This year, 19 outstanding students were selected as recipients of the 2026 DuPage County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarships, receiving a combined total of $40,000 in scholarship awards. We are proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the 2026 scholarship recipients!

Ken F. Ebersold Scholarship

This scholarship was created in memory of Ken F. Ebersold of Downers Grove, IL. Mr. Ebersold was a past president of the DuPage County Farm Bureau and an active volunteer for many years. This scholarship is awarded to students actively pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in an agricultural related course of study. Here are the recipients of the 2026 Ken F. Ebersold Scholarship!

Alexander Murr

Alexander Murr graduated with a bachelor of science from the University of Missouri–Columbia in 2025 and has completed his first year at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Alexander is pursuing his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with the goal of becoming a Livestock Veterinarian. Alexander wishes to support Illinois farmers so that their animals are healthy and is passionate about animal nutrition with respect to diet, care, and performance along with the reproductive system and breeding practices.

During his time at the University of Missouri–Columbia, Alexander supported Pre-Veterinary Club fundraisers each semester, including walk-a-thons, sales, bringing therapy dogs to campus, and creating dog bandanas for a local animal shelter. He also participated in volleyball and spikeball intramurals and was a member of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association. Outside of school, Alexander spent more than 1,000 hours shadowing veterinarians at Kendall Road Equine Hospital, Springbrook Animal Hospital, and Avenue Animal Hospital. He also volunteered with Fox Valley Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and the Central Missouri Humane Society. Additionally, Alexander supported Anderson’s Walk4Animals fundraisers, the Wounded Warrior fundraiser, and fundraising efforts benefiting Lucky K-9 and Unchained Melodies animal shelters. Congratulations, Alexander!

Emily Lubek

Emily Lubek is an incoming sophomore at the University of Colorado pursuing a degree in ecology and evolutionary biology with the goal of becoming an Environmental Ecological Scientist. In this career, Emily desires to advise local agencies and farmers about various water and soil contamination solutions.

During her time at the University of Colorado, Emily has been a part of CU Boulder Leadership Club, CU Boulder Environmental and Ecology Club, and worked as a CU Johnson Laboratory Research Assistant. Emily also volunteers as a youth mentor for Earth Explorers middle school STEM students. Congratulations, Emily!

Olivia Kalicki

Olivia Kalicki is an incoming sophomore at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign pursuing a degree in agribusiness with the goal of becoming an Agricultural Project Manager. With this degree, Olivia hopes to improve the adoption and accessibility of innovative farming technologies, strengthen global food systems, and ultimately expand access to food in underserved communities.

At school, Olivia is the Vice President of National Agri-Marketing Association, Treasurer of ActGreen Sustainable Business Club, Staff Consultant for Students Consulting for Non-Profit Organizations, Staff Consultant for Illinois Consulting Group, National Agri-Marketing Association Representative for Student Leadership Council, and Apparel Chair for Sigma Alpha Professional Agriculture Sorority. Congratulations, Olivia!

General Scholarship

The General Scholarship is awarded to those pursuing a bachelor’s degree related to the agriculture industry. Here are the recipients of the 2026 General Scholarship!

Grant Biewenga

Grant Biewenga is a recent graduate of Prospect High School and will attend Purdue University to pursue a degree in quantitative business economics with the goal of becoming a business owner. His passion for this career path comes from his upbringing in the farming community and desire to help farmers make informed marketing decisions by analyzing market trends.

During his time at Prospect High School, Grant was involved with the Prospect Service Club and Peer Tutoring, served as a Knights’ Way Leader, and participated in ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, and soccer. Outside of school, Grant volunteered with Feed My Starving Children, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Prospect Food Drive, and the Oktober Fest 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon. He also earned his pilot’s license and worked as an intern under the Director of Economic Development at Chicago Executive Airport. Congratulations, Grant!

Hashim Hassan

Hashim Hassan is a recent graduate of Hinsdale Central High School and will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering with the goal of founding an agricultural equipment company. Hashim wants to pursue mechanical engineering because he is interested in solving the same types of challenges found within agricultural equipment design, including load geometry, thermal management under continuous operation, and developing solutions that are both manufacturable and cost-effective for producers.

During his time at Hinsdale Central High School, Hashim served as Communications Co-Chair of the Ambassador Club, President of the Computer Science Club, and a Peer Tutor in the Academic Resource Center. He also participated in track, cross country, and soccer. Hashim was a founding board member, Creative Director, and Chief Executive Officer of the Hinsdale Central Car Club (Red Devils Garage). Outside of school, Hashim volunteered as a translator at a free community clinic, served at his local mosque, and worked as an SAT math tutor. He also founded and served as Chief Executive Officer of Vitesse Automotive Apparel, served as Creative Director for Burdi Clothing, owned Step One Sites, and completed internships with Northwestern University Comprehensive Transplant Center and Grassroot Academy. Congratulations, Hashim!

