The Leslie Strand Scholarship Endowment Fund was established by Laura (Legacie) Strand in memory of her husband and son, both naed Leslie Strand. the Leslie Strand Scholarship Endowment Fund is part of the Devils Lake Area Foundation, a charitable community trust.
Leslie N. Strand, the husband of Laura Strand, was editor of the Benson County Farmers Press at Minnewaukan 1948-49, 1854-63 and 1967-70. He was editor and publisher of the foster county independent at Carrington when he died unexpectedly Oct. 1, 1975, at the age of 60.
Leslie J. Strand, son of Laura and Les Strand, was a 1962 graduate of Minnewaukan High School. He was one of the owners of the We Fest at Detroit Lakes, Minn. He died Aug. 8, 1989, at the age of 45 as a result of injuries sustained in an auto accident the previous day.
The Leslie Strand Scholarship recipient for the year 2026 has been announced by the Devils Lake Area Foundation.
Cailee Jae Hanson – Minnewaukan Public School 2026 Graduate. High School Honors and Activities: Cross country, Volleyball, Basketball, Student council and 2003-2024 Sophomore of the year. Other activities: Indigenous Uprising Board. Parents: Ryan Hanson and Elizabeth Ironheart. Future Plans: Attend Lake Region State College and major in Business while playing basketball there.