IPPA awards scholarships

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 the student 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, Chair 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 2017-2018 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 & Carol Keppy Foundation.

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

Silver level recipients receive $1,500 and include: Marti Maul of Cissna Park, IL; Adrian Austin of Mt. Vernon, IL; and Zachary Perkins of Millbrook, IL.

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

“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.”

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