Winner Announced: Bruce W. Krupke Scholarship

SPONSORED BY The Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association, Inc.

Winners Announced for the 2022-23 Bruce W. Krupke

Memorial Scholarship

The Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association, Inc., recently announced it awarded a total of $18,000 to a dozen students who were the winners of the Bruce W. Krupke Memorial Scholarship for the 2022-23 academic year. Scholarships in the amount of $2,000 (gold) and $1000 (silver) were awarded to students based on merit. To qualify, students must attend a two-or four-year college or university or a trade school and must have a connection to the Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association or the Northeast Dairy Foods Association to apply.

Three years ago, the Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association board of directors dedicated the scholarship in memory of Bruce W. Krupke, who served as executive vice president of the Northeast Dairy Foods Association and Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association for 27 years.

“We are committing to supporting those associated with our membership in the pursuit of education,” said Melissa Fryer, president, board of directors, Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association, Inc. “Whether they pursue a dairy-related field or not, we know that these recipients are tomorrow’s leaders. And, we are so impressed with the caliber of our applicants and the determination they have for their futures. We wish them every success as they work toward their goals, and we hope these students will encourage others without our organizations to apply for these scholarships funds next year.”

To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must be an employee of an NDFA/NDSA member, an immediate family member of a member or a student member of NDSA themselves, and must be enrolled for the 2022-2023 academic year as a full-time student with a minimum of 12 credits and a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Scholarship information is available each year after Feb. 1 with applications due by June 1 through the association’s website. Scholarships are funded through the association’s events, like the annual golf tournament and clambake, as well as member dues and sponsorship of annual industry events.

Here is an overview of this year’s winners accomplishments and a quote each supplied on his or her application regarding plans for the future.

ALAINA BROUGHTON

Alaina Broughton of Cleves, Ohio, is the daughter of Amy Broughton, who works for Ace Sanitary/Ace Manufacturing, a member of the Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association, Inc.

She is attending Cedarville University with a psychology, family and child studies track major and minors in graphic design, women’s ministry and the Bible. Broughton is in the honors program.

“I chose psychology because I want to help people. My goals in studying psychology are learning more about people and how to better help those who are struggling. I want to work with a ministry that serves children or women in crisis, such as those who have been removed from emergency situations or are in crisis with mental or behavioral health.”

JENNIFER CARL

Jennifer Carl is from Cicero, New York, and is the daughter of Donna Carl, who works for Dairy Farmers of America, a member of the Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association, Inc. She is attending St. John Fisher College, where she is majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. She has worked as an intern in the elephant barn at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York, where she assisted with animal nutrition, animal care and habitat upkeep, and she also worked as an ER vet assistant, where she helped veterinarians and vet techs with various procedures. Carl also worked as a clinic assistant, assisting with animal nail trims, microchipping and collecting blood samples.

“I chose biology as my major because I am intrigued to have a better understanding of the world around me in regard to science. To name a few specific areas –how microorganisms play a crucial part in both health and disease, how different body systems function, genetic factors and more. Learning about this is not only fascinating to me, but it also serves as a base for learning more animal specific anatomy and biology. I want to become a veterinarian, so a biology degree is a great base before going to vet school. After vet school, I hope to specialize in animal surgery.” MACY CARR

Macy Carr is from Waterloo, New York, and is the daughter of Robert and Cheryl Carr, who work for Wadhams Enterprises and Separators, Inc., respectively, both members of the Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association, Inc. She is attending SUNY Albany to study business.

“I chose business because both of my parents are in sales, and I’ve learned a lot about different industries from listening to them. I also chose business because it is a very broad degree that can leave my options open for a career path. My long-term goals are undecided as of right now, however, I know that I plan to open my own business someday. I would like to use my knowledge and efforts in an industry that makes a difference in people’s lives and hopefully will help others in the same way.”

ALEXANDRA ELSESSER

Alexandra Elsesser lives in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, and is the daughter of Edward Elsesser, who works for AFCO, a member of the Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association, Inc. She attends Wilkes University as a pre-pharmacy major. Among other activities, Elsesser teaches basic Spanish concepts to give elementary-age students a foundation to understanding a foreign language.

