The first scholarships from a fund established in honor of a Centre High School FFA graduate who died a year and a half ago were awarded at last week’s Kansas FFA convention.

Leslie Krehbiel Leadership Legacy Scholarships are given to a recent high-school graduate from the south-central district who has embraced leadership opportunities and has a passion for agriculture.

Cade Gossen, a member of the Peabody-Burns FFA chapter, and Natalee Bray, retiring State Sentinel from Pike Valley, were honored.

The scholarships were established in 2025 in the name of the late Leslie Hedstrom Krehbiel, who died in January 2024 at her home in Kingman, for her lifetime commitment to FFA.

Leslie was FFA state vice president in 1990-1991 and was committed to making the FFA experience available to many. She mentored FFA members at the local, district, and state levels, encouraging countless people to experience FFA.

The scholarships aim to support students who exemplify Leslie’s spirit, dedication, and passion for improving the world around them and who have shown a commitment to leadership, service, and making a positive difference in their community.