Maksym Yakymyshyn

Maksym Yakymyshyn is a recent graduate of Downers Grove South High School and will attend Illinois Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in civil engineering with the goal of becoming a Water Resources and Soil Conservation Engineer. Maksym is passionate about helping farmers and creating long-term solutions that help the agricultural industry by designing infrastructure solutions like advanced drainage systems, sustainable reservoirs, and runoff management systems.

During his time at Downers Grove South High School, Maksym participated in the East European Club, served as a peer tutor for the Math Resource Center, assisted with the Counseling College & Career Center, volunteered with Key Club, and was a varsity wrestler. Outside of school, Maksym trained in mixed martial arts, participated in the Green Halo College Access Program, and was a member of Wardogs Training Center. Congratulations, Maksym!

Satya Mehta

Satya Mehta is a recent graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School and will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to pursue a degree in chemical engineering with the goal of becoming a Chemical Engineer. With this degree, Satya is interested in advancing gene-editing technologies, improving carbon sequestration, and creating new renewable energy solutions from agricultural resources to help build a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient agricultural system.

During his time at Waubonsie Valley High School, Satya was involved with Mu Alpha Theta, Science National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Indian Students Association, and Business Professionals of America. He also served as a Senior PE and LINK Leader and played baseball. Outside of school, Satya served as an assistant baseball coach, founded and directed Tall Grass Ballers Summer Camp, and founded and worked as an instructor for Perfect Game Baseball Lessons. Congratulations, Satya!

Timothy Berendt

Timothy Berendt is a recent graduate of Bartlett High School and will attend the University of Wisconsin to pursue a degree in agribusiness with the goal of becoming a Farm Manager. Timothy hopes to build a career in agriculture and become someone farmers can trust and rely on, whether working as a farm manager, seed salesperson, or custom operator.

During his time at Bartlett High School, Timothy was involved with National Honor Society, Peer Leaders, Theater Tech, Thespian Society, Technology Student Association, Academy Student Council, Drama Club, and golf. Outside of school, Timothy volunteered with Feed My Starving Children, Bartlett National Night Out, and AVID. Congratulations, Timothy!

 Arnold Oestmann Scholarship

The Arnold Oestmann Scholarship was created in memory of Arnold Oestmann of Westmont, IL. Mr. Oestmann was a past president of the DuPage County Farm Bureau. Here are the recipients of the 2026 Arnold Oestmann Scholarship!

Benjamin Czarnowski

Benjamin Czarnowski is a recent graduate of IC Catholic Prep and will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to pursue a degree in business with the goal of becoming a Farm Manager. During his time at IC Catholic Prep, Benjamin was involved with the IC Parish Youth Group, IC Liturgical Ministry, Math Team, Business Club, Athletic Leadership Council, and National Honor Society while also participating in lacrosse, wrestling, and football.

Outside of his time at school, Benjamin was involved with the Boy Scouts of America and played lacrosse with Team One West and Elmhurst Lacrosse Club. He also tutored students at local schools, led weekly Gospel readings at a nursing home, participated in park cleanups, and supported parish and community drives for food, clothing, and school supplies. Congratulations, Benjamin!

Saffron Serber

Saffron Serber is a recent graduate of Naperville Central High School and will attend North Central College to pursue a degree in neuroscience with the goal of becoming a Physician-Scientist. During her time at Naperville Central High School, Saffron founded and served as President of the Neuroscience and Brain Bee Club. She was also a member of Class Council, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, Model UN, Advanced Treble Choir, Poetry Club, Art Club, Yarn Club, and the Diversity and Inclusion Board.

Outside of her time at school, Saffron served as Vice President of Activities for HOSA-Future Health Professionals, volunteered at the Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, was an ENIGMA-U Scholar, earned multiple certifications from the American College of Surgeons, and completed the Survey of Health Careers Program at College of DuPage. Congratulations, Saffron!

Nabeeha Salahuddin

Nabeeha Salahuddin is a recent graduate of Hinsdale Central High School and will attend Washington University in St. Louis to pursue a degree in molecular biology and biochemistry with the goal of becoming a Physician. During her time at Hinsdale Central High School, Nabeeha was involved with the Muslim Student Association and Library Advisory Board, served as Co-President of Future Health Professionals and Co-Vice President of Business Professionals of America, competed in Science Olympiad, and was a contributing columnist for the Devil’s Advocate Newspaper.

Outside of her time at school, Nabeeha served as a board member, volunteer, and Communications Coordinator for the Wellness House Cancer Center and Therapy Youth Council. She also volunteered and served as Mission Medical Clinic Chair on the Hinsdale Hospital Junior Board. Nabeeha completed three years of Science Inquiry & Research, where she worked in labs and shadowed doctors at DULY Medicine, Edward Elmhurst Hospital, and Loyola University Chicago’s Center for Translational Research and Education. Congratulations, Nabeeha!

Nicholas J. Derbis

Nicholas Derbis is a recent graduate of Benet Academy and will attend the University of Notre Dame to pursue a degree in finance and applied math with the goal of pursuing a career in finance or public policy. During his time at Benet Academy, Nicholas was involved with the Investment Club, Scholars Program, and Benet Academy President’s Leadership Committee, was a member of the National Honor Society, and participated in football and lacrosse.

