MARSHALL, Minn. – The Southwest Minnesota State University Athletics Department in partnership with Ralco Inc., recently presented the first Ag Bowl Scholarship Invitational Leadership Scholarship to SMSU student Hailey Nierling.
 
Nierling, a native of Decorah, Iowa, and agriculture management major, was awarded the scholarship in recognition of her work in the upcoming Ag Bowl Scholarship Invitational on Feb. 22-26. The ninth annual FFA competition will be delivered virtually for the first time. The Ag Bowl Scholarship Invite is a competition for FFA members to participate in a choice of 19 Career Development Events (CDEs). Students have the opportunity to compete individually and as a team.
 
"It was exciting for President Jayasuriya, Brian Knockenmus, President of Ralco, Inc., and myself to present Hailey with the first Ag Bowl Scholarship Invitational Leadership Award," said Chris Hmielewski, SMSU Director of Athletics. "This scholarship recognizes Hailey's hard work, commitment to enhancing the event, and certainly her leadership in the planning and preparation for this year's invitational."
 
SMSU Athletics and Ralco have hosted Ag Bowl each fall for the past 14 years as a celebration of agriculture in Minnesota, featuring numerous events for both kids and adults. Proceeds generated by the Ag Bowl fund scholarships and programming for worthy student-athletes and young people who will dedicate their careers to business success in agriculture, environmental science and the food industries.
 
"We look forward to awarding this scholarship annually to an SMSU student who is majoring in one of our agricultural programs and is a member of the SMSU Ag Club," Hmielewski said. "Our Ag Club has been instrumental in the growth and enhancement of the Ag Bowl Scholarship Invitational on all levels."