Macon County Cattlemen Announce Scholarship Recipients

The Macon County Cattlemen’s Association (MCCA) has announced the winners of their 2014 Scholarship Program.

This year, the Cattlemen awarded $20,000 in scholarships to 22 high school seniors, college or technical school students in the amount of $800 each. Three students with majors relating to agriculture received an additional $800. 

Since 2001, MCCA has provided 212 scholarships to high school seniors, college or technical students.  Total scholarship payouts have totaled $133,150 in the past fourteen years.

According to member Aaron Baker, the scholarship program is just one way the cattlemen are supporting youth in the county.  “We are proud to support local youth by sponsoring activities at the county fair, charitable groups serving youth and industry interests and also providing funds for our junior organization,” Baker said.  “Our future is only as strong as our youth.”

The association raises the funds to provide annual scholarships through its banquet, auction, and “Texas Hold ‘em” Tournament in February.

This year’s winners include Atlanta Seniors Ethan Baker, Ashlton Ross and Lance Weber, Northeast R-IV Senior Morgan Gittemeier, Macon Seniors Lauren Arnold, Jacob Bonuchi, Chelsea Cook, Rebecca Helton, Abbie Korman, Drake Pagliai, Shelby Schaefer, Katy Stoecklein and Mary Waller as well as Macon County R-IV Seniors Kelly Grinder and Page Thomas.

Scholarships to current college or technical students include La Plata graduate Nathan Petersen,  Macon graduates Dylan Blackwell, Jamie Clitero, Jacob Hogsett, Cody Lolli, Kevin Noeyes. College student Nick Retherford also received a scholarship award.

Three students with majors in agriculture received an additional $800 scholarship: Jamie Clithero, Kevin Noyes and Cody Lolli.

All applicants for this scholarship program must be current members of a Macon County 4-H Club, FFA Chapter, or Junior Cattlemen and/or have parents, grandparents, or a spouse that are current members of the Macon County Cattlemen’s Association.  Applications were judged by an impartial committee; preference was given, but not limited to, students who plan a future related to agriculture.

Macon R-1 leads in total scholarships received in the history of the program at 78, followed by: Atlanta (63), Macon County R-IV (28), La Plata (17), Bevier (10), Bucklin (5) and Other (11).

For more information or a link to the applications for the Macon County Cattlemen’s Scholarship Program, visit www.maconcountycattlemen.com.