IAA Foundation Names 2025 Scholarship Recipients

Students can count on support of scholarships for college tuition during the 2025-2026 school year, courtesy of the IAA Foundation.

The charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau, the IAA Foundation, is awarding $166,251 to 93 students pursuing degrees in agriculture-related fields. Students are selected based on their activities and leadership, their community involvement, professional career goals and their overall commitment to success.

“Each year we are proud to support and encourage students who represent agriculture’s strong and vibrant future,” said Jennifer Smith, Development Manager, IAA Foundation.

Three students from Clinton County were awarded the Herman E. and Cecilia E. Wiedle Scholarship. This is a $2,000 Scholarship. Those scholarship recipients include:

• Cara Carrillon, current senior at Central High School in Breese. The daughter of Curt and Nicole Carrillon of Carlyle. Cara plans on attending the University of Illinois to pursue a degree in animal Science.

• Samantha Heinzmann, currently a senior at Carlyle High School. The daughter of Aaron and Jenn Heinzmann of Carlyle. Samantha plans on attending Kaskaskia College to pursue a degree in agricultural education.

• Lauren Wolter, currently a sophomore at Kansas State University pursuing an Animal Science Degree. Lauren is the daughter of Bradley and Kimberly Wolter of Aviston.

Haley Bode of Waterloo, in Monroe County is the Illinois Farm Bureau Legacy of Leadership Scholarship recipient and receives a $7,500 scholarship for the honor. IAA Foundation Distinguished Scholars Jay Bliler of Taylorville, Jack Jungmann of Little York, and Emma Smith of Seneca, each will receive a $5,000 award. Other scholarships being presented range in value from $1,000 to $5,000. A full listing of recipients can be found at www.iaafoundation.org.

Annually, the Illinois Farm Bureau and county Farm Bureaus combine to award more than $1,000,000 in scholarship support.

“The scholarship program acknowledges hard-working students and offers financial support so they can pursue their dreams and land careers in agriculture,” Smith said. “Through generous farm gifts and contributions from individuals, farm families, Illinois Farm Bureau members, and others who support our industry, we continue to see diversification and growth in our program.”

For more information on the IAA Foundation scholarship program, how to establish a scholarship, or to donate to a scholarship fund, visit the IAA Foundation’s website at www.iaafoundation.org or call 309-557-2232.