Valley Telecommunications Cooperative Assn. Inc., announces the 2020 High School Scholarship winners.

The Valley Scholarship Program was established in the year 2000 as a way for the Cooperative to assist its members and families with furthering the education of our area students and future leaders. To date, nearly $90,000 in scholarship awards have been presented to area students.

Each applicant completed a short questionnaire and essay. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the deadline for the scholarship applications was extended from April 1 to May 1, and each winner will receive their award certificate via USPS, or at their postponed graduation ceremony.

The applications were judged by one of Valley's consultants, Consortia Consulting, of Omaha, Neb. The scholarship award applies to the student's second semester of higher education. This year, there were no scholarship applications received from the Glenham, Pollock, or Mound City exchanges and the Valley Board of Directors chose to award those scholarships "At-Large" to the remaining top three applicants.

The 2020 scholarship winners include:

• Ashley Blocker, Edmunds Central High School (Hosmer Exchange), daughter of Gary and Shelly Blocker of Hosmer. Ashley plans to attend Northern State University in Aberdeen and pursue a degree in Sociology with minors in Spanish, Social Work, and Business.

• Tessa Kilber, Ipswich High School (Ipswich Exchange), daughter of Scott and Bobbie Kilber of Ipswich. Tessa plans to attend Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell and pursue a degree in Nursing.

• Benjamin Batie, Eureka High School (Eureka Exchange), son of Dale and Alison Batie of Eureka. Benjamin plans to attend Dakota State University in Madison and purse a degree in Computer Information Systems.

• Tetyanna Mills, Herreid High School (Herreid Exchange), daughter of Billy and Tammy Mills of Herreid. Tetyanna plans to attend the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. and pursue a degree in Biology with a pre-medical focus.

• Zach Mueller, Leola High School (Leola Exchange), son of Jeff and Holly Mueller of Leola. Zach plans to attend South Dakota State University in Brookings and pursue a degree in Exercise Science/Athletic Training.

• Samantha Lux, Eureka High School (Long Lake Exchange), daughter of Layne and LeAnn Lux. Samantha plans to attend South Dakota State University in Brookings and pursue a degree in Exercise Science.

• Amy Ingerson, Eureka High School (At-Large Selection), daughter of Brian and Francie Ingerson of Eureka. Amy plans to attend the Mitchell Technical Institute in Mitchell and purse a degree in Animal Science and Agricultural Business.

• Megan Weber, Eureka High School (At-Large Selection), daughter of Bob and Carmen Weber of Eureka. Megan plans to attend Northern State University in Aberdeen and pursue a degree in Elementary and Special Education.

• Kayloni Bentz, Herreid High School (At-Large Selection), daughter of Mark and Kathy Bentz of Artas. Kayloni plans to attend the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and pursue a degree in Psychology.