Submitted Photo Jason Zimmerman, executive director for the Minot Area Community Foundation, left, presented scholarships to, from left, Andrew Zikmund, Austin Lakefield, Makayla Kraft, Martin Heberlie, Kaden Nelsen, Karady Evans and Rose Schiele. Not pictured is Elsa Axtman.

Area students have been awarded scholarships through a program supporting North Dakota high school seniors involved in 4-H and FFA.

The Minot Area Community Foundation, in partnership with Hess Corp. and the North Dakota State Fair, has announced the recipients of the 2025 Hess Corporation Scholarships. This year, $40,000 in scholarships have been awarded to eight students across the state.

Three students were selected to receive scholarships of $10,000 each:

– Martin Heberlie, Des Lacs, will study engineering at Bismarck State College.

– Makayla Kraft, Minot, will study biological sciences at North Dakota State University.

– Kaden Nelsen, Leeds, will study plumbing & HVAC at Northland Career and Technical College.

Five additional students have each been awarded a $2,000 scholarship:

– Karady Evans, New England, will study education at Black Hills State University.

– Elsa Axtman, Fargo, will study business management/studio art at St Thomas.

– Rose Schiele, Balfour, will study elementary education at Valley City State University.

– Andrew Zikmund, Park River, will study economics/computer science at North Dakota State University.

– Austin Lakefield, Mohall, will study career and technical education at Valley City State University.

“At Hess, we are proud to support students who are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities,” said Brent Lohnes, general manager of North Dakota operations. “Whether these scholarship recipients choose to work in the energy sector or in other fields that contribute to the growth of our region, we believe their success will enhance the future of North Dakota.”

In addition to the scholarships,2 0 North Dakota 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters were each awarded $500 grants earlier this year through the same partnership. The grants are being used for community service projects in their local areas or to help increase participation in the North Dakota State Fair.