Midwest Dairy Association has awarded three $1,000 scholarships to Illinois students from dairy backgrounds. Emily Irwin of Belvidere, Jennifer Wakeley of Rockford and Sarah Palmer of Durand were awarded the 2014 Illinois Division scholarships.
The annual scholarship is awarded to students displaying leadership, work experience, academic performance, participation in activities and events, involvement in a dairy farm and the dairy industry, and financial need.
The scholarship program has received and enthusiastic response from dairy farmers and their families. “Not only do the farmers value the dairy farmer-funded checkoff programs striving to increase the demand for dairy products, but they strongly support the education of youth with dairy backgrounds as the future of our dairy industry and strong labor force,” said Marla Behrends, Midwest Dairy Association’s Illinois industry relations manager.
The deadline for the 2015 Illinois Division scholarships is March 1, 2015. Applications and more information can be accessed online at www.midwestdairycheckoff.com.
Emily Irwin
Emily Irwin of Boone County is the daughter of Mark and Melissa Irwin, Belvidere. Irwin plans to attend Kaskaskia College and transfer to a university to work toward a degree in animal science. She graduated from Belvidere High School, where she was involved in FFA, 4-H, National Honor Society and the Illinois Junior Holstein Association, and is an Illinois State Scholar. “My main goal for my future is to give back to the dairy and agriculture industries, and youth organizations within those industries, that have taught me life skills including responsibility, respect, and record keeping,” Irwin states. “I have developed an appreciation for all the people that help make a dairy farm run and I enjoy sharing my passion for the dairy industry with others.”
Jennifer Wakeley
Jennifer Wakeley of Winnebago County is the daughter of John and Tammy Wakeley of Rockford. Wakeley has completed her third year as a transfer student at University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Earning her associate’s degree in applied sciences, agribusiness, from Highland Community College set Wakeley on a surprising track to a four-year degree. As a high school student, Wakeley was active in basketball, FFA, Illinois State Holstein Association, Boone-Winnebago County Farm Bureau and 4-H. “The dairy industry as a whole is the most passion I have toward something,” Wakeley says. “The dairy industry has made me the person I am today; it’s time to give back to it!”
Sarah Palmer
Sarah Palmer of Winnebago County is the daughter of David and Kathy Palmer. Palmer has completed her third year as a transfer student at University of Wisconsin – Platteville. Earning a master’s degree in early elementary education is a goal of Palmer’s. As a high school student, she was active in National Honor Society, 4-H, volleyball, track, choir and band. During college, Palmer stays active by being in Phi Theta Kappa and Phi Theta Phi, and is a Sunday school teacher, a private English teacher and a pre-student teacher. “When I teach, I want my students to know where their food is coming from,” Palmer explains. “I would be very interested in teaching Ag in the Classroom.”
