Carmindy Ferwerda, a 2025 graduate of Avon High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship from Golden West. Carmindy is the daughter of Randy and Angie Ferwerda. She was involved in band, 4-H, and the National Honor Society. She planned to attend South Dakota State University to pursue a degree in pre-veterinarian sciences. “This year’s scholarship recipients have once again shown a strong commitment to their education and to their communities,” said Golden West General Manager and CEO Nick Rogness. “Golden West proudly supports and invests in furthering the education of high-achieving students as they can provide the brightest future for their hometowns.” The Golden West scholarship program promotes educational opportunity for students served by the member-owned cooperative. Golden West has awarded more than 1,000 scholarships totaling over $1 million since the program began 27 years ago. Each year, Golden West provides $1,000 scholarships to more than 40 graduating seniors – one for each high school in the Golden West exchanges plus one at-large scholarship. The Wall-based company has offices across South Dakota and serves about one-third of the state’s geography. For a complete list of this year's scholarship awardees, visit goldenwest.com/scholarships.