The Oklahoma CattleWomen, Inc. (OCW) distributed its 2023 scholarships at the Oklahoma Cattle Convention, July 21 and 22 in Norman, Okla. The second annual scholarship was awarded to Riley Luginbill of Orlando, Okla. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a full-time college student who is an active and productive member of the Oklahoma Collegiate CattleWomen (OCCW).
This scholarship was created in honor of Oklahoma CattleWomen member and friend, Nancy Buckminster and her dedication to the beef community and to OCW, who passed away in late 2021. This scholarship was first awarded in 2022 to honor the memory of longtime OCW member.
Luginbill is studying agricultural education at Oklahoma State University (OSU), where she will once again serve on the officer team for OCCW. This organization is for young women at Oklahoma State University who share an interest in supporting and promoting the beef industry.
The J.B. and Betty Smith Scholarship is awarded annually to a high school senior. The Smith family established this scholarship in memory of J.B. and Betty Smith who were Pawhuska-area ranchers. Betty served as an active OCW member and past president from 1957-1958. This year’s award recipient is Morley Griffith of Shawnee, Okla. Griffith will attend Oklahoma State University to agricultural education this fall. Griffith receives a $1,000 scholarship.
Finally, the Oklahoma CattleWomen Scholarship is given to a full-time college student who is seeking a degree in an agriculture or an agricultural-related field of study. This scholarship was awarded to Bailee Schiefelbein of Kimball, Minn. This is a $1,500 scholarship. Schiefelbein is currently attending OSU double majoring in animal science and agricultural communications.
Recipient’s families were invited to celebrate with honorees during the OCW Awards Luncheon as part of the Oklahoma Cattlemen and Oklahoma CattleWomen Convention. The luncheon was sponsored by Oklahoma Farm Bureau and is an annual event. OCW Scholarships are due in May each year. More information on these scholarships can be found at www.okcattlewomen.org.
