Frandsen Bank & Trust Announces 2025 Orlo A. Balcer Memorial Scholarship Recipients

Twenty-five student scholars have been selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship to help fund their collegiate studies through the Orlo A. Balcer Memorial Scholarship. This is the program's fourth year, which was named to commemorate the dedication and shared values of a former Fransen Bank & Trust colleague.

Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate a strong commitment to their community and the same passion for learning as the program’s namesake. The outstanding scholars were selected from nearly 130 applicants across 21 Frandsen Bank communities. Since 2021, more than 100 students have received the $1,000 gift to help cover post-secondary educational expenses.

"At Frandsen Bank & Trust, we believe in investing in the future of our communities—and that begins with our young people,” said Mike Gay, Frandsen Bank chief operations officer. “Through our annual scholarship program, we're proud to support students who embody the spirit of The Frandsen Way: a commitment to integrity, hard work, and making a difference locally.”

This year’s scholarship recipients are:

• Abbi Jacobson, a graduate of Pine Island High School/RCTC

• Abby McMahon, a graduate of Stephen-Argyle Central High School

• Adaeze Enemuoh, a graduate of Hermantown High School

• Alice Steman, a graduate of Cambridge-Isanti High School

• Allie Jones, a graduate of Cloquet Senior High School

• Benjamin Munich, a graduate of Hayward High School

• Brennan Young, a graduate of United Christian Academy

• Brianna Hexum, a graduate of HACIL Virtual Charter School

• Carley Sip, a graduate of Fertile-Beltrami High School

• Carter Donely, a graduate of Lakeville South High School

• Clare Thomas, a graduate of Ely Memorial High School

• Cole Hanssen, a graduate of Larimore High School

• Daryn Daku, a graduate of Red River High School

• Ethan Doering, a graduate of Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School

• Evelyn Keltgen, a graduate of Cleveland Public School

• Harmon Schrunk, a graduate of Fairmont Junior/Senior High School

• Isabella Anlauf, a graduate of Maple Grove Senior High School

• Josephine Wade, a graduate of Tri-County Public High School

• Karlee Walsh, a graduate of East Grand Forks Senior High School

• Maiah Skluzacek, a graduate of Minnesota Connections Academy

• Miraya Ryberg, a graduate of BOLD High School

• Shawn Klehr, a graduate of Jordan High School

• Taylor Thomforde, a graduate of Goodhue High School

• Wyatt Robideau, a graduate of Blaine High School

• Zoey Finkenbiner, a graduate of Tri-City United High School