Deubrook Student Lidia Dupraz Wins South Dakota FFA Range Evaluation Scholarship
Northeast Radio SD News – Toronto, SD - The South Dakota FFA Foundation has awarded five $100 scholarships to the top finishers in this fall’s Regional Range Evaluation Competitions, including Deubrook student Lidia Dupraz, who earned first place in her region.
Dupraz was one of five students statewide recognized for excellence in range evaluation, a program designed to teach ecological principles, land stewardship, and habitat assessment. LeRoy and Cathie Draine of Rapid City fund the scholarships.
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
· Tessa Hinman, Sunshine Bible Academy
· Molly Harty, Philip
· Kohen Mebius, Wessington Springs
· Lily Larson, West Central
· Lidia Dupraz, Deubrook
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, SDSU Extension, and the U.S. Forest Service host the Range Evaluation Competition. The contest objectives include understanding soil‑plant relationships, plant succession, and habitat evaluation, using beef cattle and grouse as examples of ecologically and economically significant species.
In a statement, Cathie Draine said the scholarships reflect three core values:
“respect for the integrity of the land… the imperative to provide educational opportunities for understanding and the wise use and care of the land… and faith in the process of developing knowledgeable custodians for the future.”
The South Dakota FFA Foundation supports agricultural education statewide and works to develop students’ leadership, personal growth, and career success. More information is available at sdffafoundation.org.
Lidia Dupraz, Deubrook Lily Larson, West Central Kohen Mebius, Wessington Springs Tessa Hinman, Sunshine Bible Academy Molly Harty, Philip
