2022 Scholarship Winners

MERCER COUNTY FARM BUREAU FOUNDATION 2022 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS 

The Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation awarded $12,000 in scholarships to eight students who are dependents of Mercer County Farm Bureau members who plan to have a postive impact on agriculture in the future. 

Robert Holtschlag- Winner of John Sheriff and Dan Lloyd Memorial Scholarship

Robert Holtschlag is the son of Tony and Lisa Holtschlag of Aledo. He is a recent graduate of Mercer County High School. He plans to attend University of Illinois in Urbana- Champaign this fall, majoring in Agriculture Business with focus on finance. Robert is the 2022 Winner of the John Sheriff, Dan Lloyd Memorial Scholarship. He is also the winner of the Steve Willits Memorial Scholarship at the IAA Foundation level.

“The Mercer County Farm Bureau scholarship will provide me with financial stability and local support into my next step into my future at the university of Illinois. Having the continued support of my local ag community will help me strive for success into my future in the field of Agriculture.” Robert shared.

Carson Holmes

Carson is the son of Bryce and Nikki Holmes of Joy. He is a recent graduate of Mercer County High School and plans to attend Blackhawk College East Campus, majoring in Agriculture Business. Carson is the winner of the 2022 In Memory of Steve Willits Scholarship given out by the Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation.

“I am so appreciative to have been awarded the Steve Willits Memorial Scholarship! Schooling is not cheap, and these funds will greatly help me to cover expenses that are associated with secondary schooling.” Carson said. “It will help me purchase books, supplies, and cover fees, allowing me to continue my education. I appreciate all of the donors and members of the choosing committee greatly!"

Sheridan Hank

Sheridan is the daughter of Jeff and Trisha Hank of Aledo. She is a student at Lake Land and plans to transfer to Iowa State University in the fall. She plans to major in Agriculture and Rural Policy and Agriculture Business, with a minor in Pre-law while at Iowa State University. Sheridan is the winner of a 2022 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship. Sheridan is also a winner of the Dwain Ford Scholarship at the IAA Foundation level.

"A Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship makes a big difference for agriculture students like me. I will be a Junior at Iowa State University in the fall, majoring in Agriculture and Rural Policy, and will attend Drake Law School upon completion of my Undergraduate Degree. I plan to ultimately return to Aledo and open my own farm-focused law firm. I have been involved with Collegiate Livestock Judging, Collegiate Farm Bureau, Block & Bridle, the Ag Transfer Club, and the Illinois Club Lamb Association, while still volunteering for community service projects and with Mercer County Farm Bureau.  As a young farmer, I maintain my own M Farm Bureau membership and donate to the Foundation Scholarship fund because I know what a financial impact it can make for ag students." Sheridan stated.

Reed Yung

Reed Yung is the son of Brian and Paula Yung of Alexis. He is a recent graduate of United High School and plans to attend Western Illinois University, majoring in Agriculture Business. Reed is a winner of a 2022 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“Having been awarded the Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship will help me to continue my education at Western Illinois University. I look forward to getting to know others in the ag community through being involved in ag classes, clubs, and collegiate farm bureau.” Reed said.

Allison Lloyd

Allison is the daughter of David and Kimberly Lloyd of Reynolds. She currently attends Western Illinois University, majoring in Agricultural Science with a minor in Agriculture Business. Allison is a winner of a 2022 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“The Mercer County Farm Bureau scholarship helps students like myself pay for various college expenses. Being a first-generation college student is challenging for many reasons, but scholarships like this help to ease financial stress. Working towards a degree in Agricultural Science and pursuing a career within the agriculture industry has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember. One day I hope to be more involved within the Mercer County Farm Bureau to give back the support they have given me over the years. Thank you for all you do!” Allison shared.

Tori Speer

Tori is the daughter of Doyle and Annette Speer of Aledo. She currently attends Northwest Missouri State University, majoring in Agronomy and Animal Science. Tori is a winner of a 2022 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“This scholarship will enable me to finish my education at Northwest Missouri State University. Completing a Double Major in Agronomy and Animal Science will give me the sources to pursue a wide variety of careers and to help continue my family farm. It is organizations like Farm Bureau that assist students in their post-secondary education to build their knowledge and let them continue to be the next generation of agriculturists.”

Walter Franck

Walter is the son of Wayne and Suerrette Franck of Aledo. He currently attends Iowa State University, majoring in Agricultural Engineering. Walter is a winner of a 2022 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“Thank you for selecting me for the 2022 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation scholarship.  I am honored to receive the scholarship and with this scholarship I will continue pursuing my goal of a degree in agricultural engineering at Iowa State.”

William Franck

William is the son of Wayne and Suerrette Franck of Aledo. He attends Drake University, with a major in the Business Law Program. William is a winner of a 2022 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship.

“Thank you for selecting me as a recipient of the 2022-2023 Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship. I am going to use the money to help support my education at Drake University where I am currently studying business studies and I am in the 3+3 program for business and law. My future plans include attending law school where I hope to become an Agriculture Lawyer and serve the rural community.”

Congratulations to all of our scholarship receipts! We wish you the best of luck in the future.