12 Local Students Awarded Scholarships from Red River Communications
ABERCROMBIE, N.D. [May 24th, 2023] — Red River Communications, a regional telecommunications cooperative, is pleased to announce the 2023 winners of 12 college scholarships to students seeking higher education both in vocational fields and general studies.
Of the 27 applications submitted by exceptional high school seniors, eight winners were awarded a Red River Communications general college scholarship for $1,000. Four additional students seeking higher education in technology, agriculture, or vocational trade received a $1,000 specialty scholarship.
2023 Scholarship Recipients:

Abbie Skovholt
General Scholarship
Wahpeton High School
Attending: NDSU
Majoring in Pharmacy
Parents: Korey & Aimee Skovholt

Afton Aakre
General Scholarship
Hawley High School
Attending MSU-Moorhead
Majoring in Speech-Language Pathology
Parents: Jeremy & Amy Aakre

Blake Miller
Technology Scholarship
Richland #44 High School
Attending UND
Majoring in Psychology
Parents: Tristan and Jeff Miller

Grace Kaczynski
Technology Scholarship
Lidgerwood High School
Attending Mayville State
Majoring in Allied Health
Parents: Shannon & Ryan Kaczynski

Hans Weinmann
General Scholarship
Richland #44 High School
Attending NDSCS/NDSU
Majoring in Liberal Arts / Construction Management
Parents: Kaaryn & Robert Weinmann

Jada Jegtvig
General Scholarship
Hawley High School
Attending SDSU
Majoring in Nursing
Parents: Amy Mahlum, Bryan Jegtvig

Kaden Carlson
General Scholarship
Richland #44 High School
Attending NDSCS
Majoring in Agronomy
Parents: Marty & Tiffany Carlson

Kallie Grefsrud
General Scholarship
Fairmount High School
Attending NDSU
Majoring in Nursing
Parents: Mike & Dawn Grefsrud

Megan Taszarek
Vocational Scholarship
Richland #44 High School
Attending NDSCS
Studying Occupational Therapy
Parents: Timothy & Tammy Taszarek

Rumely Biewer
General Scholarship
Barnesville High School
Attending SDSU
Majoring in Psychology
Parents: Gary & Sharon Biewer

Ruston Kath
Agricultural Scholarship
Hankinson High School – Attending NDSCS
Majoring in Agronomy
Parents: Randy & Janelle Kath

Wyatt Suter
General Scholarship
Barnesville High School
Attending USD
Majoring in Psychology
Parents: Chad & Cheryl Suter
“Choosing recipients from all the outstanding applications was not an easy task, but an inspirational one,” says Red River Communications CEO Tom Steinolfson. “Many dedicated and deserving students are looking to continue their education. Red River Communications is proud to help these 12 students achieve their future career goals.”
The Red River College Scholarship Program applications were judged on academic performance, school activities, work experience, volunteerism, and community involvement. Students were required to write an essay discussing how Red River Communications’ services have impacted their lives. A recommendation letter from a community member or educator was also required.
About the Red River Communications Scholarship Program
The Red River Communications College Scholarship Program recognizes and encourages the student’s academic achievements within its service territory by helping defray the costs of furthering their education. Starting in December 2022, students could apply for one of twelve $1,000 scholarships directly with Red River Communications. To be eligible for the Scholarship Program, the student’s parent/legal guardian must be an active cooperative member or customer of Red River Communications. In addition, the scholarship recipient’s family must currently receive one of our core services: Broadband Internet, Ag Wireless Internet, Phone Service, or Television. Scholarships are available annually, with applications opening in November of the current school year.
About Red River Communications
Headquartered in Abercrombie, North Dakota, Red River Rural Telephone Association, dba Red River Communications, is a leading-edge broadband and telecommunications cooperative. Committed to delivering state-of-the-art technology to customers throughout the region, Red River Communications provides fiber broadband internet, phone, digital TV, wireless internet, and cellular services to over 4,500 customers across southeast North Dakota and west-central Minnesota. Red River Communications has deployed a fiber-optic network spanning nearly 3,000 miles and is expanding in several communities. This year, the cooperative celebrates its 71st anniversary of supporting the communities it calls home. Visit redrivercomm.com for additional information.
CONTACT INFO:
Kari Kleingartner
Marketing Specialist, Red River Communications
Main: 701-553- 8309 | Direct: 701-553-8225