4-H or FFA member for a minimum of three years.

Other requirements include a student must be a citizen of North Dakota and plans to enroll in an accredited post-secondary education institution or trade school.

The majority of the N.D. State Fair Foundation Graduation Class members said they had showed at the State Fair for 10 years. When asked if anyone had showed at the fair for more years than 10, Lily Obert of Stanley responded. She has showed there for 11 years.

Two or three of the graduates were unable to attend the Wednesday afternoon event because they were showing their animals at the same time.

Renae Korslien, general manager of the State Fair, congratulated the graduates.

Hess Corporation, a new partner of the Foundation’s scholarship program, presented eight scholarships totaling $40,000 to graduating seniors who are current members of 4-H or FFA.

Recipients were:

$10,000 scholarships: Nathan Friedt, Harvey; Laura Muggli, Carson; and Logan Becker, New Salem.

$2,000 scholarships: Laney Hartel, Watford City; Kary Just, Berlin; Noah Helgoe, Cavalier; Kaylee Obriewitch, Belfield; and Kaitlynn Klebe, Willow City.

Students receiving scholarships will pursue secondary education or training in a career related to or in support of the oil and gas industry.

Following the presentations Grant Lohness, general manager of Hess Corporation in North Dakota, asked the students to study hard and look him up in four years to let him know how they are doing.

Kathy Neset, a geologist from Tioga who was on the interview committee for the scholarships, was recognized. She told the group she is a former 4-H member and thanked everyone for helping with the 4-H and FFA programs.

Another $10,000 donation from Hess goes to FFA and 4-H for grants to local communities.

The graduates were also recognized during the Sawyer Brown/Tigerlily concert Wednesday night at the Grandstand.

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Applications for scholarships

For more information about North Dakota State Fair Foundation and Hess Corporation scholarships and to access applications visit ndstatefair

foundation.com/scholarships/,