Karen Rust Memorial Livestock Scholarship
In memory and honor of Karen Rust, former Director and Senior Director of the Kendall County Fair Association, Inc. (KCFA), the KCFA has established the Karen Rust Memorial Livestock Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding graduating senior who has participated, or is currently participating, as an exhibitor in the Kendall County Livestock Show during the annual Kendall County Fair as a member of a local 4-H or FFA chapter.
History of Karen Rust’s Dedication
Karen Rust spent many years assisting her father, Otto Rust, who served as Livestock Director for the Kendall County Fair Association. During that time, a livestock scholarship was originally proposed, but it never fully materialized.
After Otto Rust passed away in 2005, Karen continued her father’s legacy by organizing and directing the annual Livestock Show at the Kendall County Fair. She faithfully served in this role until her passing in 2008.
That same year, the original Livestock Scholarship was dissolved by the KCFA Board of Directors due to inactivity. The remaining funds were transferred to establish the Homestead Heritage Exhibit Hall Scholarship, which continues to be awarded annually to outstanding young adults from Kendall County schools. This scholarship is funded through the Annual Community Garage Sale and generous donations from the public.
Continuing the Livestock Show Tradition
In 2024, Robin and Bridgett Bergmann approached the KCFA with an offer to volunteer their time and expertise to help continue the long-standing tradition of the Kendall County Livestock Show. With years of experience raising and showing sheep and goats alongside their children and grandchildren, as well as a deep passion for mentoring youth, they wanted to give back to the community.
The KCFA gratefully accepted their offer, and Robin and Bridgett have since become instrumental in the success of the annual Livestock Show. Their responsibilities include:
- Securing sponsors
- Organizing and planning the show
- Promoting the event
- Engaging exhibitors
- Coordinating with judges
- Volunteering countless hours to support the program
Robin and Bridgett oversee the Sheep and Goat Show and work closely with Stephen Zoller, who leads the Steer Show alongside his dedicated team of volunteers. Stephen and his crew also play a vital role in the continued success of the annual Livestock Show during the Kendall County Fair.
Scholarship Purpose
To provide scholarship assistance to a deserving graduating senior from a Kendall County school, including BISD (Boerne), CISD (Comfort), public, private, or homeschool programs. Applicants must be active, registered members of a local 4-H or FFA Boerne/Comfort chapter and plan to pursue undergraduate studies.
The scholarship recognizes students who exemplify community service, dedication to animal health and welfare, responsible animal care and handling, strong showmanship skills, and a commitment to fostering a positive, respectful, and safe environment for all exhibitors participating in the Kendall County Livestock Show during the Annual Kendall County Fair.
Scholarship Award
The Kendall County Fair Association will annually award one (1) scholarship to a qualifying applicant. The scholarship amount will be determined based on available funds within the scholarship account, with a minimum award of $500.00.
The selected recipient will be notified by letter and/or email using the contact information provided on the application.
The Kendall County Fair Association, Inc. is incredibly grateful for the dedication, time, expertise, and mentorship these individuals provide to exhibitors and the community. Their commitment helps preserve and strengthen a cherished tradition that has been part of the Kendall County Fair for generations.
Without the efforts of these volunteers, the Livestock Show would not be possible.
If you see Robin, Bridgett, Stephen, or any of the volunteers at the Livestock Show Barn during the 120th Annual Kendall County Fair, please take a moment to say: “Thank You” and let them know how much they are appreciated.
We are developing a strategic and business plan, along with annual action plans, to guide our future growth. We are also building partnerships with local businesses and foundations to secure funding and support. These efforts will help increase community engagement, expand our donor base, and grow participation and volunteer involvement.
Scholarship Applicants Criteria
- Kendall County Fair Livestock Show Scholarship Purpose – 50%
- Current Kendall County Fair Association Junior Membership – 10%
- Academic Achievement – 10%
- Extracurricular Involvement – 10%
- Financial Need – 10%
- Essay – 10%
Scholarship Requirements
Applicants for the Karen Rust Memorial Livestock Scholarship must meet the following requirements:
- Be a 2027 graduating high school senior residing in Kendall County and attending a public school, private school, or homeschool program.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale by the end of the 2027 school year.
- Be accepted to an accredited college, university, or institution of higher learning and enroll as a full-time student within three (3) years of graduation. Scholarships not claimed within that timeframe will be forfeited.
- Be a current or past exhibitor in the Annual Kendall County Fair Livestock Show as a member of a local 4-H or FFA chapter.
- Demonstrate volunteer involvement by participating in activities such as:
- Workdays or volunteer efforts at the BISD Show Barn
- Preparation activities for the KCFA Livestock Show
- Volunteer service for the Kendall County Fair Association before or during the fair
- Be a Lifetime Junior Member of the Kendall County Fair Association, or become one at the time of application submission.
- A completed membership application and the $10.00 Lifetime Membership fee must be included with the scholarship application.
- Upon turning 18 years of age, Junior Lifetime Members will automatically become Adult Lifetime Members, and an updated membership card will be mailed to the address on file.
- Submit a 300-word essay titled:
“Benefits of a County Fair Livestock Show.” - Provide two (2) letters of recommendation:
- One from a high school faculty member
- One from an individual involved in the fair or agricultural community, such as a County Extension Agent, 4-H Advisor, FFA Advisor, Fair Committee Chairman, or Kendall County Fair Association Board Member
- Letters from immediate family members will not be accepted.
- Include an official high school transcript reflecting cumulative GPA.
- Complete the application in its entirety, including all required signatures from the applicant and school official.
Submission Requirements
Applications must include the following materials:
- Completed application form
- Personal biography
- Essay
- Two reference letters
- Official transcript
- KCFA Lifetime Junior Membership application and fee (if applicable)
Applications must be postmarked no later than April 1, 2027, and may be mailed to:
Kendall County Fair Association, Inc.
Attn: Karen Rust Memorial Livestock Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 954
Boerne, Texas 78006
or submitted via email to:
kmculak@gvtc.com