“Choosing to major in pharmacy checks all the boxes in what I picture my future to hold. It will give me a variety of paths and opportunities to find a career that will bring me pleasure. Professionally, I would like to become an expert in my field, so I can use my knowledge in my work, as well as be able to mentor future generations with my level of expertise. Furthermore, In the course of gaining in mastery in the pharmacy field, I would like to obtain a strong skill in Spanish to use in my professional career.”

BROOKE FOSTER

Brooke Foster is from West Winfield, New York, and is the stepdaughter of David LeClair who works for Chobani, a member of the Northeast Dairy Foods Association, Inc. She is studying at SUNY Canton where her major is applied psychology. In addition, Foster recently passed the exam to be a certified pharmacy technician.

“I chose to study psychology because I believe that it has value in all aspects of life. It has really opened my eyes and given me a new perspective. I have developed a better understanding of people, as well. I have several different career ideas at the moment, and, although I am not 100% sure what I will choose for a career, I know that having knowledge in psychology will be beneficial in almost any aspect of my life. My goal is to find a career I enjoy, help others and continue traveling.”

ERICA FROST

Erica Frost is from Bainbridge, New York, and is the daughter of Matthew Frost, who works for Chobani, a member of the Northeast Dairy Foods Association, Inc. She is attending the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami with a double major in music therapy and psychology.

“Ever since I was young, I have wanted to work with children and adults with developmental disabilities. I was inspired growing up with my older brother, Chad, who is diagnosed with a genetic disorder caused by a missing chromosome, known as Angelman Syndrome. In middle school, I fell in love with music and wanted to continue down that path. That is when I found music therapy, which had the potential to combine my two passions of music and working within the disabled community. I cannot see myself doing anything else. As college began, I become more and more passionate about psychology and decided to add it as a second major. My goal is to use music as a creative, enjoyable, therapeutic tool to help those who have their own goals to achieve. I feel very passionate about helping people, and I think it is really special that I get to use my love for music to do so. Music has helped me through times when I needed it most, and I want to pay it forward and aid others in using it as a tool, as well.”

TAYLOR FRYER

Taylor Fryer is from N. Syracuse, New York, and is the son of Melissa Fryer, who works for Alfa Laval, a member of the Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association, Inc. He attends Syracuse University and is majoring in sound recording technology. He is also the trumpet leader in the Syracuse University marching band.

“My goals are to become a successful sound engineer and continue to playing trumpet. I have played trumpet since fourth grade, and music has always been a major part of my life. The more engaged I became in music, the more I learned about the industry and different music careers. When I began looking at what I wanted to pursue in college, I found some information about a degree in sound recording technology, As I looked into this field, the more interesting it became to me. I knew I wanted to continue with music but was unsure of what area. The more research I did, the more I found that sound recording was something I was interested in pursuing. Although I’m not sure exactly which area of sound recording will be my focus, a degree in sound recording technology can lead to many different fields, such as live radio, studio recording, live concerts, album recording, business and others. All different types o music – orchestral, pop, movies, video games and so much more need sound engineers. I want to be able to share my love of music with the world and help more people enjoy what I love.”

KAYLEE HEDDING

Kaylee Hedding lives in E. Montpelier, Vermont, and is the daughter of Suzanne Hedding, who works for Agri-Mark/Cabot Creamery, a member of the Northeast Dairy Foods Association, Inc. She is attending the University of Tampa as a double major in marine science and marine biology. She worked for Cabot Creamery as a Cabot ambassador, recruiting employees and marketing Cabot cheddar products at local events.

“As a young child, I had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on learning and interaction with a dolphin while on a family vacation. And, from that moment on, I knew that I wanted to work with marine animals. Throughout high school, I sought opportunities that would allow me to further explore my passion and allow me to pursue a higher education and career in that field of study. I have excelled in three college level marine biology and coastal marine science college courses, taking them during high school in addition to a regular course load, and receiving an A+ in each of these courses. My junior year of high school, I was a student leader for the college level marine biology course I was enrolled in and focused my time on an independent research project on marine mammals in need of prosthetics and rehabilitation. My greatest passion and aspiration in life is to work with and help injured marine life to receive treatment in order to regain health and successfully integrate and adapt back into their environment. I also aspire to build prosthetic limbs for marine life and pursue marine medicine.

