Midwest Chapter WSF “Careers in Conservation” Scholarship
2026 Recipient – Jonathan Phenix
Jonathan Phenix is a senior at Waconia High School in Waconia, MN. This fall Jonathan will attend South Dakota State University to pursue a master’s and doctorate in Fisheries and Wildlife Management with a minor in education. Jonathan’s high school extracurricular activities are admirable; the numerous academic and leadership awards, recognitions and honors reflect his passion and commitment to education and community. Jonathan’s high school involvements include: Basketball, Track, Youth Service Council, Strength & Conditioning, Jazz Band, Student Council, Conservation Club and the Unified Athletics Board. These involvements resulted in 4 years of continuous community service and support, including: Adopt-a-Highway Clean-up, Lake Waconia Clean-up (fall/winter), Yearly Youth Ice Fishing Event, Yearly Boundary Waters Restoration Projects, Forest Restoration Involvement, Waconia Youth Events, along with planning and support for other community activities and events.
“I hope to pass along my values and passion by pursuing a career in conservation research and development and/or teaching the principles of conservation at a collegiate or high school level,” Jonathan Phenix.
Jonathan Phenix
Since 1979, the Midwest Chapter WSF has stayed true to its mission, becoming recognized as leader in wild sheep conservation and advocating for youth in the outdoors and conservation. The Midwest Chapter’s CIC Scholarship Program was developed to academically support young adults that aspire to have a career in conservation. The Midwest Chapter CIC scholarship program symbolizes and honors a legacy steeped in decades of wild sheep conservation. A legacy built by passionate and committed Midwest Chapter members and supporters driven to “Put and Keep Wild Sheep on the Mountain” for future generations. Supporting students that are passionate and committed to developing a career in wildlife conservation enhances our Midwest Chapter’s legacy and is an investment into the preservation of North American wildlife.
Careers in Conservation Scholarships are to be awarded to students in a field related to Midwest Chapter WSF’s missions and values. Preferably, degrees in wildlife management, wildlife biology, and wildlife pathology. Areas of education focused on wild sheep are desired, but not mandatory. Scholarship awards are based on scholastic proficiency, commitment to conservation of wildlife or natural resources, character, and service. Applicants must clearly demonstrate the ability and desire to contribute to North American wildlife conservation.
Please fill out the application or print the pdf and submit to
midwestwildsheep@gmail.com
Applications can also be mailed to
Midwest Wild Sheep
PO Box 80
Chaska, MN 55318
