By Laurie Bedord, Chair, Future Ag Communicators Committee
John F. Kennedy once said, “We must do all that we can to give our children the best in education and social upbringing for while they are the youth of today, they shall be the leaders of tomorrow.”
Nurturing and investing in our youth are the goals of the AAEA ACT scholarships, as well as the AAEA editorial and marketing communications internships. Through these opportunities we strive to recognize the very best students and support them in their endeavor to join our profession.
Four outstanding students were selected to receive the 2020 AAEA ACT scholarships.
Macy Evans, Iowa State University
Madelyn Main, Iowa State University
Kylee Kohls, South Dakota State University
Jessica Wesson, University of Arkansas
Of the four finalists, one was chosen to receive the top scholarship of $3,000, which is in honor of Dr. James Evans who has had a tremendous impact on the establishment and growth of agricultural communications programs. The candidate selected to receive this scholarship is recognized for “excellence in academics and leadership, and for exemplifying the dedication and commitment of the outstanding individual for whom this award is named.”
“This year’s candidates were incredibly impressive, making the final decision perhaps our most difficult one yet,” says Courtney Leeper, who was part of the selection committee. “Each of these bright young women has a unique story of pursuing goals in agricultural communications and stepping into leadership roles along the way.”
After demonstrating a great deal of focused ambition in her educational pursuits, Madelyn Main was chosen to receive the 2020 Dr. James Evans Scholarship.
“In addition to a passion for agriculture, Madelyn brings a self-awareness, positivity, and desire to give back to the community that seemed fitting for the James Evans Scholarship recipient,” Leeper says.
“Receiving the Dr. James Evans Scholarship has been an extremely rewarding and humbling experience,” says Madelyn Main. “I was raised within the agricultural industry and learned from an early age the importance of advocating on behalf of the industry. Being able to be a part in doing so and being recognized for my efforts means so much. I am beyond grateful for the opportunities and opened doors this scholarship will provide me. The effort of agvocating is a lifelong commitment. I am excited to give back to and be a positive addition to these efforts in whatever community I plant my roots in someday.”
The remaining three students will be awarded the Past President’s Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 each.
All four students will be honored on Friday, September 18, 2020 during the Agricultural Media Summit’s Virtual Career Fair. Visit agcommnetwork.com for more details.
All four scholarships are made possible through a grant from the AAEA Professional Improvement Foundation (PIF). The Dr. James Evans Scholarship is sponsored for a third year, in part, through the generosity of CoBank.
Established by the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) in 1993 and adopted by AAEA in 2004, AAEA scholarships are awarded to outstanding members of ACT for their achievements in leadership, career-related experiences, academics and service.
Macy Evans, Iowa State University 
Kylee Kohls, South Dakota State University Madelyn Main, Iowa State University 
Jessica Wesson, University of Arkansas