Savage, Montana, resident Kyler Jonsson attended the American Sugarbeet Growers Association’s annual meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his family in early February. Kyler and his brother Karsten are the third-generation “farmers in-training” on their family’s sugarbeet and wheat farm, Jonsson Farms. Attending the annual meeting served as a perfect opportunity for Kyler and Karsten to learn more about their duties as future sugarbeet farmers.
During a reception hosted by ACH Seeds Crystal Brand Sugarbeet Seed, a sugarbeet-focused trivia game was facilitated to encourage engagement and friendly competition among the growers in attendance, as well provide an opportunity to give back to local communities and charitable organizations. The top three winners were given the opportunity to select a Section 501(c)(3) to which ACH Seeds would donate designated funds. To the surprise of many, 12-year-old Jonsson answered 21 out of 24 trivia questions correctly, earning him the top award of $1,000 and bragging rights. Jonsson was not only thrilled he beat out his mature competitors, but immediately knew whom he would select to receive his winnings. He selected the industrial technology program and teacher, Riley Hagler, at his very own school, Savage Public School, to receive the funds.
“Kyler is a great student who always comes to class with a smile and an exceptional work ethic,” says Riley Hagler, Savage Public School industrial technology teacher. “I am humbled he has chosen our program to receive this donation when he could have easily chosen any other deserving organization.”
This school year, Savage Public School reintroduced industrial technology courses, including woodworking, to the list of electives after a 10-year hiatus. Reviving this program has been significant for the school. The new program, along with Savage Public School’s already robust agriculture program, will be key in preparing the next generation of tradespeople for the region and beyond.
“This donation could not have come at a better time. Since we have been without the industrial arts for over a decade, our tools are outdated,” explains Hagler. “This generous donation will allow us to update and diversify our tool options that will closely align with today’s industry. This is an exciting time for our program.”
Along with Jonsson’s winnings, ACH Seeds awarded $750 to the American Heart Association and $500 to the Riverside Christian School in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, from the second- and third-place award winners, respectively. ACH Seeds is committed to supporting the communities in which their growers live, work and play. These meaningful donations are part of ACH Seeds’ larger initiative, Homegrown Giving.