Pioneer Communications Awards $20,000 in Scholarships to Western Kansas Students

For more than 25 years, Pioneer Communications has proudly invested in the future of our communities through annual scholarship opportunities for local students. This year, Pioneer awarded a total of $20,000 in scholarships to students representing 14 communities across Western Kansas.

The scholarships are presented in memory of former General Manager Joseph B. Chilen and former Board President Earl B. Williams, whose leadership and dedication helped shape Pioneer Communications into the community-focused company it is today. Their legacy continues through the students who are pursuing higher education, technical training, and career pathways that will strengthen rural communities for generations to come.

At Pioneer Communications, we believe empowering possibilities goes beyond providing reliable technology and connectivity. It also means supporting the people and students who will lead our communities into the future. “We are honored to support these outstanding students as they take the next step in their educational journeys,” said CEO Catherine Moyer. “Investing in local students is one of the most meaningful ways we can continue building strong communities throughout Western Kansas.”

Scholarship recipients were selected based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and future goals. Pioneer Communications is proud to celebrate each student and their accomplishments.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 scholarship recipients!

$2500 scholarships

Ulysses – Preston Hittle

Hugoton – Alaina Gold

Johnson – DonTe Mara

Leoti – Sadie Berry

Moscow – Alexis Crawford

$500 Scholarships

Deerfield – Bladyn Long

Holcomb – Dylan Burch

Hugoton – Miguel Hernandez Jr. & Olivia Salmans

Johnson – Karlee Nairn

Lakin – Jarrod Hilger

Leoti – Kaylee Wilbur

Moscow – Quentin Franklin

Rolla – Samantha Dunn

Satanta – Cameron Ross

Scott City – Ruby Oronia

Sublette – Lexi Wright

Syracuse – KimberLynn Thomeczek

Tribune – Hailey Nolan

Ulysses – Alvaro Moya