MEET OUR 2026 BEEF AMBASSADORS

Maeve Korthuis and Erica Schuyleman

Maeve Korthuis~~

Raised in the heart of Washington agriculture, this year’s scholarship recipient has built a life rooted in hard work, leadership, and a deep commitment to the livestock industry. A senior at Lind-Ritzville High School, she will continue her education this fall through a dual enrollment program at Oregon State University and Linn-Benton Community College, pursuing a degree in Animal Science with a pre-veterinary focus.

Her passion for agriculture is more than academic, it’s lived daily. Alongside her sister, she owns and operates a growing cattle herd of 15 cow-calf pairs, gaining firsthand experience in herd management, breeding, and marketing. From early mornings feeding livestock to competing in the show ring, her dedication has translated into impressive success, including multiple grand champion titles and top individual honors in livestock and meats evaluation contests at the state and national levels.

A natural leader, she currently serves as President of the Lind-Ritzville FFA chapter and Vice President for District 9 FFA, where she has found purpose, mentorship, and lifelong connections. Her involvement extends beyond FFA into 4-H, the National Junior Angus Association, and her role as a current ambassador for the Junior Livestock Show of Spokane.

Academically accomplished and civically engaged, she is also Vice President of her school’s National Honor Society, a cross country athlete, and an active volunteer in her community. Her participation in programs like the NILE Merit Heifer Program has further expanded her knowledge of the beef industry and strengthened her career aspirations.

With a goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian, she is driven by a desire to serve both livestock and the producers who care for them. Her background in production agriculture, combined with her leadership and work ethic, positions her to make a meaningful impact in rural communities and the future of animal agriculture.

This scholarship recognizes not only her achievements, but her unwavering commitment to the industry she calls home.

Erica Schuyleman~~

Rooted in service, leadership, and a passion for agricultural education, this scholarship recipient is continuing her journey as a second-year student come the Fall 2026 semester at Washington State University, where she is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Education. A 2025 graduate of Lynden High School and Everett Community College, she has already demonstrated a strong commitment to both academic excellence and community involvement.

Her foundation in agriculture was shaped through active participation in both National FFA Organization and 4-H, where she developed leadership skills and a dedication to service. During high school, she also served as her FFA chapter’s parliamentarian and dedicated her time as the volunteer manager for the boys basketball team.

Her achievements speak to both her leadership and academic drive. She graduated with honors, earned recognition as a Mount Baker Rotary Student of the Month, and contributed to her chapter’s success at the state and national levels, including a first-place state finish and second-place national recognition in FFA Hall of Chapter and Hall of States competitions. Now at WSU, she has continued that momentum, earning a place on the Presidential Honor Roll in her first semester.

Service has been a consistent thread throughout her journey. From volunteering with local agricultural organizations such as Farmers Equipment Company and the Whatcom Ag Show, to supporting community efforts at the Northwest Washington Fair and the Lynden Human Life booth, she has shown a deep commitment to giving back. In college, she remains actively engaged through campus ministry with Oaks Student Ministry and by volunteering at a local horse rescue, further expanding her connection to both people and animals.

With a clear vision for the future, she is preparing for a career in agricultural education, which will allow her to inspire and equip the next generation of students with the knowledge and values that have shaped her own path. This scholarship recognizes her dedication to service, her leadership in agriculture, and her commitment to making a lasting impact in her community.