Macon County Cattlemen Announce Scholarship Winners

           

The Macon County Cattlemen’s Association (MCCA) has announced the winners of their annual scholarship program. 

This year, the Cattlemen awarded $23,200 in scholarships to 25 high school seniors, college or technical school students in the amount of $800 each. Four students with majors relating to agriculture received an additional $800 for a total of $16,000, each.

Since 2001, MCCA has provided 237 scholarships to high school seniors, college or technical students.  Total scholarship payouts have totaled $156,350 in the past fifteen years, which makes the scholarship program the largest of its type in the area.

            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 seniors from the following high schools:

·         Atlanta -  Justin Grigsby, Marty Halley, Trace Johnson, Christina Pennington and Collan Thrasher.

·         Home School – Madeline Smith.

·         La Plata – Jeana Nole.

·         Macon – Jacob Beauchamp, Breanna Gottman, Luke Mosely, ryan Peterman and Walter Schaefer.

·         Macon County R-IV (New Cambria) – Zach Duncan, Garrett Coffman, Katherine Huff and Lydia Malloy.

College or Technical School Students represented the following local high schools:

·         Atlanta – Ethan Baker, Ashton Ross and Lance Weber.

·         Northeast (Cairo) – Morgan Gettemeier

·         Macon – Lauren Arnold, Rebecca Helton, Drake Pagliai and Katy Stoecklein.

·         Macon County R-IV (New Cambria) – Kailey Grinder

Four students with majors in agriculture received an additional $800 scholarship for a total award of $1,600: Lauren Arnold, Morgan Gittemeier, Katy Stoecklein and Lance Weber.

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 High School leads in total scholarships received in the history of the program at 87, followed by: Atlanta (71), Macon County R-IV (33), La Plata (18), Bevier (10), Bucklin (5) and Other (13).

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