Kinnard Farms awarded Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship of $1,500 each to three Class of 2016 graduates from Kewaunee, Algoma and Luxemburg-Casco high schools. The recipients are Abigail Joski of Kewaunee, Carmen Haack of Algoma, and Emily Gilson of Luxemburg.

Joski is now a freshman at St. Norbert College in De Pere, majoring in pre-veterinary science. She grew up helping on her grandparents’ hobby farm, where she first learned of her love of animals. Through her education, Joski hopes to have real-life experiences, grow as an individual, and gain insight into what she can offer to the agriculture field.

Haack is now a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in dairy science. Her involvement in agriculture began at a young age, when she would spend time on her grandparents’ farm. When her grandparents partnered with her aunt and uncle to expand their farm in Pulaski, Haack began spending her summers on the farm. She hopes to work with cows and care for animals, especially young animals, after graduating college.

Gilson is now a freshman at UW-Platteville, majoring in animal science. Despite not growing up on a farm, Gilson’s passion for animals began at an early age when she showed dairy calves as a 4-H Cloverbud. Later on, she fed calves on a small farm where she learned perseverance, compassion, problem-solving skills and responsibility. Gilson plans to bring her determination to her education and career in agriculture.

The Kinnard Farms Scholarships recognize students interested in pursuing a career related to agriculture.

“Each of the Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship recipients has a strong passion for agriculture and exceptional community involvement,” said Jackie Kinnard-Stewart of Kinnard Farms. “These students grew up in an area with a strong agricultural heritage. We are proud to support our community’s youth as they pursue their passion.”

Based in Casco, Kinnard Farms is a family-owned dairy and crop farm focused on caring for their animals and the environment. It is committed to encouraging youth to explore careers in agriculture.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2017 scholarships with a deadline of March 15. Emphasis is also placed on students’ performance and humanitarian qualities. For more information, visit www.kinnardfarms.com.

This article originally appeared on Wisconsin: Three county students receive Kinnard Farms scholarships