Farm Credit Foundation awards $445K in ag scholarships

The Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement is supporting 65 students with $445,000 in scholarships as they take the next step toward careers in agriculture. Valued at up to $10,000 each, these scholarships were awarded to students showing dedication to both their education and the future of the industry, helping them pursue their goals and make a lasting impact in the agricultural community.

“Each year, we continue to be inspired by the passion, drive, and commitment these exceptional students show toward shaping the future of agriculture,” said Julie Bolyard, Chair of the Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement. “By supporting their education, we’re investing in a stronger, more vibrant agricultural industry. It’s an honor to help these future leaders take the next step in their journey.”

The foundation, funded by Horizon Farm Credit, was established in 2015 to make positive impacts in agriculture, and serves Horizon Farm Credit’s 100-county territory in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and portions of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. The scholarship program offers awards to high school seniors or those currently enrolled in a two- or four-year higher education program or technical school, with plans to pursue a career in agriculture. To date, the foundation has awarded $1,752,500 in scholarships.

Applications for the 2026 scholarship program open later in 2025, and eligible students are encouraged to apply. Scholarship funds are available for students within Horizon Farm Credit’s 100-county footprint or Washington, D.C. Applicants must be pursuing careers in agriculture and enrolled in a two or four-year educational program at a college or university, or students currently enrolled in a technical school.

Here are the scholarship winners:

• Kiersten Baker of James Creek, Pennsylvania
• Cheyenne Bastian-Brown of Ralston, Pennsylvania
• Michael Berger of Weatherly, Pennsylvania
• Madison Beutman of Alum Bank, Pennsylvania
• Megan Bomgardner of Jonestown, Pennsylvania
• Ella Borst of Stephens City, Virginia
• Abigale Bricker of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
• Rianna Chaney of Keymar, Maryland
• Edwina Chen of Newark, Delaware
• Mia Ceribelli of Coatesville, Pennsylvania
• Paige Cole of Derry, Pennsylvania
• Macy Cook of Cordova, Maryland
• Charles Colvin of Malvern, Pennsylvania
• Marcia Copenhaver of Lebanon, Pennsylvania
• Avery Dull of Westminster, Maryland
• Julia Duncan of Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania
• Amelia Dugan of Shepherdstown, West Virginia
• Allison Emanuel of Laurys Station, Pennsylvania
• Isaiah Harris‑Talbott of Frederick, Maryland
• Brayden Hearn of Laurel, Delaware
• Dana Heltzel of Martinsburg, Pennsylvania
• Peytin Hereth of Woodbine, Maryland
• Jessica Herr of Lancaster, Pennsylvania
• Georgia Horosky of Elverson, Pennsylvania
• Nora Hoy of Tyrone, Pennsylvania
• Ashlynn Kidwell of Sykesville, Maryland
• Avery Kerrick of Greenwood, Delaware
• Bethany Knutsen of Harrington, Delaware
• Victoria LeCates of Seaford, Delaware
• Camryn Manoogian of Gaithersburg, Maryland
• Sara McNichols of Scranton, Pennsylvania
• Sydney Messick of Harrington, Delaware
• Grant Michael of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
• Sarah Nafziger of Mohnton, Pennsylvania
• Tate Ondrik of Westminster, Maryland
• Jared Pechart of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
• Skylar Peiffer of North Cornwall, Pennsylvania
• Sydney Phipps of Wilmington, Delaware
• Jarrett Pilgram of Fredonia, Pennsylvania
• Hailey Pleasants of Monrovia, Maryland
• Alexis Shenk of Knoxville, Pennsylvania
• Madison Tobat of East New Market, Maryland
• Benjamin Torrey of Genesee, Pennsylvania
• Nathaniel Turner of Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania
• Jonathan VanBuskirk of Bel Air, Maryland
• Rain Vasey of Lincoln, Delaware
• McKenna Vest of Clayton, Delaware
• Leah Walters of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania
• Jenna Whiting of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania
• Walker Wilson of Tionesta, Pennsylvania
• Madilyn Wynn of Greenwood, Delaware