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The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association awarded its 2025 Linda Ulland Memorial Scholarship to Pine River-Backus student Kelsey Bergem.
Scholarship committee member Mike Schwieters presented the award at the Pine River-Backus High School awards night in May.
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Every year the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association offers byway area students an opportunity to apply for the Linda Ulland Memorial Scholarship, an award of $1,000 that was established in 2012.
Byway area schools include Pequot Lakes High School, Pine River-Backus High School and Crosslake Community School.
Linda Ulland, this scholarship’s namesake, was instrumental in helping the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association organize as a nonprofit group and in crafting the bedrock documents that continue to guide the association today.
Her dedication and many volunteer hours helped to assure the establishment and longevity of the byway. The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway has been an officially designated driving route since 1998, earning both state and national designation.
Ulland served in various capacities in several other organizations as well, including Crosslake/Ideal Lions, Pequot Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Crosslake Lutheran Church.
She also served three years as manager at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
The Linda Ulland Memorial Scholarship provides PBSBA with an opportunity to honor Ulland’s commitment to working on environmental issues, community service and volunteerism.
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Students whose application highlights things they have done throughout high school in these areas are strong candidates.
This year’s winner, Bergem, identified an interest in caring for nature, especially the dangers associated with trash and litter. Her application listed many volunteer activities in the community along with two mission trips as well.
She is focused on a career in nursing, having already earned her certified nursing assistant certification. Best of luck to Kelsey as she pursues her future goals.
Lynn Scharenbroich is a Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association board member.
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