Gardner and McVicker Named 2025 NWSS Scholars from Eastern Wyoming College

Rebecca Gardner of Akron, Colorado, and Kelsi McVicker of Bridgeport, Nebraska, have been awarded National Western Stock Show (NWSS) Scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Gardner will enter her sophomore year at Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) this fall, majoring in agribusiness and sciences. She is an active member of the EWC community, competing on the Livestock Judging and Show Team, serving as president of the Block and Bridle Club, and representing goats for the Fitting and Showing Club.

Her involvement with the National Western Stock Show began in high school, when she was selected for the NWSS Vet 101 Program in 2023 and later returned in 2024 as a Colorado State FFA Officer to complete an educational internship. Most recently, Gardner competed in the 2025 prospect heifer and steer shows and the Breeding Sheep Show as part of the EWC Show Team.

McVicker will begin her freshman year at EWC this fall, also pursuing a degree in agribusiness and sciences. She will join the EWC Livestock Judging and Show Team. Inspired by her older sibling’s involvement at NWSS, McVicker began competing in 2023 through the Catch-A-Calf Program, where she won her showmanship class and placed second in the carcass contest. She returned in 2024 to exhibit in the prospect steer show and plans to compete again in 2026 as a member of the EWC Show Team.

Georgia Younglove, EWC Livestock Judging and Show Team coach, praised the students for their accomplishments.

“Rebecca and Kelsi represent the very best of what our students bring to EWC—commitment, leadership and a passion for agriculture,” Younglove said. “Their dedication to the livestock industry and their success at the National Western Stock Show are a testament to their hard work and bright futures.”

The National Western Scholarship Trust, founded in 1983, supports students pursuing degrees in agriculture, rural medicine and veterinary sciences. Today, the Trust awards more than 100 scholarships annually through partnerships with colleges and universities across Colorado and Wyoming. It is funded through four major events: the Auction of Junior Livestock Champions, the Western Art Exhibit & Sale, the Citizens of the West Dinner, and the Boots ‘n Business Luncheon.

Eastern Wyoming College joined the network of partner institutions in 2023 and now awards two NWSS Scholarships to its students each year.