On behalf of the Nevada Cattlemen’s Association (NCA), we are pleased to announce four scholarship recipients this year. NCA would like to congratulate Mattie Merritt of Round Mountain, NV and Leanna Sarman of Spring Creek, NV for being chosen as the 2021 Nevada Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship recipients. NCA would also like to congratulate Mackie Griggs of Elko, NV and Lia McQueary of Ruby Valley, NV for being chosen as the 2021 Marvel/Andrae Scholarship recipients.
NCA has annually awarded a scholarship to a first-year college student beginning to pursue an education within the agricultural industry. This award is open to all Nevada high school graduating seniors planning to attend a Junior or four-year University and majoring in an Ag related field. NCA also awards a second scholarship, the Marvel/Andrae Scholarship, which is targeted toward students either going into their first year of college or already enrolled in college and working towards their degree in agriculture.
Both scholarships are awarded to exceptional students who work hard, achieve high academic achievements, and work to represent agriculture in a positive way. We thank all the students that applied for these scholarships and are confident that they will all be strong future advocates for our ranching and farming communities.
Mattie will attend the College of Southern Idaho this fall to pursue a degree in Veterinary Technology. She’s been actively engaged in several organizations during her high school career including FFA, Superintendent Advisory Board, Round Mountain High School Class of 2021 Student Council, and Nevada State High School Rodeo Association. Mattie plans to become a licensed veterinary technician and possibly pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
Leanna will be attending the University of Nevada, Reno this fall to pursue a degree in Agriculture Science. She has been actively engaged in several organizations throughout high school including FFA, 4-H, Society for Range Management, National/Nevada/Elko County Cattlewomen, and the Lamoille Junior Livestock Club. Leanna hopes to grow her cow/calf operation she started in 4-H and pursue a career in production agriculture after obtaining her college degree.
Lia is currently enrolled at the University of Nevada, Reno and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She is in the University of Nevada’s Honors College and also participates in UNR Chamber Singers. Her goal is to continue advancing through STEM classes and possibly apply to a job within the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources at the Experimental Station which would allow her to work with animals, graduate researchers, greenhouses, and irrigation sciences.
Mackie is currently attending the University of Idaho and is majoring in Animal and Veterinary Science Production and minoring in Rangeland Management and Ecology. Mackie has made the Dean’s list each semester of college. She is a member of the NCA, Pi Beta Phi sorority, Student Idaho Cattle Association, and treasurer of the Block and Bridle Club. This summer she will be interning at the Lightning Creek Ranch in Joseph, Oregon. She plans to pursue a career that relates to the beef industry and eventually follow in her father’s footsteps by someday managing the Maggie Creek Ranch where she grew up.
Congratulations again to Mattie, Leanna, Lia, and Mackie and we wish them good luck on their future endeavors! We are very proud of them and are confident that they will continue to serve the industry well. We look forward to all that they will accomplish.
As part of the NCA Scholarship application process, applicants are required to write an essay on any topic within the beef industry. Please check out our website at nevadacattlemen.org to see Mattie and Leanna’s winning essays.
by Martin Paris, NCA Executive Director