April 4, 2024 (KANSAS CITY, Mo.) – Following the inaugural launch of its United Country Youth Scholarship Program in late 2023, United Country Real Estate has now revealed its first two scholarship recipients.
Sponsored by United Country and its affiliate
companies, the new program is intended specifically for the children and grandchildren
of those within the companies (along with retired company employees in good
standing). The program’s goal is to recognize and assist outstanding students
who plan to pursue post-secondary education.
The selection process was rigorous in the program’s first year, which drew interest from 29 applicants. A selection committee evaluated each application using a comprehensive scoring rubric. It was a challenging process but two outstanding applicants emerged as clear recipients, each earning $1,500 for educational expenses including tuition, books, living costs, and transportation.
“The interest we saw from scholarship applicants reflected enthusiasm for educational advancement within our community,” said Shawn Terrel, President of United Country Auction Services. “Our two recipients stood out for their exceptional commitment to academic excellence. We are proud to support these deserving students and we look forward to witnessing their continued success in the future.”
Honored in the first year of the United Country Youth
Scholarship Program are Madison
Zerr (pictured top left) and Maggie Boyd (bottom left). Zerr’s father Nickolas Zerr holds multiple titles with United Country Real Estate | AgTeam Land
Brokers in Colby/Gove
City, Kan. Boyd is the granddaughter of Hines Boyd, Broker/Owner of United Country | FL-GA Realty &
Auction, Monticello,
Fla.
Madison Zerr’s leadership through high school activities and community service caught the scholarship committee’s attention. She served as treasurer and president of organizations including 4-H, FCCLA and FFA, and was a team captain in basketball and volleyball. Academically, Zerr excelled as a member of the NHS and Scholars Bowl team. On top of all that, she’s been recognized for her artistic endeavors and championship livestock showings. She’ll attend Fort Hays State University to pursue agricultural leadership and marketing.
Maggie Boyd stood out to the committee for her desire to help others through her education. She’s pursuing a dual major in foreign language and health science, with the goal of combining her proficiency in Spanish and Portuguese with her passion for healthcare. Boyd has applied her language skills in her hometown’s Hispanic community — scheduling doctor’s appointments, helping with paperwork and bridging cultural divides. She envisions herself providing medical care to underserved communities everywhere.
Terrel addressed the two scholarship recipients during United Country’s annual Training & Awards Convention in Texas last month. “Congratulations on receiving the scholarship,” he said. “Your hard work and dedication have paid off. This achievement is a testament to your talent and potential. Keep up the great work, and we're excited to see all that you will accomplish in the future!”
United Country plans to increase its funding each year to offer more scholarships in the future.