Members of the business community and school officials gathered at the Hormel Historic Home, March 6, to recognize and reward 10 outstanding students with Chamber ACCESS scholarships.

Nearly $6,000 was awarded by members of the Chamber’s Business Education Committee.

The banquet is the culmination of an extensive, three-step selection process that includes written essays, interviews and speech presentations. Over 100 applications were reviewed.

Cash scholarships ranging from $750-$1,500 were presented to four high school seniors:

First Place, Paige Raymond, $1,500;
second place, Miranda Bergemann, $1,000; and
Third Place (2), Neftali Lopez and Katie Waller, $750 each. Eighth grade awards ranged between $200 and $500.

Recipients included:

First Place, Siri Ansorge, $500;
Second Place, Katie Shin, $375;
Third Place (2), Ella Muzik and Ava Jovaag, $250 each; and
Fourth Place (2), Chloe Schmitt and Riley Haugen, $200 each.
Eric Connett, Heartman Insurance, served as master of ceremonies for the event.
Mary Bissen, a past recipient and music instructor for Albert Lea Public Schools, delivered the keynote address. Bissen encouraged everyone to grow by embracing diversity and experiencing different people, cultures and religions.
The Chamber’s ACCESS Scholarship program was established in 1986. Since that time, nearly $200,000 in scholarships have been awarded to 270 students.

The Business Education Committee in partnership with Workforce Development, Inc., will next host a Summer Youth Job Fair, 3 to 4 p.m. Wed., March 29 at Austin High School.