Sherri Gilkerson Memorial Foundation Awards Scholarships to Riders Nationwide for 2024-2025
The Sherri Gilkerson Memorial Foundation proudly announced the academic scholarship winners for 2024-2025. Every year, in honor of nationally renowned reined cow horse trainer Sherri Gilkerson, the Foundation awards scholarships to qualified students. After Sherri’s untimely passing in 2006, the Foundation established academic scholarships in her name. The Foundation awards the scholarships to deserving students to honor and remember Sherri’s legacy of excellence in and out of the horse show arena.
“The Sherri Foundation was pleased to recognize such a diverse group of students from all over the country. Some are freshmen and some are returning for post graduate studies. They are participating in a variety of top-notch programs including Equine Studies, Agriculture Tech, Rangeland Management, Business, and various Medical fields. Many participate on school equine and rodeo teams as well as NRCHA events. We are so proud of their participation and motivation to honor Sherri with their hard work,” said board member Cynthia MacDonald Singer.
To qualify for consideration, applicants must be enrolled in post-secondary education, demonstrate academic distinction, good citizenship and either be a member of the NRCHA or related to a member of the NRCHA. Applicants must submit a written application which includes essay questions. Applications are due June 30th of each year and can be found at: http://www.sherrifoundation.org/academic1.html.
2024-2025 Sherri Gilkerson Memorial Scholarship Winners
Claire Edwards
Claire Edwards is attending Texas Wesleyan University, majoring in Nurse Anesthesia, is active in Reined Cow Horse and is from Troy, TX.
Danli Valdez
Danli Valdez is attending New Mexico Junior College, majoring in Equine Science, is active in Cutting and Reined Cow Horse, and is from Animas, NM.
Bryce Barkemeyer
Bryce Barkemeyer is attending Texas A&M, majoring in Agriculture Economics, is a member of the Corps of Cadets, is active in Reined Cow Horse, and is from Scottsdale, AZ.
Katie Huntzinger
Katie Huntzinger is attending Texas A&M, working toward her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, is active in Reined Cow Horse and is from Tucson, AZ.
Elise Mason
Elise Mason is attending the University of Tennessee Martin, majoring in Health and Human Performance, is a member of the UTM Equestrian Team and is from Olympia, WA.
Shawny Telford
Shawny Telford is attending Montana State University, majoring in Marketing, is active in College Rodeo and Reined Cow Horse and is from Caldwell, ID.
Colton Martin
Colton Martin is attending Sheridan College, WY, majoring in Rangeland Management, is active in College Rodeo and is from Beulah, ND.
Mary Ryan Branch
Mary Ryan Branch is attending the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, majoring in Biology and Environmental Sciences, is active in Reined Cow Horse, and is from Meridian, OK.
Baliegh Lane
Baliegh Lane is attending Ohio University majoring in Equine Studies, is active in Cutting and Reined Cow Horse, and is from Huntley, WY.