Fruita Chamber Foundation Awards 2025 Scholarships to Outstanding Local Students
Announcing the 2025 recipients of this annual scholarship program, which supports local youth in pursuing advanced education.
2025 Scholarship Recipients:
- Hunter Gillilan – Trade Industry Scholarship
Hunter plans to pursue diesel technology, inspired by his passion for mechanics
and experience with Fruita FFA’s award-winning Ag Mechanics team. Already
balancing school, work, and extracurriculars, Hunter’s career goal is to serve in
the mining, agriculture, and trucking sectors.
- Sadie Ganzer – Certification Program Scholarship
Sadie will attend Colorado Mesa University’s Dental Hygiene Program. After job-
shadowing in a local office, she discovered her passion for helping others
through dental care. Her career will directly address healthcare shortages in
Western Colorado.
- Kylee Heathco – Student Service Scholarship
Kylee completed over 260 volunteer hours, led mission trips, supported youth
programs, and spoke on fentanyl prevention to over 1,500 students. She plans to
pursue nursing at Texas Christian University and continue advocating for local
youth and mental health awareness.
Addison Wilke – FFA Scholarship
Addison, a dedicated FFA member and livestock show participant, is headed to
West Texas A&M to study pre-veterinary medicine. Her goal is to return to Fruita
to support local agriculture by becoming a licensed large animal veterinarian.
- Will Stewart – Business Major Scholarship
Will plans to pursue a business management degree while continuing to grow his
own exterior cleaning company. His entrepreneurial mindset and leadership
reflect the innovative spirit of Fruita’s small business community.
The Fruita Foundation remains committed to investing in our youth and workforce
through scholarships and community programs. To learn more or contribute to our
mission, visit fruitachamber.org/foundation.
About the Fruita Foundation:
The Fruita Foundation is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to advancing and
promoting Fruita, Colorado, and its surrounding areas. Our mission is to empower our
community through education, scholarships, and community outreach.
Our Impact:
Student Scholarships: We award scholarships to deserving high school seniors pursuing higher education. Our scholarships support students in various fields,including business, agriculture, and community service.programs and opportunities for businesses and individuals. Our goal is to create a thriving community where everyone has the chance to succeed.
- Future Initiatives: We are excited to expand our impact by offering scholarships for trade and certification programs, and developing a business incentive program to support internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.
By supporting the Fruita Foundation, you’re investing in the future of our community.
Join us in making a difference!
Learn more about our impact at https://fruitachamber.org/fruitafoundation/
This year’s
recipients demonstrate passion, integrity, and commitment to service, aligning with the
Foundation’s core values and mission to invest in the future of Fruita.
Last year the Foundation launched this scholarship program with fundraising activities throughout the day at its first annual golf tournament and those efforts continued at the recent Chamber banquet through silent and live auction fundraising, event ticket sales and table sponsorships.
Plans for additional fund raising activities include even more fun-filled events throughout 2025 as the Chamber holds after-hours events, hosts community events where participation requires fees and where community members and Chamber members alike come together to support this and other great community advancement causes