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(OFBF) – Ohio Farm Bureau Federation awarded over $75,500 in scholarships to students across the state. Annually, the foundation recognizes Ohio students for their academic effort, community engagement and career interests that link agriculture to community service, education or scientific research.
According to Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Board President Nathan Brown, the foundation has remained steadfast in its dedication, purposefully working to fulfill its mission to inspire and educate future leaders in agriculture. 
“As we face growing demands across the food and farming industries, it’s more important than ever to encourage young people to pursue careers in agriculture. Investing in young people through scholarships is one of the most meaningful ways we can shape the future of agriculture,” Brown said. “These opportunities don’t just ease financial burdens—they open doors, spark ambition and give students the confidence to take bold steps in their agricultural journey. I’m continually inspired by the passion, talent and dedication these students bring. Their commitment to improving Ohio’s agricultural landscape is both impressive and reassuring. We’re proud to support the next generation as they grow into the leaders and innovators our industry needs.”
Bill and Helen Swank Scholarship
The recipient of this scholarship is Morgan Anderson of Fairfield County. Over the course of his 40-year career with Farm Bureau, Dr. C. William (Bill) Swank enriched countless lives in the farm and food community. This fund honors the legacies of Bill and his wife, Helen, with a scholarship for the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Bruce and Carlene Patterson Agricultural Scholarship
Recipients of this scholarship are Claire Phillip of Portage County, Jack Adelman of Portage County, and Harrison Blay of Portage County. This fund was established to provide scholarship support to deserving individuals in perpetuity, opening the door to education by removing the financial barriers that may keep someone from pursuing a career in agriculture or related fields and/or obtaining the training needed to grow their skills within the agricultural workforce.
Cindy Hollingshead Scholarship
Recipients of this scholarship are Gracie Sprague of Ottawa County and Josie Jennings of Clark County. This fund honors Cynthia Anne (Cindy) Hollingshead for her 39 years of service as Ohio Farm Bureau’s executive secretary, as well as a lifetime of volunteer commitment to local government and community service activities. Financial assistance goes to students who are pursuing careers focused on agriculture, community service and association leadership.
Darwin Bryan Scholarship Recipients of this scholarship are Clara Faulkner of Franklin County, Eli McDonald of Muskingum County, Eric Taylor of Fayette County, Julia Silvus of Morgan County, Wyatt Morrow of Clinton County, Sarah Hoak of Richland County, and Morgan Anderson of Fairfield County. This fund was established in 1985 in honor of Darwin R. Bryan, whose enthusiastic leadership during his 37 years of service to Ohio Farm Bureau inspired rural youth throughout Ohio. The fund assists students who have been active in Farm Bureau’s youth program and/or whose parents are Farm Bureau members.
Dr. David A. Benfield Scholarship The recipient of this scholarship is Shane Griffith of Jefferson County. The Dr. David A. Benfield Scholarship fund was established in 2019 by colleagues and friends of Dr. Benfield to honor his 17-year career as associate director of OARDC and associate vice president and director of the Wooster Campus in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and his passion for agricultural education and research. The scholarship is specifically for students in livestock and crop sciences at Ohio State ATI.
David E. Mizer Memorial Scholarship
The recipient of this scholarship is Shane Griffith of Jefferson County. Created in 2024, this fund recognizes students for work ethic, academic effort, civic engagement, and career interests that will contribute to the future of Ohio agriculture.
Jack Fisher Scholarship
Recipients of this scholarship are Allison Knapke of Mercer County, Adeline Kendle of Tuscarawas County, Delaney Bell of Muskingum County, Colton Beckstedt of Perry County, Corissa Griffith of Jefferson County, Josie Jennings of Clark County, Julia Silvus of Morgan County, Morgan Anderson of Fairfield County, Sophia Aultman of Darke County, and Rebekah Gwynne of Warren County. This fund is named after John C. “Jack” Fisher, who served as Ohio Farm Bureau’s executive vice president for 20 years. His vision for this scholarship is to enable people to acquire the necessary tools for a more fulfilling life.
