The National Farmers Union has announced this year's Seymour Scholarship has been awarded to Bailie Ziesch of Pettibone, N.D. The scholarship is in honor of lifetime Illinois Farmers Union member and national rural activist Hubert K. Seymour, and has been given annually to an outstanding high school senior since 1995.
"Farmers Union youth are the future of our organization and it brings me great pleasure to see the ambition in individuals like Bailie," said NFU President Roger Johnson. "Seymour served as a state Farmers Union officer for 20 years and this award is a great honor for those who have a commitment to Farmers Union and the family farmer."
A fourth-generation Far-mers Union member, Ziesch is the daughter of Robin and Shelly Ziesch who own and operate a cattle ranch. In 2009 she was elected to the National Farmers Union Youth Advisory Council, and she is a Farmers Union Torchbearer, the highest honor Farmers Union youth can achieve.
"Bailie was selected for the $2,000 scholarship from among dozens of applicants across the country," said NFU Education Director Maria Miller.
She plans to pursue a medical degree with hopes of returning to serve a rural community.
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Any Farmers Union youth who are high school seniors planning to continue their education at a two- or four-year accredited institution are welcome to apply for the scholarship. Selection is based on academics, a written essay and an interview with Seymour family members.
