Sisters Rodeo expands scholarships

The Sisters Rodeo Association has long been a generous provider of scholarships to Sisters High School graduates. Sisters Rodeo scholarships are awarded to students who volunteer with community organizations, are involved in 4-H, FFA, high school rodeo/equestrian activities, and have expressed an interest in careers involving agriculture, ranching, veterinary services or trades.

"This year the Sisters Rodeo Board expanded its scholarship program from three scholarships to six $2,000 scholarships and invited students from high schools in Sisters, Bend, Redmond, Prineville, La Pine, and Madras to apply," said Rodeo Director Tom Herrmann. "Sisters Rodeo is supported by sponsors, volunteers, rodeo fans, and participants throughout Central Oregon, so in 2024 we expanded our scholarship program to help students throughout our entire Central Oregon community."

The expansion of the scholarship program led to a record number of impressive applicants who solidly met the criteria set by the Sisters Rodeo Board, Herrmann reported.

Carson Castrow is a Redmond High School student with extensive experience in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the cattle industry. She has served as president of the Redmond FFA chapter, head of the FFA Beef Barn, and member of the Tri-County Cattlewomen Association. She works for ranch and cattle companies and has led cattle clinics. In addition, she is a member of the National Honor Society, captain of the varsity basketball team, volunteers, and has received numerous awards for academics, agriculture, and athletics. Carson plans to attend Colorado State University to study animal science and agribusiness with the goal of furthering technological advancements in the cattle industry.

Emilee Lindquist attends Klamath Community College and is majoring in agriculture science. Her goal is to focus on animal science to become a large animal vet. She has a long history of participating in 4-H, FFA (serving as the Redmond chapter president and district secretary), and is currently the treasurer of the Klamath CC Agriculture Club. In addition to her stellar GPA and many agriculture awards, she has tutored/mentored agricultural youth and volunteered to help fire victims and those in need. She is a graduate of Redmond High School.

B. Cache Montgomery is a La Pine High School student, active in high school rodeo (placing second in state for steer wresting) and 4-H. Cache plans to compete in college rodeo, including steer wrestling, team roping, and tie-down. In addition to rodeo, he participates in other high school sports (placing second in state for wrestling), does ranch work (including horse shoeing and hay crew), volunteers, and is an honor roll student with perfect attendance. He plans to attend Feather River College, majoring in agribusiness with the goal of owning a stock contracting and ranching business.

Ila Reid attends Sisters High School and participates in Project Unified, sports (she is team captain of the varsity basketball team, and member of the state champion track and volleyball teams), student government, and serves as an intern for Interdisciplinary Environmental Education leading student backpacking and rafting expeditions. In addition, she has a top GPA, is a Life Skills mentor, and has participated in 4-H. Ila plans to attend Oregon State University (Honors Program) and major in Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering.

Grace Stott is a Redmond High School student and is active in FFA, Tri-County Cattlewomen Association, owns a registered Red Angus herd, works as a ranch hand, participates in rodeo support, and plays varsity soccer (team captain) and varsity tennis. Grace has served as an FFA officer and led cattle clinics. In addition, she is a member of the National Honor Society and engages in volunteer service. She plans to attend Colorado State University to major in animal science and minor in agribusiness to work in the beef industry.

Madison Taylor attends Sisters High School and is an accomplished equestrian with interests including barrel racing, gymkhana events, and her all-time favorite, mounted shooting. In addition to her dedication to horsemanship, she has worked at a veterinarian's office for the past two years and cares for livestock. She is captain of the lacrosse team, plays varsity soccer, and gives 110% to all she does. Madison plans to attend Boise State University, and her career aspirations include human and veterinary health.