BISMARCK – The North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association has announced 21 recipients of the Patrick Denne Memorial Scholarships for 2026. This year’s awards total $34,000. These awards are funded by the association’s annual live auction and donations for the scholarship to honor a man whose career was dedicated to North Dakota’s rural water systems. Denne served as the association’s circuit rider for 20 years, traveling approximately 750,000 miles to every corner of the state to provide technical assistance to drinking water systems.

Among scholarships recipients are Grace Ones of Kenmare and Cailyn Takala of Upham. John Parsons, City of Goodrich and Minot operator, who is enrolling in Bismarck State College’s Water and Wastewater Technology program, also received a scholarship.