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2024 Scholarship winners
Winner's photos are featured left to right
Clayton Bollin: After graduating from Southeastern High School in 2022, Bollin attended and recently graduated from John Wood Community College with an associates degree in Agriculture Business. He is currently seeking a a certificate in truck driving, which he will use to continue his family's fifth generation farm legacy.
Emma Whitaker: Is a recent graduate of Illini West High School. At Illini West, she was active in FFA, Hancock County CEO, National Honor Society, and was on the cross country and track and field teams. Aside from school activities, she is very active in 4-H, acting as a member of both her club and the county 4-H Federation, while winning numerous awards for beef cattle showmanship and public speaking. She plans to attend Iowa State University and major in Agricultural Communication.
Carter Hitz: Attended Southeastern High School, and graduated this spring. Hitz was a three-sport athlete there, active on the football, basketball, and track and field teams. He was also an FFA officer, a member of the National Honor Society, and participated in Hancock County CEO, where he started a business called Hatz by Hitz. Within the community, he is an active 4-H member, acting as club vice president and spending time showing lambs. He plans to attend Iowa State University to major in Agricultural Business.
Alexis Lucie: Graduated as valedictorian from Warsaw High School this spring. During her time there, she was active in FFA, FBLA, environmental club, student council, and was on the basketball team. Outside of school, she is Miss Quincy's Teen 2024, coaches 5th grade basketball, and is very active in 4-H, participating in club office and county 4-H Federation. She will attend Truman State University in the fall, studying biology with plans to become a large animal veterinarian.
HCFB Foundation Scholarship Program
$2,000
This program is to provide scholarships to college bound students who major in agriculture, agribusiness, ag related courses or have a general interest in agriculture, and to support students with an agriculture background. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of exceptional scholastic ability, involvement in agriculture, and/or financial need. Three scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $2,000.00 each.
*Previous scholarship winners are not eligible to apply.
All applicants must meet these eligibility guidelines:
- Be a high school senior, high school graduate or current college student.
- Exhibit potential for successful completion of course of study. - Be a resident of Illinois; and
- Be a Hancock County Farm Bureau member or dependent of a member at the time of application.
The criteria for awarding the scholarships are as follows:
- Scholarship - (1) Academic performance and honors; and (2) Rank in class
- Demonstrate an interest in agriculture and agribusiness - Attend an interview with review board that will be set up after application is received
- Financial need
- Evidence of self-help. How is the student contributing financially to his/her education?
- Character and personality - maturity, motivation, intellectual interest, moral character and demonstrated leadership.
Applications must be submitted at https://form.jotform.com/203443912803147 by midnight on March 28, 2025, ALONG WITH A DIGITAL HEADSHOT OF THE APPLICANT (to be used in promotional material), and an official transcript. Photo can be emailed to hcfbmanager@gmail.com. Transcripts can be mailed to:
Hancock County Farm Bureau
544 Wabash Ave
Carthage IL 62321
HCFB Foundation Technical & Trades Scholarship
$1,000
This scholarship takes aim at a growing need in production agriculture by encouraging the expansion of essential agriculture career pathways. Career-driven students pursuing associate degrees, certificates, or accreditations in various technical agricultural fields are eligible to apply for funding. One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded. Areas of study could include (but are not limited to) precision ag technology, diesel power technology, truck driving and electrical.
*Previous scholarship winners are not eligible to apply.
The applicant must meet the following criteria:
-The applicant must be working towards a technical or trades degree or certificate during the 2024-2025 academic year.
-The applicant must have graduated from a Hancock County high school and/or be a resident in Hancock County.
-The applicant must be a Hancock County Farm Bureau member or dependent of a member at the time of application.
Funds can be requested for a wide range of educational needs, from tuition and fees to books, tools, lab equipment and more. Applications must be submitted at https://form.jotform.com/220243835809154 by midnight on March 28, 2025, ALONG WITH A DIGITAL HEADSHOT OF THE APPLICANT (to be used in promotional material).