Four Minnesota students earn biodiesel scholarships

Four students from Minnesota have been selected as recipients of the 2019 Clean Air Choice® Biodiesel Scholarships. The scholarships are sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and administered by the American Lung Association’s office in St. Paul. Open to all high school seniors in the state, participants submit brief essays or videos about biodiesel to be judged. This year, first and second place awards were issued in both the essay and video categories.

The first place essay was submitted by Tanner Pahl of Hancock, Minn. His essay, “Biodiesel’s Impact on Minnesota,” noted that the fuel is naturally nontoxic and helps to support the rural economy. Pahl was a standout baseball play at Hancock High School and intends to attend the University of Minnesota at Crookston, double majoring in business and entrepreneurship. He received a $1,000 scholarship for his winning essay.

Anna Prchal, a recent graduate of New Prague High School, submitted the second place essay. Prchal has long had an interest in environmental science, and she has won top honors at the Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair and for her work in 4-H. The Montgomery, Minn., resident will be attending South Dakota State University to study agriculture and bio systems engineering. She received a $500 scholarship.

Nickolas Tentis of Rosemont received a $1,000 scholarship for his 1st place video. Active in many clubs and activities at Rosemount High School, Tentis was treasurer for Rosemount’s National Honor Society, president of the local chapter of the Tri-M Honor Society, and was active in the Eastview and Rosemount division of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was particularly active in theater, playing the lead role in “Shrek the Musical.” He will attend the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and hopes to become a math teacher.

The 2nd place video was submitted by Claire Orcutt of Mankato. Orcutt is a graduate of Loyola Catholic High School and plans to study business at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.   As member of the Saint Clair/Loyola golf team, Orcutt played in both the state AA championships and the PGA Junior Golf series. Orcutt will receive a $500 scholarship to help with school expenses.

Congratulations to the four recipients, and thank you to the nearly 100 high school seniors who submitted entrees.