Thirty High School Seniors Receive $2,500 to Pursue Ag Careers
The class of 2026 Farm Credit agriculture scholars was recognized during a scholarship luncheon at Carriage House Event Center in Altamont Thurs., May 21. A total of $75,000 of scholarships were awarded to 30 high school seniors. Each scholar receives $2,500 from FCI to pursue a degree within the field of agriculture. 25 of the students attended the recognition program.
This marks the 22nd year of the Farm Credit agriculture scholarship program, which has awarded over $938,500 to 566 students in central and southern Illinois since 2004. Scholarship selections are based on participation and leadership contributions within school and community organizations, a genuine passion for farming and/or agriculture, and a commitment to pursuing an agriculture-related career.
“Farm Credit Illinois is proud to invest in these remarkable young leaders who will shape the future of agriculture and rural America,” says Kelly Hunt, FCI’s chief executive officer. “Their passion and talent are inspiring, and we look forward to the meaningful impact they will make as they pursue continued education.”
2026 FCI Agriculture Scholars from White County are:
- Abram Girten of Carmi (White County) will graduate from Carmi-White County High School and attend the University of Southern Indiana to study environmental science. Abe’s parents are Joshua and Monica Girten.
- Annsley Healy of Norris City (White County) will be a homeschool graduate attending Western Illinois University to study agriculture with a minor in animal science. Annsley’s parents are Phillip and Holly Healy.
From Hamilton County:
- Shiloh Willis of McLeansboro (Hamilton County) will graduate from Hamilton County Jr./Sr. High School and attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the College of ACES. Shiloh’s parents are Audera Willis and Christopher Willis.
About Farm Credit Illinois:
Farm Credit Illinois (FCI) is an agricultural financial cooperative owned by more than 17,100 farmer, rural landowner, and agribusiness voting stockholders in the southern 60 counties of Illinois. Dedicated to Helping Farm Families Succeed, FCI provides competitive and flexible financing, crop insurance expertise, and Rural 1st® country life lending. FCI manages an $8 billion loan portfolio, sells 1.5 million acres of crop insurance coverage, and employs approximately 300 staff in the Mahomet headquarters and 14 regional offices. The Association will return $30 million of 2025 earnings as cash patronage to member-borrowers in June. The U.S. Farm Credit System is a network of locally owned cooperatives supporting rural communities, farm families, and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services today and tomorrow.