Joseph Kelly Memorial Scholarship
Recipients of this scholarship are Garrett Schlechter of Lorain County, Ruth Howells of Lorain County, and Adele Dowdell of Lorain County. This scholarship was established in 2018 to honor the life of Joseph Kelly and to continue his legacy of generosity and service. The Joseph Kelly Memorial Scholarship is an annual, merit-based competition that focuses on rewarding students pursuing degrees related to agriculture.
Kenny Walter Scholarship Fund
Recipients of this scholarship are Marguerite Fulton of Washington County, Adeline Kendle of Tuscarawas County, and Shane Griffith of Jefferson County. The fund provides scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture who come from the 29 northeastern counties Walter served as an Ohio Farm Bureau regional supervisor and organization director.
Lou Ann Putnam Harrold Memorial Scholarship Fund for Hardin County
The recipient of this scholarship is Dillon Dulin of Hardin County. This fund was established in 2023 and provides scholarship support to deserving individuals in perpetuity, opening the door to education by removing the financial barriers that may keep someone from pursuing a career in agriculture or related fields and/or obtaining the training needed to grow their skill set within the agricultural workforce.
Mularcik Welding Scholarship for Summit County
The recipient of this award is Samantha Kaufman of Summit County. This scholarship was established in 2023 by Brad Mularcik after he became aware of the skills gap in America and the need for more young people to enter the skilled trades, particularly welding. By offering this scholarship, he wishes to help young people of Summit County, Ohio who are seeking a career in welding.
Ohio Farm Bureau Scholars Award
Recipients of this award are Allison Kendle of Tuscarawas County, Chloe Anderson of Hardin County, Delaney Moore of Fairfield County, Emma Core of Allen County, Josie Jennings of Clark County, Julia Silvus of Morgan County, Marguerite Fulton of Washington County, Morgan Anderson of Fairfield County, Ruth Beery of Ross County, and Sophia Aultman of Darke County. This award recognizes students for academic effort, community service and career interests that use agriculture to enhance the partnership between producers and consumers in rural, suburban and/or urban settings.
The Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association Scholarship Recipients of this scholarship are Alaina Bell of Fairfield County and Cortney Copeland of Shelby County. The Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association is a nonprofit trade association representing 2,500 thoroughbred owners and trainers who race at Ohio’s three commercial thoroughbred race tracks. The objective of the scholarship fund is to assist students who plan to pursue careers focusing on food or agriculture.
Richard and Carole Cocks Scholarship Recipients of this scholarship are Delaney Moore of Fairfield County, Haven Hileman of Scioto County, and Gracie Sprague of Ottawa County. This scholarship was established in 2020 by Richard Cocks, a chemical engineer who spent his career with Procter & Gamble. As he approached retirement, Mr. Cocks began investing in farmland. As he learned more about farming, it became apparent that today’s farmers have skills very similar to most engineers. This award recognizes students for academic effort, work ethic, community service and career interests that enhance Ohio agriculture.
Yvonne Lesicko Memorial Scholarship Recipients of this scholarship are Sophia Aultman of Darke County, Emma Core of Allen County, and Garrett Houin of Holmes County. This fund was established in honor of Yvonne Lesicko, Ohio Farm Bureau vice president of public policy, who passed away in 2020, to provide support for the next generation of student leaders. The income from this endowment will provide scholarship assistance in perpetuity to students majoring in agricultural and environmental policy or agriculture-related fields, such as food production, scientific research, education/outreach, policymaking, advocacy, or leadership development for women.
As the foundation continues to pave the way for future generations, the opportunity exists to support its mission. Whether through donations, mentorship, or simply spreading the word, every action taken helps to cultivate a brighter future for agriculture and for Ohio.
The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation, a 501(c) (3) charitable, nonprofit organization, understands the need to inspire innovation and cultivate investment in Ohio’s farm and food community. Learn more by visiting  ofbf.org/foundation.
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