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2026 Scholarship winners
Winner's photos are featured left to right
McKenna Huls is the daughter of Sidney and Kristin Huls and a senior at Illini West High School. She plans to attend John Wood Community College and then transfer to Western Illinois University to pursue a degree in Agricultural Business. Throughout high school, McKenna has been active in FFA, 4-H, the Mississippi Valley Holstein Club, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Hancock County Saddle Club, and the High Honor Society. In her spare time, she enjoys barrel racing, showing horses, showing dairy cattle, and performing her duties as the Tri-State Rodeo Queen.
Josiah Lionberger is the son of Jeff and Natalie Lionberger and a senior at Burlington Notre Dame. He plans to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he will major in Agricultural Engineering. Throughout high school, Josiah has been active in 4-H, the Electricity Club, and the High Honor Society. In his spare time, he enjoys building and fixing things, experimenting with computers and 3D printers, and working with equipment in the shop.
Lainey Sullivan is the daughter of Matthew and Karla Sullivan and a senior at Illini West High School. She plans to attend Western Illinois University, where she will major in Animal Science. Throughout high school, Lainey has been active in FFA, 4-H, 4-H Federation, Future Business Leaders of America, and the High Honor Society. In her spare time, she enjoys showing Simmental cattle, spending time in the barn exercising barrel racing horses, and working with her father on the family farm.
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 31, 2026, 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 2026-2027 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 31, 2026, ALONG WITH A DIGITAL HEADSHOT OF THE APPLICANT (to be used in promotional material).