Cassie Strickler, @Cassie.Reece

Scandia, KS, Bellus Academy 

Horst Rechelbacher “Sustainable Beginnings” Scholarship – $2,000

Sustainability is more than a lifestyle; it’s a business for this successful entrepreneur who founded a product line with $54 and earned top awards in a business competition. Cassie formulated the Living Identity natural product line, designed the logo and packaging, and won first place in the Kansas Entrepreneurial Challenge hosted by Kansas State University’s College of Business. Caring for the environment is at the heart of her business model. “We only have one earth and I live by the message I learned in 4th grade – reduce, reduce and recycle,” says Cassie. She integrates her passion for hairdressing and business with her interests in digital art and photography. Watch her application video here.