“My goal with the education I gain at the University of Tampa is to educate the community on the importance the ocean and marine life has on our ecosystem and world overall. I aspire to help animals in need and hope to apply my knowledge of marine life to how it can help and benefit us as humans, looking at research such as medicine for disease found within the ocean ecosystem. I aspire to have an impact on the lives of others by educating them on the importance of all that the ocean has to offer us, but, more importantly, to have an impact in the marine research community and on marine life. I am very passionate about the planet and all it has to offer, educating others on sustainability. and climate change. ADDISON MOORE

Addison Moore lives in Lock, New York, and is the daughter of Darren Moore, who works at Ecolab, a member of the Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association, Inc. She is attending SUNY Buffalo and majoring in architecture.

“I plan to become a licensed architect upon graduation from college. My hope for my education is that it will prepare me for my career by not only training me but giving me internship opportunities and opportunities to travel aboard and learn about all different kinds of architecture. I plan to follow a career path in architecture that suits me best, possibly working at a firm that focuses on affordable sustainable housing. I believe that majoring in architecture will help me achieve my goal of doing what I love for work because I love both art and math, which is a great combination for architects. I became fascinated with architecture and the design/build process at a young age, and it stuck with me. When I was 6, my mother, an engineer, designed our current home. With my grandfather’s and uncle’s help — both are carpenters — we built our home with our own hands. We temporarily lived right next to the construction site, so I was able to experience the whole process. I immediately wanted my mother to show me the program she used to design the house, and, even though I was young, I enjoyed experimenting with it. I also attended a summer pre-college architecture program at Syracuse University in the summer of 2021 and loved it. These experiences have helped guide me toward my future in architecture.”

OLIVIA STAPLES

Olivia Staples of Williamsville, New York, is the daughter of Lynn Staples, who is employed at Perry’s Ice Cream, a member of the Northeast Dairy Foods Association, Inc. She is attending SUNY Oswego to study wellness management. Staples graduated from high school with a GPA of 4.0.

“I chose to study wellness management because I believe that your health, whether it’s physical or mental, is very important. Though I’m studying to be a nurse or doctor, my goals are to make an impact on people through learning more about nutrition and physical therapy. In this way, I hope to help and work with people to recover and become as healthy as they can be.”

KEEGAN STUVER

Keegan Stuver of Frederick, Maryland, is the son of Vincent Stuver of the Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers, a member of the Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association, Inc. He is studying finance at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he is a student in the Honors College.

“I saw many people close to me struggle financially during the COVID-19 pandemic … and this is when I dove into finance trying to learn all that I could about real estate, supply chain management, etc. In an attempt to raise my GPA this past winter, I took a course called Personal and Family. Finance, and everything about it captivated me. This class was the catalyst that I needed to switch my major from engineering and apply to study finance this fall with the end goal of graduating from University of Maryland to become a financial advisor, so I can help people avoid the hardships that happened to my loved ones.” HEATHER THOMSON

Heather Thomson is from Lancaster, New York, and the daughter of Amy Thomson, who works for Perry’s Ice Cream, a member of the Northeast Dairy Foods Association, Inc. She attends Daemen University, where she is studying to become a physician assistant. While in high school, she worked at Anderson’s Frozen Custard in her hometown.

“I have a strong compassion, drive and love for helping others, as well as personal experience that has given me a different perspective on life. I come from a loving family with a brother and two working parents that have instilled me with strong morals, compassion, perseverance and devotion. During high school, I volunteered for Hospice. It was rewarding and heart breaking at the same time, but I observed how brushing a woman’s hair or assisting someone getting dressed made all the difference to them and their families. These are the moments that touched me and inspired me to pursue the medical field. Finally, the biggest inspiration in my life is my grandmother, who is a retired registered nurse. She is extremely passionate about caring and aiding others, which I have seen and aspired to be like since a very young age. My experiences, along with a supportive family, have shaped who I am and the type of physician assistant I aspire to be. One of my goals for my future career is to be a compassionate caregiver and to make a lasting impact on my patients. Although I do not know what specialty I would like to go into yet, I will work to expand my knowledge constantly to be the best physician assistant I possibly can be. I strive to be a provider that does not judge others or define patients by their conditions.”