Crystal Flash Announces Inaugural ‘Growing Forward with Crystal Flash’ Award Winners, Awarding $12,000 to Future Agriculture Leaders
08/20/2026
Crystal Flash, a 100% employee-owned and Michigan-based fuel distribution company, has officially announced the six recipients of its inaugural Growing Forward with Crystal Flash award program. Designed to invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders, the program provides a total of $12,000 in awards to young people actively involved in farming, youth ag organizations, and higher education across Michigan.
Each of the six winners will receive $2,000 to help fund their continued participation in agricultural initiatives, livestock operations, and educational pursuits. The program highlights the children and grandchildren of active Crystal Flash residential and commercial customers across three distinct age categories.
“We created the Growing Forward program to directly support the hardworking youth who represent the future of agriculture in our local communities,” said Brad Gandy, President & CEO at Crystal Flash. “Selected through an anonymous review process by our employee owners, these six extraordinary young leaders embody the passion, dedication, and work ethic that drive Michigan’s agricultural industry forward.”
2026 Growing Forward with Crystal Flash Award Recipients
8–13 Age Category
Anaya Wilson (13) – Albion, MI
Anaya lives on a small family livestock farm where she helps raise swine, cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. She is an active participant in the Concord Contenders 4-H Club, Jackson County 4-H, Springport FFA, and the MI Pigs Youth Challenge.
Jameson Breuker (10) – Fremont, MI
Jameson is an active 4-H member who shows steers and hogs. A fourth-generation dairy farmer, he actively works on his family’s dairy farm in Fremont. He’s also an avid woodworker who enjoys working on projects with his dad.
14-17 Age Category
Cash McCauley (15) – Lowell, MI
Cash enjoys helping out on his family’s dairy farm, especially tending to the heifers. He’s also become accomplished at showing cattle. Cash serves as an elected officer in Lowell FFA and is an active member of both 4-H and the Michigan Junior Holstein Association.
Paige Swanson (17) – Alto, MI
Growing up on a farm, Paige has always had a love for animals. A standout member of Lowell FFA, Paige will attend Michigan State University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, with ultimate plans to attend veterinary school.
18-21 Age Category
Tyler Elliott (18) – Ionia, MI
A recent graduate of Saranac High School and a dedicated 4-H member in Ionia and Kent counties, Tyler enjoys raising and showing sheep and cattle. He is preparing to continue his studies at Northwestern Michigan College where he plans to pursue becoming a pilot.
Karlie Goble (18) – Albion, MI
Karlie has a strong passion for agriculture, conservation, and protecting natural resources, especially in rural and agricultural communities. Formerly an active member of the Marshall FFA Chapter, Karlie is now part of the Lake Superior State University (LSSU) College 4-H Chapter, where she is studying Fish and Wildlife Management with a minor in Environmental Policy.
To celebrate their accomplishments and share their inspiring stories with the community, Crystal Flash will be publishing profiles of each individual winner in the coming weeks. Features will be available on the company website, crystalflash.com, and across official social media channels.
ABOUT CRYSTAL FLASH, INC. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Crystal Flash, Inc., is a 100% employee-owned fuel distribution company serving residential, commercial, and agricultural customers across Michigan and other Midwestern states. Established in 1932, Crystal Flash specializes in the sale and distribution of propane, fuels, and lubricants. The company currently has more than 300 employee owners. Learn more at crystalflash.com.
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