Gambell among DMACC FFA Leadership Scholars

DMACC is pleased to announce its 2023-24 class of Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholars, which includes a total 24 outstanding students from across Iowa. The group features 13 first-year students and 11 returning students, with each attending DMACC on a full-tuition scholarship during the 2023-24 academic year through the competitive scholarship program.

The Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholars Program has awarded nearly $2.4 million in full-tuition scholarships to qualifying DMACC students since its founding prior to the 2016-2017 academic year at the College. The scholarship program was established in honor of beloved ag broadcaster Mark Pearson, who passed away suddenly in 2012 at the age of 54.

“Some of the greatest leaders in Iowa, across a variety of career fields, have an FFA background,” said DMACC President Rob Denson. “DMACC is proud to play a role in helping the next generation of leaders prepare themselves for their careers, and we are honored to continue sharing Mark’s legacy and passion for his profession with today’s students.”

Each year, up to 15 eligible, first-year students at DMACC are awarded a Mark Pearson FFA Leadership scholarship, including one student from each of Iowa’s six FFA districts. The scholarship recipients can enroll in any degree program at DMACC, and the scholarship will pay for the completion of their degree. After completing their first year at DMACC, Mark Pearson FFA Leadership scholars are then eligible to maintain their scholarship for a second year.

To qualify for the competitive Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholars Program, students must 1) serve as president of their FFA chapter during either their junior or senior of high school; 2) apply for the program during their senior high school; and 3) commit to attending DMACC the fall following their high school graduation. The application period for the scholarship runs from Dec. 1 to March 1 each year, with scholarships awarded in April/May for the upcoming fall semester.

Introducing the 2023-24 Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholars

The 2023-24 class of Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholars includes the following students, who are listed with their hometowns, areas of study and year at DMACC (first year or returning):

Mallory Behnken of Massena, Biology, returning

Valerie Beukema of Bondurant, Veterinary Technology, returning

Cara Caltrider of Adair, Education, first year

Emma Carlson of Belmond, Education, returning

Preston Daufeldt of West Liberty, Agribusiness, first year

Nick Feldpausch of Beaman, Agribusiness, returning

Caleb Freeburg of Pocahontas, Agribusiness, returning

Taylor Gambell of Hedrick, Agribusiness, returning

Collin Grove of Holstein, Agribusiness, returning

Mackinze Hora of Ainsworth, Agribusiness, returning

Carson Kelderman of Tracy, Agribusiness, first year

Tricia Kellner of Hardy, Education, first year

Connor Kenkel of Dunlap, Agribusiness, returning

Callie Kohlwes of Colo, Agribusiness, first year

Calla Langel of Le Mars, Agribusiness, first year

Amy Martin of Milford, Education, first year

Amanda Ostrem of Stanhope, Agribusiness, first year

Jonah Schumacher of Pleasantville, Agribusiness, first year

Macy Smith of Chariton, Education, first year

Lane Snedden of Grand Junction, Agribusiness, returning

Marie Vander Wilt of Pella, Paramedic, returning

Luke Van Essen of Pella, Agribusiness, first year

Trey Voeller of Prairie City, Agribusiness, first year

Trysten Ward of Boone, General Studies, first year

The Mark Pearson FFA Leadership Scholarship at DMACC was officially created in April 2016 during an announcement made in the Formal Office of then Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad. Pearson was the host of Iowa PBS’ “Market to Market” program for more than 20 years and was the host of WHO Radio’s “The Big Show.” Pearson was a Madison County farmer who also served as an Assistant Secretary of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and was the Markets Editor for Successful Farming Magazine.