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 activities, IPPA involvement and an essay explaining the potential impact of a foreign animal disease on the United States.
“It gives us pride, as an association, to provide these scholarships and see the recipients become an active part of the industry,” says Alan Kollmann, Chair of the IPPA Youth Committee. This committee is responsible for youth activities that IPPA conducts throughout the year, such as IPLI, county ambassadors, and scholarships.
IPPA is proud to offer nine awards for the 2019-2020 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, who are receiving a $2,000 award are: Kacie Haag of Emington; Seth Mitchell of Olney; and Jaidyn Miller of Sheffield.
Silver level recipients, who are receiving a $1,500 award, are: Colin Stark of Pontiac; Lauren Curry of Alpha; and Jordynn Marcum of Gibson City.
Bronze level recipients, who are receiving a $1,000 award, are: Blake Dixon of Watseka; Matthew Engnell of Andover; and Zachary Perkins of Millbrook.
“These recipients excel in advocating for 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.”
