SF Chamber of Commerce

Allyson Beninga

SIOUX FALLS, SD – The Agri-Business Division of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has awarded college scholarships to six students.

Five students who exhibited livestock at the 2019 Sioux Empire Livestock Show received the Exhibitor Scholarship:

  • Allyson S. Beninga of Inwood, Iowa, [Harrisburg High School] received $3,000. She plans to attend Iowa State University to study agricultural communications.

  • Sarah Young of Leesburg, Ohio, received $3,000. She is currently a freshman at The Ohio State University studying biomedical engineering.

  • Blake Olson of Chancellor, South Dakota, received $1,000. He plans to attend South Dakota State University to study ag business and animal science.

  • Hannah Kruse of Ellsworth, Minnesota, received $500. She plans to attend Iowa State University to study animal science.

  • Carter Calmus of Canova, South Dakota, received $500. He plans to attend Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College to study animal science.

In order to be eligible for the Sioux Empire Livestock Show Exhibitor Scholarship, the applicant must have exhibited cattle, market lamb, market goat or market swine at the 2019 Sioux Empire Livestock Show. In addition, applicants were required to be enrolled in or accepted to attend a two- or four-year post-secondary program with intent to pursue an agriculture-related degree, have a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit an essay describing lessons they learned by exhibiting livestock. The annual Sioux Empire Livestock Show, which takes place each January, is sponsored by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mitchell Healy

The Agri-Business Division also awarded a Division Scholarship of $2,500 to Mitchell Healy of Harrisburg, South Dakota. Healy was recognized for his commitment to celebrating and promoting agriculture in the region. He has volunteered with the Sioux Empire Livestock Show and other ag events for more than 10 years. Healy plans to attend South Dakota State University to study civil engineering.

About the Sioux Empire Livestock Show:

The Sioux Empire Livestock Show promotes and celebrates agriculture through an annual, authentic experience that educates and entertains the community; assists youth exhibitors financially with academic endeavors; and generates economic impact through national livestock consignments and trade show opportunities.

Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Mission:

As the leading Sioux Falls area business advocate, we represent our members by advancing and promoting the economic health and quality of life of the region.