Three weeks into the new year and I’ve finally stopped writing 2024 on my checks. They say life happens in threes so hopefully with these three weeks behind me I’m looking for smooth sailing.
2024 was an interesting year for me both personally and professionally. I can’t say that it was all fun, because it was not. But I can say that I persevered, and in the end, getting to the end is the goal. So, mission accomplished. Now to lay out my excellent plan for the New Year to watch it blow up in my face. There are some things that never change; I am living proof.
The Ogle County Farm Bureau is pleased to announce that applications for their 2025 Scholarship Program were available beginning Jan. 5 to graduating high school seniors, or those enrolled at an accredited university. Farm Bureau members may pick up or have applications mailed. Applications can also be downloaded from the Ogle County Farm Bureau website at www.oglefb.org
This year the organization will award nine total scholarships each in the amount of $2,000.
The Don Bybee Memorial Scholarship is jointly funded by the Bybee family and the Ogle County Farm Bureau. Mr. Bybee served for many years as a director on the Ogle County Farm Bureau Board and offering this scholarship recognizes his passion for offering opportunities for Ogle County youth to advance their education.
Also available is a scholarship funded jointly by the Ogle County Pork Producers Association and the Farm Bureau. The Mark Detig Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually. Mr. Detig served as past president and director on the pork producers association board of directors and was involved in 4-H youth activities in Ogle County.
These scholarships are in addition to the Del Flessner Memorial Scholarship, honoring the former manager of the Ogle County Farm Bureau; and two $1,000 General Farm Bureau Scholarships.
George R LeFevre Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship funded by the Jeff and Joyce Tremble Family and the Farm Bureau. It recognizes Mr. LeFevre for his lifetime of service to agriculture and youth education in Ogle County. It will be awarded to a recipient studying in a field of agriculture.
Mary R LeFevre Memorial Scholarship is a scholarship funded by the Jeff and Joyce Tremble Family and the Farm Bureau. It recognizes Mrs. LeFevre for her dedicated service in the healthcare profession and involvement with youth education. It will be awarded to a recipient studying in a healthcare related field.
The Susan Young scholarship honors her for her years of dedication serving the agriculture community in Ogle County. It will be awarded to a recipient majoring in an agriculture related field of study.
Two general Farm Bureau scholarships will also be awarded to winning recipients.
Finally an Ag Technology Scholarship will be awarded. It will be awarded to students studying in an ag technology field similar to diesel mechanics, crop technician or similar fields of study.
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria: must be a high school graduate; must be an Ogle County Farm Bureau member or dependent of a member; must be accepted at an accredited university or college and pursue an agricultural or agricultural-related field of study; must be a resident of Illinois; and must demonstrate a financial need.
Applicants can be graduating high school seniors or students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.
Applicants successfully completed and submitted will be judged on criteria including: academic performance, demonstrated interest in agriculture, financial need and character/personality.
Those interested in receiving a scholarship application should contact the Ogle County Farm Bureau at 732-2231; or stop by their office at 421 W. Pines Road in Oregon. Applications can also be downloaded by visiting our website at www.oglefb.org
All applications and accompanying materials must be received no later than April 1, 2025.
“May all of your troubles last as long as your New Year’s resolutions!” -Joey Adams
Ron Kern is the manager of the Ogle County Farm Bureau.