1st Farm Credit Services has again provided its community college agricultural scholarship program, bestowing $500 in scholarship funds each at nine Illinois community colleges with an agricultural curriculum. The nine community colleges are located in the organization’s 42-county service territory.

Eight  of the community colleges offer one $500 scholarship, but one has opted to provide two $250 ag scholarships from the funds. Each community college selects its scholarship recipients.

The program is designed to assist deserving students at these institutions in pursuing an education in an agriculture or agriculture-related course of study.

In the 2003-04 school year, eight students received 1st FCS ag scholarships at the nine community colleges. The recipients are:

Black Hawk College – East Campus, Kewanee

(two $250 scholarships awarded)

Cory Heaton, Prophetstown. Heaton is the son of Darla Corbin. He graduated from Prophetstown High School where he was active in FFA. Heaton is pursuing a degree in agriculture production.

Jeff Sheehan, Sterling. Sheehan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. LaValle Sheehan. He is a graduate of Sterling High School. Sheehan was active in 4-H and served as chapter vice president and president. He will pursue a degree in agriculture production.

Illinois Central College, East Peoria

David Knapp, Putnam. Knapp is the son of Gary and Jane Knapp. He graduated from Henry-Senachwine High School where he was active in FFA and 4-H. Knapp studies agriculture business management and crop systems.

Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby

Jessica Burns, Peru. Burns is the daughter of Debra Doll. She graduated from Morris Community High School where she was active in FFA, 4-H and the National Honor Society. Burns studies forestry with plans to transfer to Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

John Wood Community College, Perry

Aaron Bush, Mendon. Bush is the son of Ronnie and Linda Bush. He graduated from Mendon Unity High School and was active in FFA and 4-H. Bush is pursuing a degree in agriculture and plans to transfer to Western Illinois University.

Joliet Junior College, Joliet

Kyle Corrigan, Hinckley. Corrigan is the son of Ed and Karen Corrigan. He graduated from Hinckley-Big Rock High School where he participated in agriculture activities. Corrigan studies agriculture production and plans to transfer to the University of Wisconsin, Platteville.

Kishwaukee College, Malta

Anthony Morgan, Amboy. Morgan is the son of Dave and DeeDee Morgan. He graduated from Newnan Central Catholic High School. He was active in 4-H. Morgan studies diesel power technology.

Spoon River College, Canton

Jeffery Jensen, Roseville. Jensen is the son of Russell and Susan Jensen. He graduated from Roseville High School. Jensen was active in FFA and 4-H, serving in various offices in each organization. He will study agricultural business and production.

How to apply for a 2005 Scholarship

1^st FCS again will offer the community college agricultural scholarship program in the 2004-05 school year.

For applications and selection details about the 1^st FCS ag scholarship – and other available scholarships, students should contact the institution’s financial aid office or agriculture department directly at these nine community colleges.  Community College Contact Information