Each year, the Illinois Pork Producers Association offers scholarships to students pursuing a higher-education degree at a two- or four-year institution who have an interest in the pork industry. Recipients are selected based on activity involvement, GPA and an essay detailing how he or she plans to contribute to the pork industry in the future.

“As a former scholarship recipient myself, I know firsthand the benefits these scholarships provide,” says Carrie Pollard, chairwoman of the IPPA Youth Committee. “I look forward to seeing them as an active part of the industry in the future.”

IPPA is proud to offer nine awards for the 2017-18 school year, totaling $13,500. There are three levels of award dollars: gold, silver and bronze. Funding for these scholarships is made possible through the Wilbert and Carol Keppy Foundation.

• Gold level recipients receive $2,000: Kacie Haag of Emington, Colin Stark of Pontiac and Caleb Grohmann of Red Bud

• Silver level recipients receive $1,500: Marti Maul of Cissna Park, Adrian Austin of Mount Vernon and Zachary Perkins of Millbrook

• Bronze level recipients receive $1,000: Nevada Nilsson of Geneseo, Samantha Buckert of Warsaw and Laine Honegger of Forrest

“These recipients excel in advocating for animal agriculture, especially the pork industry,” says Jenny Jackson, director of communications for IPPA. “They are a great representation of our association and have bright futures ahead of them.”

WINNERS: 2017-18 IPPA scholarship winners are (top, from left) Adrian Austin, Caleb Grohmann, Kacie Haag, Laine Honegger, Marti Maul, Nevada Nilsson, Zachary Perkins, Samantha Buckert and Colin Stark.

Over the years the Illinois Pork Producers Association has been able to increase its amount of giving to counter the swelling cost of a college education. IPPA values youth and their presence in the industry.

In addition to the scholarships listed above, IPPA helps facilitate the Ryan and Friends Scholarship program. The three recipients of a $500 award are: Caleb Grohmann of Red Bud, Meg Meeker of Emden and Marti Maul of Cissna Park. Recipients of the $1,000 award are: Cory Webster of Chrisman, Frederick Grohmann of Red Bud, Cooper Secker of Waterloo, Brandon Stickler of Pleasant Plains and Maddie Fugate of Mahomet.

Source: Illinois Pork Producers Association