Outside of his time at school, Nicholas was the co-founder and President of Chicago Youth Advancement Initiative, served with Living In Faith and Truth Campus Ministry, participated in KidsMatter’s Teen Philanthropy Initiative, and served as an Altar Server at St. Procopius Abbey. Congratulations, Nicholas!

Lauren Kozlovsky

Lauren Kozlovsky is a recent graduate of Glenbard North High School and will attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology to pursue a degree in architecture or engineering with the goal of becoming an Architect or Engineer. During her time at Glenbard North High School, Lauren was involved in Science Honor Society, Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, French Honor Society, French Club, and Woodworking Club. She also played softball and served as a science, math, and writing tutor.

Outside of her time at school, Lauren served as a clinic leader for the Carol Stream Park District Softball Clinic and volunteered with Carol Stream Adopt a Senior for Christmas and Feed My Starving Children. Congratulations, Lauren!

Michael McGowan

Michael McGowan is a recent graduate of Hinsdale Central High School and will attend Baylor University to pursue a degree in engineering with the goal of becoming an Engineer. During his time at Hinsdale Central High School, John Michael was involved with Hinsdale Central Forensics and participated in football and lacrosse.

Outside of his time at school, Michael served as a board member for Light of Love Ministry, volunteered with Koininia High School Ministry and COW Middle School Ministry, and coached youth football through the Hinsdale Falcons Junior Board. Congratulations, Michael!

Evangeline Selking

Evangeline Selking is a recent graduate of Downers Grove South High School and will attend Yale University to pursue a degree in chemistry with the goal of becoming a Scientific Researcher. During her time at Downers Grove South High School, Evangeline was involved in several programs, including serving as Co-Founder and Co-President of SWENext, President and Project Lead of Research Club, flutist for Wind Ensemble Honors, Entertainment Editor of Blueprint School Newspaper, President of Tri-M Music Honor Society, and a member of the Math Team and Literary Magazine.

Outside of her time at school, Evangeline was involved in numerous activities, including serving as co-principal flute and piccoloist for the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, working as an independent researcher for the Conrad Challenge International Competition, and serving as a Senior Tutor at Schoolhouse. She also volunteered as an independent musician with ALC Hospice and Palliative Care and Suncrest Hospice, participated in the MPulse Flute Institute at the University of Michigan, and was a winner of the Pan-American International Music Awards, which allowed her to perform in the winners’ concert at Carnegie Hall. Congratulations, Evangeline!

Trade Scholarship

The Trade Scholarship was created to support students going into Trade and Technical career programs. Here are the 2026 Trade Scholarship Recipients!

Trevor Sweeney

Trevor Sweeney is a recent graduate of West Chicago Community High School and will attend Illinois Welding School to pursue a career in welding. During his senior year of high school, Trevor attended the Technology Center of DuPage, learning many skills including Mig, Stick, Oxyfuel, and Tig welding processes. Congratulations, Trevor!

Daniel Swanson

Daniel Swanson recently completed his first year at College of DuPage and will continue pursuing a career in the HVAC industry this fall.

Before attending the College of DuPage, Daniel gained two years of hands-on experience through the Technology Center of DuPage, where he received skilled trade training. In his first year of enrollment in the HVAC program at the College of DuPage, Daniel has successfully completed coursework in Heating Principles, Cooling Principles, and HVAC Electricity and Controls. He plans to continue expanding his expertise through additional coursework as he works toward a career in the HVAC industry. Congratulations, Daniel!

 Culinary and Nutrition Scholarship

The Culinary and Nutrition Scholarship is awarded to those pursuing a degree in a culinary or nutrition-related program.  Here are the recipients of the 2026 Culinary and Nutrition Scholarship!

Grace Desnoyers

Grace Desnoyers is a recent graduate of Naperville North High School and will attend the University of Alabama. Grace plans to pursue a degree in nutrition and public relations on a pre-law track.

During her time at Naperville North High School, Grace served as a Student Government Representative, Girls Varsity Golf Team captain, Huskie Crew Executive Board member, Top Dawg, Dawg Pound Leader, and participated in the Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team. Outside of school, Grace volunteered as a coach with East Ave Lacrosse and Little Friends. Congratulations, Grace!

Danielle Borchers

Danielle Borchers is a recent graduate of Downers Grove South High School and will attend Purdue University to pursue a degree in food science with the goal of becoming a Research and Development Food Scientist.

During her time at Downers Grove South High School, Danielle was a member of the swim team, Athletes Committed to Excellence Club, FCCLA Club, and National Honor Society. She also served as a French Peer Tutor and volunteered at school events, including graduation, Halloween celebrations, and incoming freshman nights. Outside of school, Danielle served as a DuPage County election judge, swim meet volunteer, and volunteered at elementary school STEM nights and open houses. Congratulations, Danielle!