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 $24,800 in scholarships to 28 high school seniors, college or technical school students in the amount of $800 each. Three current college students with majors relating to agriculture will receive an additional $800 for a total of $1,600, each. Since 2001, MCCA has provided 356 scholarships to high school seniors, college or technical students. Total scholarship payouts have totaled $242,750 in the past eighteen 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 - Tawna Cavender, Aleassa Hruska, Timothy Johnston, Amanda Thies, Kyle Viers and Robert Yearns. Bevier – Gabe Chiarottino La Plata – Jacci Gregory Macon County R-IV – Andrea Peterson Macon – Lane Blackford, Darren Cullifer, Jamison Hogsett, Taylor Kemp, Alex Primm, Allison Roberts, Rebekah Seipel, Anne Thomas. Other – Jillian Alkine, Riley Koch, Claire Retherford and Jacob Smith College or Technical School Students represented the following local high schools: Atlanta – Aaron Bondy La Plata - Madison Ebeling Macon – John Ancell, Emily Howe and Carli Switzer Other – Ben Retherford and Brennah Collins Three students with majors related to agriculture received an additional $800 scholarship making their total award amount equal to $1,600: John Ancell, Carli Switzer, Brennah Collins. 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 140, followed by: Atlanta (108) Macon County R-IV (38), La Plata (25), Bevier (15), Bucklin (5) and Other (25). The students will receive their scholarship at the livestock auction at the Macon County Fair. For more information or a link to the applications for the Macon County Cattlemen’s Scholarship Program, visit www.maconcountycattlemen.com.