MNB Student of the Month scholarship winners announced

Ben Fox, Dundy County Stratton, and Betsy Hardin, McCook High School with their scholarship certificates.

MNB Student of the Month Scholarship finalists and their families were recognized at the second annual MNB Scholarship Banquet and Ceremony March 13 in McCook. The $500 tuition scholarships were awarded to Betsy Hardin of McCook High School and Ben Fox of Dundy County-Stratton High School.

Betsy Hardin is the daughter of Ben and Susan Hardin. Throughout high school she has been involved in tennis, choir, student council, national honor society, interact and math club as well as golf, swim team, art club and 4-H. Betsy gives back to the community by volunteering for McCook right to life, united way, the salvation army and highway road-side cleanup. She is also a vacation bible school leader, humane society dog walker and active with her church youth group activities.

Ben is the son of Daniel and Lisa Fox. Throughout high school Ben has been active in cross country, wrestling and track. He has also been involved in quiz bowl, mock trial, speech and one act play as well as FBLA, FFA, choir, band, student council and FCCLA. Ben has been accepted into the UNL honors program and has been chosen for academic all-state in wrestling and cross country. He serves as class president and student council president and is active in his church youth group and 4-H club. Ben gives back to his community by volunteering at the Stratton country market and cleaning up the local highways and fairgrounds.

Students were eligible for the scholarship after being named an MNB Student of the Month winner as high school juniors. Scholarship finalists included Ben Fox - Dundy County- Stratton; Betsy Hardin - McCook High School; Emily Tolliver - McCook High School; Ashley McCoy - Arapahoe High School; Allie McConville - Southwest High School; Laramey Lewis - Hitchock County High School; and Cale Brown - Hitchcock County High School.

The "MNB Student of the Month Award" is designed to recognize one area student, every month from September through April, for their accomplishments and hard work. Academics, extracurricular school activities, as well as other community activities are all factors in determining a winner. The award is open to area juniors and nominations for the award must be submitted by area teachers, guidance counselors, or administrative staff of the student's school to be considered.