The Franklin Krause Foundation, established within the South Dakota Community Foundation, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Franklin Krause New Horizons Scholarship. With the outstanding quality of applicants this year, the scholarship selection committee awarded three scholarships to students whose educational goals, work ethic and commitment to serving others reflect the spirit of the New Horizons Scholarship. The scholarship honors Franklin Krause’s lifelong agricultural and small-business career and philanthropic interests. It supports eligible students from Roberts and Custer counties in South Dakota, Richland County in North Dakota and contiguous counties.
This year’s recipients, in award order, are Cody Witt, recipient of a $2,000 scholarship; Carianna Anderson, recipient of a $1,500 scholarship; and Madisyn Lent, recipient of a $1,250 scholarship.
Cody Witt of Geneseo, North Dakota, will receive the Foundation’s top award of $2,000. Witt plans to attend the North Dakota State College of Science to pursue an associate in applied science degree in business management. A senior at Lidgerwood Public School, Witt has excelled academically, ranking at the top of his class with a 3.99 GPA. In his application, he shared that his work experience at County Line Foods and his volunteer efforts through school and church activities have strengthened his sense of responsibility, empathy and service to his community.
Carianna Anderson of Hermosa, South Dakota, has been awarded a $1,500 scholarship. Anderson is pursuing a master’s degree in educational administration at the University of South Dakota while continuing her work in public education at Hermosa Elementary School in the Custer School District. In her application, Anderson described a long-standing call to teach and a passion for helping students with social, emotional and academic challenges succeed. In addition to her work as an educator, she has remained deeply engaged in her community, including serving as president of the Black Hills Sorting Club and organizing a youth horse show during the Custer County Fair.
Madisyn Lent of Custer, South Dakota, has been awarded a $1,250 scholarship. Lent plans to attend Lake Area Technical College in the occupational therapy assistant program. In her application, she shared that her interest in occupational therapy was inspired by watching her father recover from a brain bleed and stroke and seeing firsthand the difference occupational therapists made in his recovery. Lent has been active in the National Honor Society, Girls State, volleyball, church youth group activities, and community service efforts, including volunteering with Feeding South Dakota and helping organize Christmas drives for children in need.
“The scholarship committee was impressed by the caliber of applicants this year,” said Richard Stinson, chair of the selection committee. “Cody, Carianna and Madisyn each demonstrated determination, service and a clear sense of purpose in how they plan to use their post-secondary education to strengthen their futures and the communities around them.”
Applicants for the New Horizons Scholarship complete an application and essay and are evaluated on criteria including educational goals, commitment, and potential. The Foundation encourages eligible students to apply next year as scholarship availability is announced annually on the Foundation’s website.
For more information about the Franklin Krause Foundation and the New Horizons Scholarship, visit the Foundation website, franklinkrausefoundation.org.