Macon County Cattlemen Announce 42 Scholarship Winners for 2017

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

This year, the Cattlemen awarded $23,000 in scholarships to 42 high school seniors, college or technical school students in the amount of $500 each. Four current college students with majors relating to agriculture will receive an additional $500 for a total of $1,000, each.

Since 2001, MCCA has provided 306 scholarships to high school seniors, college or technical students.  Total scholarship payouts have totaled $198,750 in the past seventeen 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 -  Hope Walker, Tyler Johnston, Julie Smothers, Molly Waddle, Danielle Welch, Zachary Gray and Jordan Teter.

Bevier – Ryan Dawson

La Plata – Zachary Carr, Remingtyn Bealmer and Lexie Barnes.

Macon – Jeb Schaefer, Keitlin LaFaver, Chase Wilson, Faith Reid, Zachary Peterman, Daniele Pagliai, Brooke Sapp, Bobby Schaefer, Shelby Roper, Luke Rash, Quentin Teter, Megan Rowland, Mariah Gann and Elyse Wilhoit.

Macon County R-IV: Bailey Johnson and Austin Malloy.

Home Schooled – Laura Smith.

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

Atlanta – Ashlea Pennington, Justin Grigsby, Collan Thrasher, Garrett West, Justin Howe and Trace Johnston.

Bevier -  Luke Long.

Macon – Abigail Seipel, Jocie Hogsett, Austin Clithero, Trevor Shrum, Kayla Cason, Shelby Schaefer.

Macon County R-IV – Ethan Pulliam.

Four students with majors related to agriculture received an additional $500 scholarship making their total award amount equal to $1,000: Justin Grigsby, Justin Howe, Austin Clithero and Trevor Shrum.

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 120, followed by: Atlanta (93), Macon County R-IV (37), La Plata (22), Bevier (13), Bucklin (5) and Other (16).

The students will receive their scholarship at the livestock auction at the Macon County Fair on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. after providing proof of enrollment.