SRT is pleased to announce the winners of college scholarships to outstanding area students. Four winners were awarded the SRT College Scholarship and will receive $1,500 each towards their college tuition. One winner was awarded the SRT $2,500 Technical Scholarship, a newer scholarship opportunity introduced in 2016. Finally, two students were selected to receive a national scholarship from the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS), in cooperation with
NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association.
“It’s an honor for SRT to play a role in advancing a student’s education,” said Steve Lysne, SRT General Manager/CEO. “We appreciate these students commitment to education and their communities. Not to mention, having two national winners also shows the caliber of students we’re lucky to have in our local school systems.”
Applicants for the $1,500 scholarship were judged on their volunteerism and community involvement, scholastic performance, and an essay in which they were asked to discuss how they would teach the technology aspect of STEAM education in the classroom and how they’d adapt to ongoing changes in technology. In addition to the essay, students were required to submit a list of their community activities, school involvement and transcripts.
The SRT Technical Scholarship also required students to submit their volunteerism, community involvement and scholastic performance. Additionally, a letter of recommendation from a community member as well as an essay describing plans for a future career in the telecommunications industry was required.
The 2018 SRT $1,500 Scholarship recipients are:
The 2018 SRT $2,500 Technical Scholarship winner is:
“After much effort, our review committee finally selected 53 students who went above and beyond in their academics, hard work and community involvement—and I’m delighted to say that two of those winners came from SRT! And as if being part of such a select group weren’t enough, both stood out to our reviewers for their dedication to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields, and they were each awarded the prestigious JSI Staurulakis Family Foundation Scholarships for $5,000 each. Congratulations Nicolas and Lyndsey!” stated FRS Executive Director Jessica Golden.
Scholarship recipients will be honored at a special luncheon with the SRT Board of Directors and Executive Staff at the Grand Hotel (1505 N Broadway, Minot) on Wednesday, April 25 at 12pm. Recipients will share their essay, and talk about their plans for the future.
- Stephen Ellingson – MLS-Mohall High School
- Gage Jaeger – Minot High School
- Ryleigh Popinga – Our Redeemer’s Christian School
- Karena Verbitsky – South Prairie High School

- Nicholas Effertz – Velva High School
