The Kane County Farm Bureau Foundation will award $25,500 in scholarships this year to 25 future agriculture industry professionals.

After a review of 33 applications, the Foundation Board of Directors has awarded 17 Foundation agricultural scholarships, one general scholarship, six memorial scholarships and one President’s Scholarship.

“Once again we had a fantastic group of students apply for scholarships,” said KCFB Foundation President Joe White. “I think most people would be amazed at the level of experience and leadership these students have, whether they are high school seniors or already attending college.”

White added that he is always impressed by the credentials of the Foundation scholars.  “It’s great to see because this is the next generation of leaders who will provide food for a growing world population,” White said.

As a not-for-profit entity, the Foundation solicits and distributes private funding for classroom education, scholarships, leadership training and charitable activities. The Foundation was established in 1986 by the Kane County Farm Bureau to carry out charitable work in the advancement of agricultural literacy and preparing students for careers in the agriculture industry. In its history, it has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in college scholarships and internships.

Foundation scholarship applications are submitted by Feb. 15 each year and recipients are announced in April.  Prerequisites and more details on scholarship requirements are available at www.kanecfb.com.

KCFB Foundation scholars were recognized at a ceremony in April at Kane County Farm Bureau. The KCFB Foundation Board of Directors extends congratulations to these young leaders of tomorrow and best wishes in their academic pursuits.

KCFB Foundation President’s Scholarship ($1,500)

Hannah Weirich, Hinckley

The $1,500 President’s Scholarship is reserved for the high school senior among Foundation scholarship applicants possessing the most outstanding combination of scholastics, activities, goals and ACT score. Hannah Weirich of Hinckley has been named the 2015 recipient.

Hannah is a senior at Hinckley-Big Rock High School.  She has been an active member in FFA, serving as Chapter President, Vice-President and Secretary, as well as Treasurer and Secretary of Section 6.  Other activities include Honors Society, Spanish Club and several sports including volleyball, basketball and soccer.

Hannah will attend Kansas State University and her goal is to make a positive impact in people’s lives by becoming an agricultural education teacher. She said Ag education changed her life and sparked a passion for agriculture, leadership and community service.  Hannah’s parents are Michael and Joanne Weirich.

Chuck Swanson Memorial Scholarship ($1,000)

Erik Turk, Elburn

The Kane County Farm Bureau Foundation Board named Erick Turk of Elburn the recipient of the $1,000 Chuck Swanson Memorial Scholarship for the 2015-16 academic year.  Erick is the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth Turk of Elburn.

Erik is in his junior year studying agribusiness at Illinois State University.  He received an associate’s degree in business administration from Waubonsee Community College and earned Dean’s List honors there.  He is a member of Collegiate Farm Bureau and Phi Sigma Pi Honors Fraternity.

Growing up on a farm, learning about production and business practices, Erik said he has developed a passion for the industry.  He has worked for Conserv FS helping with plant operations as well as helping local farmers in the area.  He hopes to continue that work in his professional career to assist farmers within the region with their production practices.

The Chuck Swanson Memorial Scholarship was established by the family and friends of the former Farm Bureau Director and long-time volunteer to provide awards for students residing in Kane County pursuing a degree in an agriculture related career field. Susie Thompson has been chosen as the recipient of the $1,250 Chuck Swanson Memorial Scholarship for 2014-15.

John Buck Memorial Scholarship ($1,000)

• Katie Arndt, Malta
• Brenton Bartelt, Carpentersville
• Erik Dunteman, Big Rock
• Bridget Halat, Genoa

Mary L. Heckel-Blickle Scholarship ($1,000)

Alexandra Ruwe, Maroa

Alexandra Ruwe of Maroa in Macon County was awarded the first-ever Mary L. Heckel-Blickle Memorial Scholarship in April.  Alexandra is a high school senior at Maroa-Forsyth High School and plans to attend the University of Illinois this fall.

Alexandra has been active in 4H and FFA, acting as President in both associations.  She received the State FFA Degree, Chapter Outstanding Member and Star Greenhand Award.  She is a member of National Honor Society and the Illinois Junior Dorset Association Board. Her ultimate goal after college is to become a large animal veterinarian.

“I am proud of my connection to Illinois Agriculture, but even prouder of my ability to be an example and uphold the standards my parents and grandparents instilled in me,” Alexandra wrote in her scholarship application.  “I take my responsibility very seriously and believe through educational opportunities, volunteer projects and community service development I will leave a lasting impact.”

The Mary L. Heckel-Blickle Memorial Scholarship is a new scholarship for 2015 which provides a $1,000 college scholarship annually to a student who resides in Kane or Macon County Illinois. Mary’s family established the scholarship to pay tribute to her farming legacy and promote the growth of the next generation of agricultural leaders.

KCFB Foundation Agricultural Scholarships ($1,000)

• Marissa Chapa, Maple Park
• Lauren Dunteman, Big Rock
• Robert Dunteman, Elburn
• Tyler Fabrizius, Maple Park
• Michael Gorenz, Maple Park
• Kelsey Gould, Elburn
• Haleigh Graham, Elgin
• Erin Hughes, Maple Park
• Erin Kettelkamp, Elburn
• Wes Krug, Hampshire
• Michael Long, Big Rock
• Cody Pitstick, Maple Park
• Larisa Sica, Campton Hills
• Allison Steininger, Sugar Grove
• Alicia Sunderlage, Hampshire
• Brent Sunderlage, Hampshire
• Susie Thompson, Maple Park

KCFB Foundation General Scholarships ($1,000)

• Alyssa Mish, Elgin

Kane County Farm Bureau is a not-for-profit membership association serving members, local agricultural producers and Kane County communities since 1912. With more than 15,000 member families, Farm Bureau membership is open to all in Kane County who support a stable, profitable and permanent agricultural sector as a vital part of a strong economy in a free society.