LEGACY SCHOLARSHIPS

Congratulations!

2023 Scholarship Winners

  • $2,500
    Morley Griffith, Natalie Evans, Emma Ahrendsen

  • $1,000
    Peri Andras, Luke Bjorklund, Haley Dodge, Ray Duncan, Ryan Grussing, Raygan Krey

  • Dan Johnson Memorial Scholarship recipient
    Luke Bjorklund

Right to left: Raygan Krey, Haley Dodge, Ryan Grussing, Peri Andras, Ray Duncan, Luke Bjorklund, Emma Ahrendsen, Morley Griffith, Natalie Evans

Application Qualifications

  • Applicant must be a high school graduate.

  • Applicant must be enrolled in a College, University, Vocational School, Trade School, or Apprenticeship/Journeyman Training Program.

  • Applicant must be a member of NAJRAE and must be participating in the FUZION events and activities at the time of application.

  • Applicant has not previously been awarded a Legacy Scholarship (this does not include the Legacy heifer project).

Required Forms for Application:

  • Applicant must complete a submittable application online

  • Applicant must complete the Scholarship Certification form below

  • Applicant must include two (2) letters of recommendation. Each letter of recommendation must come from a different category. Recommendations may not be from a family member or relative of the applicant.

    1. 4-H, FFA, or Breed Volunteer

      1. 4-H County Agent or County Youth Coordinator

      2. 4-H Club Leader or Authorized Volunteer

      3. FFA Instructor

      4. Beef Livestock Association Advisor

    2. School Officials

      1. Principal

      2. Superintendent

      3. Counselor

      4. Instructor

    3. Religious Affiliations

      1. Clergy

      2. Youth Advisor or Instructor

    4. Employer

    5. Red Angus Breeder

  • If the application is not complete and does not include the required attachments, the applicant will be immediately disqualified.

If Awarded

  • Scholarship winner will receive a certificate and letter at the banquet

  • Scholarship winner must use the scholarship within two and one half (2 ½) years from the time it was awarded.  If the scholarship has not been used within that time, it will be forfeited.

  • Scholarship winner must provide proof of enrollment in the form of a Student ID#, acceptance letter to a training program, receipt of enrollment, or copy of the education bill to the NAJRAE Treasurer

  • Scholarship winner must provide the address to send payment on their behalf.  Scholarship will be paid directly to the University, College, Trade School, Training Program, or Apprentice Ship/Journeyman program. 

  • It is the responsibility of the Scholarship winner to track their award and assure it has been redeemed.

Deadline: May 15, 2024

For more information or questions contact: Kaye Gilbert, 319-931-8127

DAN JOHNSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Receives the Dan Johnson Memorial Scholarship as well as a NAJRAE $1000 Scholarship

Luke Bjorklund


Luke Bjorklund of Henning, Minnesota has been attending NAJRAE for 10 years. Luke is the son of  Doug and Pam Bjorklund and is majoring in Animal Science at SDSU.

Upon graduation Luke would like to become a professional services embryologist. He has always been very fascinated with livestock and genetics and would love to assist clients with their genetic improvements. He will also continue to stay heavily involved with the family farm, raising and selling Red Angus cattle

Pictured left to right:
Jack Bjorklund, Sam Fisher, Luke Bjorklund and Lee Bjorklund. Sam is their cousin.


Throughout his junior career he has been actively involved within the Red Angus breed by raising cattle on their family’s operation and involvement with the association. The Bjorklunds have been raising Red Angus cattle for over 30 years and with time and dedication have made big improvements within their herd to run amongst some of the best in the country.

Luke has attended numerous state and nationals shows, making some of my biggest dreams come true with national titles. The ribbons and trophies are memorable but the memories and friendships can’t be replaced.

Red Angus cattle are a passion and what Luke has fallen in love with growing up. Having had the opportunity to work with and meet some amazing people in the breed, forming valuable connections and friendships he feel these will last a lifetime. It is a commitment to Red Angus cattle that will help continue to improve the breed, with functional cattle that perform not only in the show ring but also in production.

Growing up in the small town of Henning, Luke learned the value of giving back to his community and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the place that has shaped who he is today. Ways in which Luke has given back to his community is assisting at the Henning elementary boys basketball practice teaching basic ball-handling and fundamental skills. Luke is happy to share his knowledge of the livestock industry by mentoring young 4-Hers starting to show livestock. Paying it back through 4-H, incorporating valuable life lessons of responsibility, leadership, and teamwork is important to him. Last but certainly not least Luke volunteers in his church by assisting with the Awana ministry overseeing students during their class.

Throughout high school, extra curricular activities were a very important aspect of our lives. Actively involved in 4-H, basketball, track and field, band, choir and yearbook helped develop strong leadership skills that allowed Luke and his teams to be successful. 

During his first year at SDSU, clubs and organizations that have kept him busy are Block and Bridle, Collegiate Cattlemen’s, and Little International. Luke is excited and looking forward to his second year in the fall and finding new organizations to be apart of.

Luke is also active in managing their show barn and farmhand at Bj Farms. Luke’s responsibilities include managing show and sale cattle, feeding cows, fieldwork and other farm duties.

Congratulations Luke and we wish you great success!