1st Farm Credit Services again provided the nine community colleges with an agriculture curriculum in its 42-county territory with a $500 scholarship. Each community college selects its scholarship recipient using its own criteria.

The program is designed to assist deserving students at these institutions in pursuing a degree in agriculture or agriculture-related study.

In the 2004-05 school year, five students received the 1st FCS agriculture scholarship. The recipients are:

Highland Community College, Freeport, Illinois

Ross Sword, Lanark.  Sword is the son of John and Julie Sword, Lanark. He studied agriculture at Highland Community College as a freshman during the 04-05 year after being home schooled throughout his academic career. He was active in the Eastland FFA, where he was named outstanding ag student in 2001-02 and won a swine production agricultural proficiency award in entrepreneurship two years in a row. He is a member of the Lanark Church of the Brethren. Sword hopes to return home after graduating from Highland Community College to expand his family’s hog operation.

Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby

Justina Boggio, Granville.  Boggio is studying agriculture/horticulture at Illinois Valley Community College, continuing a family tradition of attending this community college. She assists at home by working on the family farm and orchard. Boggio believes her experience at IVCC will serve as a stepping stone as she transfers to a four-year institution. She was active in Putnam County FFA in high school, serving as section treasurer for two years. Boggio continues to be active in the Lions of Illinois Foundation, providing glasses and hearing aids for children with visual and hearing handicaps. Boggio is the daughter of Keith and Denise Boggio of Granville.

John Wood Community College, Perry

Aaron Bush, Mendon.  Bush entered John Wood Community College to major in science and agriculture and hopes to transfer to Western Illinois University upon graduation. He was active in FFA at Mendon Unity High School, was asked to take part in the National FFA Band, and won second place in State Agricultural Processing Proficiencies. In addition, Bush maintains a part-time job at Dot Foods in Mendon. Bush is the son of Ronnie and Linda Bush, Mendon.

Joliet Junior College, Joliet

Jacob Aupperle, Pontiac.  Aupperle is majoring in agriculture business at Joliet Junior College after graduating from Pontiac Township High School in 2003. He will transfer to Illinois State University after completing course requirements. Aupperle is the son of Ronald and Vicki Aupperle of Pontiac.

Kishwaukee College, Malta

James Bonnell, Amboy. Bonnell was active in FFA at Amboy High School, participating in public speaking, livestock judging, and soil judging. He was named chapter president and section secretary. He is majoring in diesel power technology at Kishwaukee and hopes to transfer to Illinois State University to major in agriculture education. Bonnell is the son of Janice Bonnell, Amboy.

How to apply for a Scholarship

1^st FCS again will offer the community college agricultural scholarship program in the 2005-06 school year.

Scholarship programs are available each year at Black Hawk College, Carl Sandburg College, Highland Community College, Illinois Central College, Illinois Valley Community College, John Wood Community College, Joliet Junior College, Kishwaukee College, and Spoon River College.

For more information or to apply for the 2005-06 scholarship, contact your community college or visit www.usfarmcredit.com.