Ray Stoesser Memorial Scholarship

Applications are due Friday, December 5 at 11:59 p.m. CT

In partnership with the US Rice Producers Association, the Stoesser family is offering a $5,000 scholarship to one deserving high school senior or current college student who is interested in or is currently pursuing a career in an agriculture-related field.

In addition to the monetary award, the selected recipient will serve as a student ambassador for USRPA in 2025, expecting to participate in at least two activities during the calendar year. The recipient will be invited to participate in various USRPA activities, including but not limited to Field Days, legislative activities, Texas Rice Council meetings, conferences, and more.

Specific Criteria for Selection:

  1. Applicants should have the intention of pursuing a career in an agriculture-related field. Applications will be accepted from high school seniors, college students, and college graduate students.
  2. In addition to completing the online application form, applicants should submit a self-produced video no longer than 5 minutes answering the following question:
  3. What is your vision for the next generation of the U.S. rice industry?  Please cover topics relevant to the future of the US rice industry, such as food security/safety, sustainability, etc. 
Finalists will be contacted and interviewed by the selection committee via Zoom in December.

2025 Recipients

1st Place

Kayla Braggs

Kayla Braggs

Atlanta, GA

2nd Place

Emily Glaze

Emily Glaze

El Campo, TX

3rd Place

Savannah Hanson

Savannah Hanson

Liberty, TX

4th Place

Mackenzie Hill

Mackenzie Hill

Bernie, MO

2024 Recipients

1st Place

Ryan Williamson

Ryan Williamson

El Campo, TX

2nd Place

Kylie Temple

Kylie Temple

Hermiston, OR

3rd Place

Emily Glaze

Emily Glaze

El Campo, TX

4th Place

Madyson McAshlan

Madyson McAshlan

Santa Fe, TX

2023 Recipients

1st Place

Gayla Rose

Gayla Rose

Livingston, TX

2nd Place

Morgan Dennis

Morgan Dennis

Maxwell, CA

3rd Place

Jaime Hahn

Jaime Hahn

Katy, TX

2022 Recipients

1st Place

Lance Nicholas

Lance Nicholas

Katy, TX

2nd Place

Brooke Bradford

Brooke Bradford

Shirley, AR

3rd Place

Cali Newdigger

Cali Newdigger

Pratt, KS

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