IL Corn Announces 2025 Scholarship Recipients

Tara Desmond
May 1, 2025

IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is proud to award five scholarships in the third year of its revived scholarship program.


“This program is one way we can invest in the next generation of ag professionals,” said Garrett Hawkins, ICGA President. “We’re excited to see strong interest from students who are passionate about agriculture, and we’re honored to help support their education and future in the industry.”


Get to know the five winners:

A woman in a plaid shirt is sitting in front of hay bales

Isabella Bunting

Emington, IL


“Growing up in the agricultural industry has sparked a passion for agriculture deep within my roots! Watching my grandpa, uncles, and dad farm my whole life and seeing the impact that they are making inspired me to continue my involvement in the agriculture industry.”

A woman in a white dress is standing next to a semi truck.

Kaylee Gerlach

Waggoner, IL


“Receiving this scholarship means so much to me. It not only supports my academic journey but also empowers me to continue advocating for agriculture by sharing real stories from the farm and educating the public about the importance of this industry. I’m grateful to IL Corn for providing me the opportunity to represent agriculture, stay connected to my roots, and continue working toward a future where rural communities and family farms are understood, valued, and celebrated.”

A woman is holding a small animal in her hands in front of a sign that says restrooms concessions

Kassidi Metcalf

Albion, IL


"Growing up on my family's row crop farm in Southern Illinois fostered my passion for agriculture. I am excited to be pursuing a career in agronomy, and I'm grateful for the support and opportunities that the IL Corn Scholarship provides!"

A woman in a green jacket and white shirt is smiling for the camera.

Paige Sierens

Annawan, IL


“Growing up on the family farm, I was taught the importance of agriculture from a young age. Agriculture is more than an industry, but a community. IL Corn supports not only Illinois producers but also future leaders in the agricultural industry. By providing numerous opportunities, including this scholarship, IL Corn invests in the future of agriculture. I am honored to receive this scholarship, which puts me one step closer to returning to my community and supporting agriculture after college.”

A woman in a brown shirt is standing in front of a white wall.

Aubrey Wall

Sorento, IL


“Being an agriculture major is crucial to me because without agriculture, nothing can get accomplished. We are the 2% that feeds 100%, so it is important to stay in the industry. This scholarship will help alleviate my financial burden as I pursue a bachelor's degree in agricultural education at the University of Illinois.”

Learn more about the scholarship here.

By Sand County Foundation August 28, 2025
Illinois Farmer Awarded Leopold Conservation Award
streambank erosion
By Tara Desmond August 28, 2025
Streambank Erosion: An Overlooked Threat to Illinois Farmland
By Tara Desmond August 28, 2025
What Experienced Farmers Wish They Knew Starting Out
Kacie and Captain us
By Jennie Abbott August 21, 2025
Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire shares about her past internship at IL Corn
whiskey
By American Craft Spirits Association August 21, 2025
The Farmer-Distiller: Best Bourbon resulted in a numerical tie, with two distilleries sharing the honor. Queens Reserve, a product of Wood Hat Spirits in Florence, Missouri scored identically to Bloody Butcher Bourbon, which is produced by Pathfinder Farm Distillery in Boonsboro, Maryland.
Green corn stalks in a field, blue sky with white clouds.
By Lyndi Allen August 21, 2025
The time for change is now, action is needed from Congress and the administration after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest World Agriculture and Supply and Demand Estimates report
Show More