Andrea Swelland, Farmington, Minnesota

Andrea graduated from Christian Life Academy in Farmington and is a freshman at Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ. She will major in psychology, and hopefully double minor in social work and worship arts.

"I enjoy giving of my time and talents to help others, and hope with this degree I can pursue a career in which I do just that. Over the past three years I have worked hard to raise money to travel to Panama and

Cambodia on mission trips. I am returning to Panama for the third time this July to help put on a conference for the young boys and girls of Panama. I am the student council president at my school, and have

grown in leadership skills as I have put together events throughout the year. I have also been named valedictorian of my class. I am excited to travel to Arizona and earn a degree that allows me to share my heart and bring joy to others." (Andrea is the daughter of Paul and Rebecca Utecht Swelland)

Dylan James Briggs, Lafayette, Louisiana

A graduate of St. Thomas Moore High School, Lafayette, Dylan will begin his freshman year at the University of Lafayette. He plans to major in clinical psychology and minor in journalism.

"The aspect of observing and changing behavior interests me because I believe that if we have awareness and learn tools to assist in changing

negative behaviors and thoughts, goals become much easier to reach our personal and professional interactions can become so much more

productive and civil. I am concerned about our culture's overreliance on psychotropic interventions. I want to empower the individuals I work with to exhaust all behavior methods before using psychotropic medications to achieve change. To become an effective psychologist I will have to

understand myself and use the skills I want to teach others. I want to be a good model to my community. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. When the community supports scholars and their dreams, everyone benefits." (Dylan is the son of Lorrie and Raymond Briggs.)

Gillian Durand, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

Incoming freshman Gillian will study biology at St Catherine's University in St. Paul, MN.

"My major will be in biology and then I will continue on to medical school where my focus will be radiology. I have always had a love for science and have aligned my high school coursework through the

International Baccalaureate Certification Program to prepare me for college level courses. I have also been a member of the high school’s National Honor Society and Leo Club, which focuses on helping others. In addition to academics I will also be a member of St. Catherine's swim team. Swimming has been my passion, source of strength, and fuels my ambitions. It has provided many valuable life lessons about discipline and time management, but most importantly has taught me the value of

hard work, commitment and responsibility. I continuously strive to be the best I can, to reach for my goals, and possess the persistence and

determination to succeed academically and physically." (Gillian is the daughter of Gerald and Nancy Durand)

Hailey Durand Christianson, Colfax, Wisconsin

Hailey is a sophomore at the College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN.

"I am a full-time student in the Honors Program while majoring in nursing with a minor in psychology. After earning my bachelor's degree, I

plan to go to graduate school to become a nurse-practitioner and specialize in oncology. I want to pursue a career at St. Jude's Children's Hospital in

Memphis, TN. Cancer affects many families, including mine. Therefore, I want to be the nurse that is there to support loved ones who are battling

cancer. Nursing is much more than checking vitals; I want my patients to recover optimal health and live life with dignity." (Hailey also works two part-time jobs to help with her college expenses. (Hailey is the daughter of Jeannie and Craig Christianson.)

Maxwell (Max) Peters, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Max plans to study environmental science and/or biology when he begins his freshman year at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse this fall.

"My interests and plans go hand-in-hand with my love of the outdoors. I am an avid outdoorsman and am exploring new interests, topics and ideas that have to do with hunting, fishing or something else outside. Studying environmental science and/or biology at UW - La Crosse will allow me to preserve nature and share it with others at the same time. UW - La Crosse is the right place for me because it

offers many majors involved with the outdoors. I am looking forward to exploring and learning about all of them before I discover my future career path." (Max is the son of Jamie and Betsy Peters)