Brenda Komar Memorial Dairy Scholarship

The family of Brenda Komar has established an annual scholarship in the amount of $1000.00 in remembrance of Brenda and her dedication and love of the dairy profession. Requirements for consideration are below.

A Legacy of Kindness and Strength

In life, Brenda Komar was the light of all gatherings and friendships. After her passing, all I can remember is her smile and her kind, powerful words of encouragement. It is very unusual to run into someone with a strong, yet selfless personality that radiates love and kindness. But first, let me tell you of my story and how I came to meet Brenda Komar. With all odds against me, I came to this beautiful dairy farm to my first ever consulting/large farm evaluation where I was completely on my own. I had heard of the management team and I was quite nervous, but I knew this was an opportunity like no other. Before I had a chance to meet with Billy Komar, I ran into a very strong woman with a huge smile that introduced herself to me and told me that we should chat before walking around the farm. Not once did she question my capabilities or who I was, she just extended her hand with a friendly welcome. She gave me a couple of key points to look at, but more so she gave me one piece of advice that I carry with me even today “Fabian, let me tell you. You are better off if you listen before you talk, and I am not only talking about my husband, but the people on the farm and the animals too.” I think of this often and since then it has became part of my process when visiting farms around the world.

Thinking back, her and the Komar family were some of the first people that gave me an opportunity when I did not have a lot to offer. Brenda extended a helpful hand even when it was not asked for. Over time I consulted with her on many occasions to the point that I relied on her in some of the most difficult cases that I have ever dealt with for some direction and deep thought. At some point, Brenda became so close that I started calling her mama and she called me her Colombian son. She taught me to be quiet and that I am better off to listen than talk when the situations are difficult and when you are in front of those that will question your capabilities, your knowledge and your worth. She helped many of us understand the value of friendship and strong leadership. Never with a demeaning word, yet always strong. The shared smiles and experiences I will always treasure, and I know those that know her will agree that there is no better way to remember and honor her memory than a scholarship that helps others achieve their dreams even in the most difficult circumstances.

In the Komar family I have found knowledge, true friendship and complete acceptance. Please join all of us honoring Brenda’s memory and her dedication and passion for the industry.

- Fabian Bernal M.S., P.A.S.
Dairy Management, Inc.

REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must:
• Be enrolled in an agriculture-related field
• Be a high school senior planning to major in a field of agriculture
• Be a Kentucky student
• Be a student currently enrolled at an accredited college or university

TO APPLY
Submit the following with the scholarship application (found here):
• Resume
• Complete transcript
• One letter of recommendation from college/university or high school faculty member
• One letter of recommendation from an agriculture representative
• High resolution photo suitable for print

DEADLINE
Applications must be received by February 9, 2025. Mail completed application packets to Kentucky Dairy Development Council, Attention Jennifer Hickerson, PO Box 293, Flemingsburg, Kentucky 41041, or email to [email protected]

AWARD PROCESS
• KDDC scholarship review committee will review applications and select a recipient
• The recipient will be recognized during the KDDC Annual Banquet on February 28, 2024
• Payment will be made directly to the student’s school upon proof of term enrollment
• The scholarship must be used by the year following the award

QUESTIONS: For more information and questions, please contact KDDC at 859-516-2458 or [email protected]

Komar Scholarship Application Form