The Mark Schwirtz Employee Memorial Scholarship was founded in 2021 by the Golden Spread Board of Directors to honor the service of the late Mark Schwirtz, former Golden Spread President and CEO. The Board approved an initial contribution of $10,000, and CoBank matched the donation. Golden Spread Members’ Boards and numerous individuals also contributed to the scholarship. Eligible applicants must be an employee or Director of Golden Spread or one of its Members, or have a parent or guardian who is an employee or Director of Golden Spread or one of its Members. A total of six recipients have received this scholarship since 2021. Each student receives a $1,000 scholarship to further their college education. The 2023 scholarship recipients are: 

Kaden Boatright – Kaden is the son of Golden Spread EC employee Ty Boatright and his wife Staysha. Kaden plans to attend South Plains College and major in pre-engineering and then go on to Texas Tech and major in Petroleum Engineering. 

Addison Burkhalter – Addison is the daughter of North Plains EC employee Jesse Burkhalter and his wife Ashley. Addison will attend Seward County Community College and become a Registered Nurse.