Scholarship to support FFA members exhibiting Kendal’s passion for agriculture.
DPI GLOBAL is proud to sponsor the Kendal Thompson Memorial Scholarship, established by The South Dakota FFA Foundation. DPI GLOBAL is committed to honoring Kendal while financially supporting youth pursuing careers in agriculture-related fields, by funding two $1000 scholarships for high school seniors active in their FFA chapters. One scholarship will be awarded to a student enrolled in a 4-year college program. The second scholarship will be awarded to a student enrolled in a 2-year college program focused on agricultural trade skills.
Kendal Thompson was raised near Willow Lake, South Dakota and grew up with a passion for all things agriculture. While he eventually moved from his hometown of Willow Lake, his heart never left the area as he was highly involved in alumni and community activities up until his unexpected death in 2022. Kendal served the agricultural industry throughout his life, serving as DPI GLOBAL’s President-CEO at the time of his death, but more importantly he loved the people involved in it. He loved meeting people, engaging them in conversation and discovering their common ground in agriculture. Kendal saw challenges not as roadblocks, but as opportunities. His ability to solve problems benefited everyone and created win-win results for all. Kendal influenced the careers of numerous agri-business professionals, but most importantly, he touched their lives personally. Kendal’s legacy will always be remembered by his leadership, passion for agriculture, and his ability to connect with people.
Kendal Thompson was an avid supporter of agricultural youth and FFA. Kendal thrived as a high school FFA member and eventually served as the State President of the South Dakota FFA. Kendal’s achievements were many, but part of his legacy was his role in establishing the first ever SD FFA Leadership Camp. (Now known as the SD FFA Leadership Retreat.) Along with his officer team, they undertook the initiative to plan, organize, register participants, and help raise the funds necessary for the initial camp. Over 50 years later, the retreat is still serving today’s FFA members. Kendal continued to support the South Dakota FFA Association and Foundation during his professional career as well. He dedicated both his time and resources to developing opportunities for future leaders of agriculture. Other initiatives influenced by Kendal’s passion and vision were the renovation of the SD FFA Ag Adventure Center at the State Fair and funding the SD FFA Leadership and Program Manager Endowment.
DPI GLOBAL is proud to sponsor The Kendal Thompson Memorial Scholarship. Scholarship recipients will be selected through an application process coordinated by the South Dakota FFA Foundation and will consist of a written application and committee interview. Scholarship criteria include the applicant’s problem-solving approach, character and work ethic, FFA and community involvement, future goals and involvement in agricultural industries, and academic achievements. Recipients will be announced April 19th at the South Dakota State FFA convention in Brookings.
