HAYDEN LAKE — Before setting out on their journeys in higher education, many North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Foundation Scholarship recipients invested their time and talent into the fair through raising livestock, working at the rodeo and more.

The fair is investing in them, too. 

2026 is a record-setting year for the foundation, which awards annual scholarships to youth in Kootenai and Shoshone counties as part of its mission. This year, the foundation distributed $23,000 in scholarships to 14 area students. 

“That was really huge and we’re very grateful for all of you,” said Serena Caples, North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Foundation development director, during Friday’s celebration luncheon at the Hayden Lake Country Club. “Our donors are a testament to the value they see in our youth.” 

The students took a moment to share their future goals, which the scholarships will help them reach. 

Charlie Matilla said he’ll study electrical engineering at Montana Tech. 

“I plan to use that degree to help build dams and hydro power in the Northwest for all of our future generations to come,” he said. 

Claire Kuhlman, who just graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School, will go on to study environmental science at the University of Idaho. 

“I want to become a park ranger,” she said. 

Kuhlman has volunteered with the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo in the past, working at the rodeo and the grandstands. She said she was glad to attend the luncheon and meet the donors who have supported her education. 

“It’s really cool to be here and see all the people who want us to achieve our passion,” she said. 

Lewis-Clark State College student Samantha Spraker said she’s studying accounting and aims to become a certified public accountant. She also received foundation scholarships in 2023 and 2024. 

“It recognizes how hard we’ve worked and motivates us to keep working hard,” she said. 

Spraker’s ties to the fair stretch a long way. She’s raised and shown livestock for more than a decade and now mentors youth in the pastime. 

“She’s worked hard to support the fair through her animal projects,” said mom Shannon Spraker. “Now the fair is helping her further her education.” 

Spraker said she loves building relationships with animals, as well as the competition side. 

“I enjoy every little bit of it,” she said with a smile. 

North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Foundation Scholarship 2026 recipients: Claire Kelley, Colton Burnside, Taylor Howe, Haidyn Lyden, Samantha Spraker, James Brandon, Jaren Knopp, Liam Vore, Jared Cramer, Mackenzie Conley, Charlie Matilla, Hunter Avriett, Claire Kuhlman, Caden Collins.