05/13/2026
The NMRC is more then robots! Check out this year's scholarship recipients! Congratulations! We are so excited to see what lies ahead for you!
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Bemidji, MN (May 12, 2026) - The Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference (NMRC) is pleased to announce the fifth annual recipients of our NMRC Scholarship Program.
The NMRC strongly believes that we should not only support our students while in HS but that we should do what we can to ensure that they have life long success. We want robotics to have a lasting and positive effect that students find life changing. While we support students in many forms, we would also like to assist well deserving students from our region in a financial capacity as they pursue their passions professionally during their post-secondary education.
We are pleased to be awarding funds to support students through two primary scholarships on an annual basis. The first of these is our General Scholarship ($500) which is open to any student participating in robotics from our service area. Students can pursue any career or area of interest they have during post secondary education. This could be a traditional four year institution, two year institutions such as community or technical colleges, or an (industry standard/professionally recognized) trade program or certification.
The second scholarship we award is our General Scholarship for Under-represented Groups. ($500) This scholarship is guided by the same criteria as the aforementioned General Scholarship but exists to specifically address the needs of underrepresented groups. It is our goal to do all we can to assist students as they work towards obtaining a career that will allow them to be contributors to our vibrant communities.
This year's NMRC General Scholarship award winner is Megan Johnson.
Megan is a member of the robotics team at Bemidji HS, team #4674 RoboJacks.
In the essay portion of her submission she wrote about her experiences in FIRST robotics saying.
“I have gained from FIRST the ability to work with all kinds of people, regardless of who they are. I have learned how to work with others to get the best outcome possible from Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition…I have learned how to create an inclusive environment so everyone can freely speak their minds….FIRST (robotics) has made me a better person and a better leader in my everyday life.”
Coach teacher Richard Toward, in a letter of recommendation, praised her personal attributes including her leadership ability.
“ Megan Johnson is a highly visible, outstanding student with a natural tendency to pursue the best in herself and her peers. She has been an active and positive force within our student population and has demonstrated her various talents in the classroom and in the community…What separates Megan from many of her peers is witnessed by the numerous leadership roles bestowed upon her by her coaches and advisers. This characteristic may be her strongest attribute.”
This year's NMRC General Scholarship for Under-represented Groups award winner is Kara Kostohyrz. Kara is a member of the robotics team from Perham H.S., team #3297 the Full Metal Jackets.
In Kara’s submission essay she spoke of the opportunities for personal growth.
“Through FIRST Robotics, I have gained incredible opportunities, lifelong friendships, and priceless memories. Collaborating with my team and others has provided a supportive environment for me to grow, helping me transition from a quiet student to a confident leader. ”
Perham’s coach Clayton Johnson, in a letter of recommendation, spoke of Kara’s selflessness and leadership abilities.
“ In my role as a coach, and after nearly 10 years in FIRST Robotics as both a student and mentor, I have worked with hundreds of students. Kara stands out in a way that cannot be taught. The way she carries herself, dedicates herself, and leads is something I have not seen in other students. She is a true team-first leader. She is not loud or attention-seeking, but she raises the level of everyone around her through her actions, consistency, and character. “
On behalf of all our member teams and our students the NMRC would like to congratulate these awardees. Additionally a special thanks to all of those individuals and organizations who have made contributions to the scholarship fund. If you would like to learn more about the application process or support the NMRC scholarship fund please visit the scholarship page on our website at www.nmrconference.org/nmrc-scholarship
Respectfully,
Matthew Wendland
President
Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference
www.nmrconference.org
