Red River Communications is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 scholarship program, awarding twelve $1,000 scholarships to exceptional local high school seniors pursuing higher education in vocational programs, agriculture, technology, and general studies.
This year, 45 students from communities across the Red River Communications service area applied for the scholarships. Recipients were selected based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and their commitment to future career goals.
The scholarships were awarded across four categories: agriculture, technology, vocational fields, and general studies.
2026 Red River Communications Scholarship Awardees
Specialty Scholarships
General Scholarships
Jaxon Schenck – Agriculture Scholarship
Parents: Darcy and Marty Schenck
High School: Hawley Secondary School
Institution: Concordia College Moorhead
Intended Major: Biology / Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Intended Minor: None Listed
Essay Highlights:
• “I have grown a greater need for the internet as I am taking more online classes.”
• “Having reliable internet access has helped me earn more college credits while still in high school.”
Jake Hovelsrud – Vocational Scholarship
Parents: Duane and Kristi Hovelsrud
High School: Hawley High School
Institution: M State Technical College Moorhead
Intended Major: Marine, Motorcycle, and Powersports Technician
Intended Minor: None Listed
Essay Highlights:
• “For decades, my grandparents were always satisfied with the company and the customer service they received.”
• “Reliable communication services continue to be important for families in rural communities.”
Evan Thomas Schenck – Technology Scholarship
Parents: Shane and Lynae Schenck
High School: Hawley High School
Institution: M State Technical College
Intended Major: Cybersecurity
Intended Minor: Information Systems
Essay Highlights:
• “Red River Communications has impacted my life in countless ways.”
• “Having reliable internet access opened the door for me to explore technology and cybersecurity.”
Jack Thomas Axness – General Studies Scholarship
Parents: Justin and Rachel Axness
High School: Barnesville High School
Institution: South Dakota School of Mines
Intended Major: Mechanical Engineering
Intended Minor: None Listed
Essay Highlights:
• “Reliable communication services play an important role in everyday life, especially in rural areas.”
• “Reliable internet access has made it possible for me to complete online college courses, which will help accelerate my undergraduate degree.”
Madelyn Laura Beyer – General Studies Scholarship
Parents: Carly and Dean Beyer
High School: Breckenridge High School
Institution: Bemidji State University
Intended Major: Nursing
Intended Minor: TBD
Essay Highlights:
• “Without Wi-Fi, I truly would not have been able to get through high school the way I have.”
• “Because of the opportunities that reliable communication services like yours provide, students in rural communities like mine are able to learn, grow, and pursue their goals.”
Kiera Joy Wiertzema – General Studies Scholarship
Parents: Kim and Dan Wiertzema
High School: Breckenridge High School
Institution: North Dakota State University
Intended Major: Liberal Arts Transfer
Intended Minor: None Listed
Essay Highlights:
• “As soon as we were able to use the internet, our lives were significantly changed.”
• “No more fighting or frustration, but more time to spend as a family enjoying the things we love online.”
Avelina Marie Diaz – General Studies Scholarship
Parents: Matthew and Stacy Diaz
High School: Breckenridge High School
Institution: South Dakota State University
Intended Major: Communications and Advertising
Intended Minor: Marketing
Essay Highlights:
• “Red River Communications has impacted me in several ways, especially in my education.”
• “Having dependable internet and phone access allows us to stay connected.”
Parker Robert Falk – General Studies Scholarship
Parents: Nathan and Julie Falk
High School: Hankinson High School
Institution: North Dakota State University
Intended Major: Mechanical Engineering
Intended Minor: None Listed
Essay Highlights:
• “Red River Communications has always given me access to high-speed internet.”
• “This service has impacted my academics, my relationships with friends and family, and my future opportunities.”
Sella Marie Fleming – General Studies Scholarship
Parents: Ryan and Kirsti Fleming
High School: Hawley High School
Institution: University of Minnesota Morris
Intended Major: Engineering
Intended Minor: Business
Essay Highlights:
• “Red River Communications has made a meaningful contribution to my life by providing reliable internet services and television access for my family and me.”
• “Having dependable internet has helped me stay connected, informed, and successful in school.”
Hannah Marie Stotts – General Studies Scholarship
Parents: Michael and Alissa Stotts
High School: Hawley High School, MN
Institution: Concordia College – Moorhead
Intended Major: Business
Intended Minor: Marketing
Essay Highlights:
• “Red River Communications has impacted my life by providing a strong Wi-Fi network for my family.”
• “They have never disappointed us with their customer service or reliability.”
Kylie Nicole Kummer – General Studies Scholarship
Parents: Brady and Sarah Kummer
High School: Richland 44 High School
Institution: University of North Dakota
Intended Major: Nursing
Intended Minor: N/A
Essay Highlights:
• “My learning experiences would not have been the same without Red River’s powerful internet.”
• “Reliable internet access has helped me succeed throughout high school.”
Emma Brooklynn Klein – General Studies Scholarship
Parents: Rachelle and Jonathan Klein
High School: Wahpeton High School
Institution: University of North Dakota
Intended Major: Biology and Chemistry
Intended Minor: None Listed
Essay Highlights:
• “It was a hard time for everyone, especially for a sixth-grade girl taking all of her classes online.”
• “Reliable internet access helped me continue learning and stay connected during the pandemic.”
“Our scholarship program is about more than financial support — it’s about investing in the future of the communities we serve,” said Tom Steinolfson, CEO/General Manager of Red River Communications. “These students represent the work ethic, leadership, and community spirit that make rural North Dakota and Minnesota such special places to live and work. We are honored to help support the next chapter of their journeys.”
Steinolfson added that the cooperative remains committed to strengthening rural communities through education and local opportunity.
“As a local cooperative, we believe strong communities are built by supporting local families, schools, and future workforce leaders,” he said. “Many of these students will go on to become the teachers, healthcare workers, technicians, business owners, and community leaders who help rural communities thrive for generations to come.”
Awards were presented during senior awards ceremonies at participating schools throughout the region.
The Red River Communications Scholarship Program reflects the cooperative’s ongoing commitment to supporting education, workforce development, and opportunities for young people in rural communities. As Red River Communications celebrates its 75th anniversary, the cooperative continues to invest in programs that strengthen the future of the region and the people who call it home.