Simon Raff

Kenneth & Clarice Benson
Memorial Scholarship

Simon is the son of Andrew and Cheryl Raff of Nunn.  He is a Freshman at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, WY and is pursuing a degree in Animal Science, after that he will continue on to a 4-year college. His career goal is to become an Embryologist specializing in goats.  He has gone to his uncle's ranch and seeing the specialized care his animals receive confirmed for him that being an embryologist is his path. Since that time, he has watched and learned the steps of embryo transfers, the before care, during care, and aftercare of the goats.  He has learned the process of why this, for some ranchers, is the preferred method of breeding. This is a very specialized field and the people who have a high success rate are very sought after. Simon has always had a passion for goats having shown and raised them for 11 years.

Simon was a 10-year member of Small-Town Critters 4H Club and was involved in entomology, leathercraft, market goats, breeding goats and market swine.  Simon started out in the Dryander's 4H Club in Nunn showing goats. Over the next few years, he became better at showing and learned that while winning feels great, the wins are few and far between, but there is always something to learned from every jackpot, camp, meeting and making sure to appreciate that is huge.  He has learned to keep his eyes on the program and celebrate his successes and those are not tied to a banner, buckle or other winnings.  He also held offices within the club such as president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer.  4H for Simon, has developed him in who he is today. It has taught him to look people in the eye, give respect, not brag, and be a good loser, working hard has many outcomes but develops character along the way. He is blessed to have the experience in having livestock and have great friends as a result.

Simon is the recipient of the Kenneth & Clarice Benson Memorial Scholarship.