CRI Names 2007 "Founders" Scholarship Recipients
SHAWANO, Wis. - Annually, Cooperative Resources International (CRI) awards three scholarships to children of CRI employees. Due to an overwhelming number of very qualified applicants, five scholarship winners were chosen this year. Winners of the 2007 CRI "Founders" Scholarship include Heather Bennett of Grand Ronde, Ore., Schanna Lawinger of Sauk Centre, Minn., Megan Neumann Sleeper of Shawano, Wis., Ben Snyder of Epworth, Iowa, and Adam Westenbroek of Ontario, Calif.
The scholarship, awarded to young people within the CRI family who have demonstrated exceptional academic and leadership skills and expressed a desire to advance their education beyond traditional school, was established to honor the cooperative's pioneering leaders. In tribute, each student will receive a $500 scholarship.
Scholarship recipient Heather Bennett is the daughter of Scott, Genex Cooperative, Inc. Area Sales Representative, and Gail Bennett of Grand Ronde, Ore. Bennett has strengthened her leadership through student government, athletics, involvement in the community and as a dedicated member of the National FFA Organization. Her involvement with the FFA has helped her decide to attend Oregon State University for a career as an agricultural instructor.
Schanna Lawinger is the daughter of Helen Lawinger, Purchasing Agent for Genex Farm Systems. Lawinger has focused on academic excellence and in gaining experience to help in her career as a pediatrician. This experience has come from involvement with her church and participation in community swim programs for children. She will attend Concordia College this fall.
Also receiving the scholarship is Megan Neumann Sleeper, daughter of Michael Sleeper (CRI Associate Vice President of International Marketing) and Shannon Neumann. Sleeper balanced her academic excellence with community involvement, athletics and leadership activities while attending Shawano Community High School. These experiences have prepared her to attend the University of Minnesota to study zoology.
Ben Snyder is the son of Lisa and Andrew Snyder. His father, Andrew, is a Genex Area Sales Representative. This fall Snyder will attend North Central University to become a youth pastor. His involvement in church activities, athletics, the Talented and Gifted program, and being a tutor have prepared him to take on leadership roles and work with a variety of people in his future career.
Adam Westenbroek of Ontario, Calif., is the son of Genex Area Sales Representative Douglas Westenbroek and Lisa. To prepare himself for a career in agricultural engineering from Dordt College, Adam has spent time on dairies and focused on a well-rounded education. As an active member of his church, a gifted athlete and a talented musician, he has formed leadership skills that will benefit him throughout his future.
Lawinger, Sleeper, Bennett, Snyder and Westenbroek are excellent examples of youth within the CRI family who demonstrate exceptional academics and leadership skills. CRI names these students recipients of the annual scholarship because of the leadership they have provided to their peers and community in the past, and the commitment they have to being community leaders in the future.
CRI, a member-owned holding cooperative, is comprised of three subsidiaries: Central Livestock Association, AgSource Cooperative Services and Genex Cooperative, Inc. The CRI Mission Statement summarizes the goal of CRI: "To provide products and services as effectively as possible to maximize the profitability of members and customers worldwide while maintaining a strong cooperative."
