WAWG
Two high school seniors have been selected to represent Washington wheat farmers and serve as the Washington Wheat Ambassadors for the upcoming year. Zach Klein of Ritzville and Karly Wigen of Colfax were selected after an initial written application process that included submitting a short introductory video.
Klein and Wigen will each be giving a speech at the upcoming Washington Association of Wheat Growers Annual Banquet on Nov. 20 in Coeur d’Alene during the Tri-State Grain Growers Convention. The seniors will be judged on the quality of their presentation and will be awarded scholarships funded by the Washington Wheat Foundation of $5,000 and $4,500. Klein and Wigen will represent Washington wheat farmers at various civic and community events and will also participate in WAWG advocacy meetings with state agencies and legislators.
Klein is the son of Jake and Alisha Klein. He is a student at Lind-Ritzville High School where he maintains nearly a 4.0 GPA while playing on three sport teams. He is involved in FFA and FBLA, as well as being active in his church. He has competed in a variety of FFA and FBLA contests. In addition to his school and community involvement, Klein also enjoys hunting. He plans on attending either the University of Idaho or Oklahoma State University, majoring in agribusiness and farm/ranch management. He will return to the family farm following college graduation.
Wigen is the daughter of Pete and Brandy Wigen. She is a student at Colfax High School where she maintains a 4.0 GPA. She has been very involved in FFA, competing in several contests at both the local and state level, as well as currently serving as her chapter’s vice president. Last year, she served as her district’s sentinel. She plays volleyball and softball and is a member of the basketball cheer squad. She is the 2024 Distinguished Young Woman of Colfax. Wigen plans to study behavioral sciences in college to pursue a career as an occupational therapist.