JANELL BAUM THOMAS

DeWitt County Farm Bureau

CLINTON – Four area students have earned scholarships from the DeWitt County Farm Bureau Foundation to further their agricultural education.

Three judges on Monday, April 17, selected Riley Donelson, Grace Clark and Kevin Toohill to receive scholarships as they enter their first year in college and Raeann Huffman to receive a scholarship to continue her college education.

Riley Donelson, a senior at Clinton High School, has earned the Ernest Thorp $1,500 scholarship. Donelson, the daughter of Phil and Tanya Donelson, is planning to study agriculture business at Illinois Central College. She is involved in FFA, National Honor Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, volleyball, swimming, track and student council.

Grace Clark, a senior at Clinton High School, has earned a $1,000 scholarship. Clark is the daughter of Melissa Clark and the late Roger Clark. She is planning to study agriculture business at Illinois Central College. She is involved in M-Squad, band, FFA, National Honor Society, student council and yearbook committee. 

Kevin Toohill, a senior at Clinton High School, has earned the I. Jackson and Imogene C. Blue $500 college scholarship. Toohill, the son of Randy and Cathy Toohill, is planning to study agribusiness and agronomy at Parkland College. He is involved FFA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, St. Patrick’s Church, and is a class officer.

Raeann Huffman, a sophomore at Richland Community College, has earned the $500 college scholarship. Huffman, the daughter of Roben and Stephanie Huffman, is planning to transfer this fall to Illinois State University, where she will study agronomy and agribusiness. She is a member of the Clinton FFA Alumni and is active with 4-H, Lane Christian Church, and Richland’s horticulture department.

“We’re excited for these students as they embark on their college experiences or continue their education,” said Foundation chairman Terry Ferguson. “All of our applicants this year showed exceptional leadership skills and agricultural involvement, and should be commended.”

The Foundation raises money throughout the year to provide scholarships and support agricultural education efforts in DeWitt County. Foundation sponsorships include Ag Day at the Museum for fourth grade students, the Illinois Agricultural Association Foundation scholarship program and FFA members’ participation in Farm Bureau Youth Conference, a youth leadership development program.

The DeWitt County Farm Bureau Foundation’s largest fundraising effort, a golf outing, is scheduled for July 28, 2017, at the Clinton Country Club. Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the golf outing or participating may contact the DeWitt County Farm Bureau office at 217-935-2126. 

• See photos of all scholarship recipients in the Tuesday, 4/25 Clinton Journal.