Minot, ND – Eight North Dakota 4-H and FFA high school seniors have been selected to receive a combined total of $40,000 in scholarships from Hess Corporation awarded through the North Dakota State Fair (NDSF) Foundation.  All awardees are pursuing secondary education or training related to or in support of the oil and gas industry.

Three $10,000 scholarship winners include Logan Becker from New Salem, Laura Muggli from Carson, and Nathan Friedt from Harvey.

• Logan Becker will attend the University of Mary to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. The New Salem FFA Chapter President has excelled both academically and athletically throughout high school, receiving top regional and state awards in football, basketball and FFA, all while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.  Becker is also an active part of his family’s farm and dairy cow operation.
• Laura Muggli, a student from Elgin High School, will pursue a degree in Accounting from the University of Mary. Internship experiences in both the banking and accounting industries have prompted Muggli’s desire to own and operate her own accounting business in rural North Dakota.  The North Dakota Class B Academic All-State Gold honoree has been active in both 4-H and FFA, receiving several state level awards for her achievements.
• Harvey high school senior Nathan Friedt will attend Bismarck State College to study in the field of Carpentry. Friedt has excelled in both 4-H and FFA, holding various officer positions and receiving gold and grand champion honors for many of his competitive experiences and projects. He has accomplished Eagle Scout rank through the Boy Scouts of America and graduates with highest honors.  Friedt has owned and operated his own yard service business for the past 8 years.

Other scholarship winners receiving awards of $2000 each include:

• Laney Hartel from Watford City, ND will attend North Dakota State University to study Nursing.
• Noah Helgoe from Cavalier, ND will attend North Dakota State University to study Pre-Veterinary and Animal Science.
• Karly Just from Berlin, ND will attend Valley City State University to study Library Science.
• Kaitlynn Klebe from Willow City, ND will attend the University of North Dakota to study Chemical Engineering.
• Kaylee Obrigewitch from Belfied, ND will attend Dickinson State University to study Agricultural Education.

The selection committee included the NDSF Foundation executive director and representatives from the NDSF board, NDSF Foundation board, community leaders, 4-H, FFA and an oil and gas industry representative. Kathy Neset was asked to serve on the selection committee as the oil and gas representative, because of her unique background. As president of Neset Consulting Services, her company just celebrated its 40-year anniversary operating in North Dakota, and she is also the current chair of the North Dakota Petroleum Council. In addition, Neset serves on the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education. Kathy shared, “As a strong supporter of education and the North Dakota oil industry, I was delighted to participate in the selection process for these scholarship awards. Hess has made an incredible investment into these individuals’ education. These students should be proud of their accomplishments. I’m excited to see what their futures hold.”

“We are excited to congratulate the scholarship winners. Hess is proud to partner with the North Dakota State Fair Foundation to invest in the youth of North Dakota,” said Brent Lohnes, Hess General Manager for North Dakota. “I am personally excited to see how these students positively impact the communities where they live and work. We know they will go on to create a lasting impact on the future of North Dakota.”

Earlier this year, ten 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters in North Dakota were selected to receive a $500 grant from Hess Corporation awarded through the North Dakota State Fair Foundation.  The grants are being used for community service projects to benefit the club or chapter’s local geographical area.

The North Dakota State Fair Foundation exists to develop lifelong relationships with donors to secure philanthropic gifts that will preserve and enhance the North Dakota State Fair, and all that it encompasses, for posterity.  The 2021 North Dakota State Fair is July 23-31.