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Professional picture of James R Blahnik to represent his scholarship page.

James R. Blahnik

The James R. Blahnik Fund offers a one-time scholarship of $500 to a worthy graduating high school senior planning on furthering their education in an agriculture program.

James "Jim" R. Blahnik

"The American Farmer"

James "Jim" R. Blahnik, was born April 30, 1939 on the home farm. Jim attended the Kodan one-room schoolhouse and graduated from the Algoma High School in 1957 where he participated in football and FFA, receiving the highest degree "The American Farmer" in 1958. He attended the University of Wisconsin Short Course in 1958 and took over the family farm in 1972, farming from 1957-1981, then cash cropping thru 1990.  Jim had numerous achievements and held many offices for organizations including; Kewaunee County Farm Bureau Rural Youth, Kewaunee County Farm Bureau President, Delegate to the National DHIA, President and representative on ARC Co-op DHIA, Director for the Guernsey Committee of Badger Breeders Co-op, Board of Directors for the Manitowoc Co-op and Lakeshore Federation Co-op. He received the Outstanding Young Farmer of Kewaunee County in 1974.  Jim was a Sales Manager for Casco FS Co-op from 1982 to 2001. While at Casco FS he received the Wisconsin Sales Manager of the Year Award twice. Jim was a member of AmVets Post 42, Algoma. Member of St. Mary Catholic Church where he served on the church council, communion distributor, usher and adult server.  His joy in life was watching his children and grandchildren achieve their goals.

Scholarship of $500

The award will be distributed upon proof of registration at a postsecondary institution.

 

Selected students will be asked to appear for a personal interview with the Algoma Area Education Foundation Inc. Scholarship Committee.

Deadline: April 18, 2025

Scholarship Requirements

Criteria

  • Must be a graduate of Algoma High School. 

  • Must be enrolled in a 2-year, 4-year or short course agriculture program.

  • A minimum GPA of 2.0.

  • Displays leadership qualities.

Application and Essay

  • Complete the scholarship application including a copy of your high school transcript from 8th semester.

  • Letter of recommendation (including applicant’s qualifications for receiving this scholarship).

  • Write a well-though out essay answering the following question in 500 words or less: "How has your involvement in agriculture and/or animals helped you grow individually, expand your interest in this field, shape your career path, and help your community?"

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