![Meet our 2024 Scholarship Recipients](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/790-meet-our-2024-scholarship-recipients.png)
![Meet our 2024 Scholarship Recipients](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/790-meet-our-2024-scholarship-recipients.png)
Meet Our 2024 Scholarship Recipients
This year, ten students were collectively awarded $20,000 through our annual scholarship program. Meet the skilled individuals who will be furthering their education with the help of Farm Credit of Western Arkansas.
The Farm Credit of Western Arkansas scholarship program has awarded over $400,000 to talented students since 1996. Those awarded demonstrate exemplary academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, volunteer activities and financial need.
To qualify, applicants must be full-time students at an accredited college, university, or trade program for the 2024-25 academic year. They must also be the children/grandchildren of Farm Credit of Western Arkansas members or members themselves.
Ten recipients were chosen this year and will each be awarded a $2,000 scholarship.
The winners are as follows:
Alyssa Jones
Alyssa recently graduated from Murfreesboro High School. There, she was a member of many extracurriculars, including FCCLA, EAST, Beta Club and archery. Alyssa excelled within these organizations and received awards for her efforts. She also volunteered in several community service activities.
Alyssa plans to attend Southern Arkansas University in the fall, double majoring in marketing and graphic design. She then plans to pursue an MBA so that she may achieve her goal of starting her own marketing and graphic design company.
![Alyssa Jones](/assets/images/NoCrop_800x800/dec93dc1be1e48148ac6541642d772a6.jpeg)
![Alyssa Jones](/assets/images/NoCrop_800x800/453ebe51ac344051baa6f9aa56d3c7f4.jpg)
Bannon Price
Bannon recently graduated from Ashdown High School. There, he served as a member of Senator Boozman's Congressional Youth Cabinet and founded the Arkansas Initiative for Change. He also participated in numerous other activities and volunteer efforts and was valedictorian of his class.
This fall, he plans to attend Harvard University and pursue a degree in government and economics. After college, Bannon hopes to attend law school and graduate with his Juris Doctorate.
He aims to use his education to advocate for the needs of the agriculture industry and rural communities like the one he grew up in. His dream is to one day serve as a United States senator representing Arkansas.
![Bannon Price](/assets/images/NoCrop_800x800/5ecf0be5dbb3416b9946b41c1e76755b.jpg)
Benjamin DeSalvo
Benjamin is from Center Ridge, Arkansas and currently attends West Texas A&M University. He is studying animal science pre-veterinary medicine and is set to graduate in 2026.
He is involved in the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association, Collegiate Farm Bureau and Collegiate Vet Club. After college, Benjamin plans to attend vet school and pursue a career in large animal clinical work.
Benjamin was raised on his family’s Brangus and Ultrablack cattle ranch and hopes to continue the progress and success of past generations by eventually taking over the farm.
![Benjamin DeSalvo](/assets/images/NoCrop_800x800/bcdee3536ecf42fd8cca62fd4e3398f6.jpg)
Emilee Lyons
Emilee is a recent graduate from Bradley High School. She plans to attend Southern Arkansas University in the fall, where she will major in biology. After she graduates, she plans to attend physical therapy school.
While in high school, Emilee participated in several clubs and extracurriculars. She achieved success within these activities, including a state championship in the Arkansas FFA forestry competition. She has also shown success while exhibiting livestock and has won on local, state and national levels.
![Emilee Lyons](/assets/images/NoCrop_800x800/2c08292ba62e4933b186542c0a5df4ee.jpg)
Grace Wagner
Grace recently graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in exercise science. She will begin studying through UCA’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in the fall.
While in college, Grace participated in Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Living Unleashed, Purple Society, Exercise Science Club and more. She also completed volunteer work and is currently a rehabilitation technician.
Upon graduation, Grace hopes to secure a physical therapist job in an acute setting or within the military.
![Grace Wagner](/assets/images/NoCrop_800x800/3324c9c912be4e43af4bab62825495d6.jpg)
Lauren Koch
Lauren recently graduated from Mayflower High School and plans to study nursing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in the fall.
While in high school, she excelled in multiple clubs and extracurriculars and logged over two hundred volunteer hours.
After receiving her undergraduate degree, Lauren plans to attend graduate school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and complete their Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. Her ultimate career goal is to work as a nurse practitioner.
![Lauren Koch](/assets/images/NoCrop_800x800/3016c8df69a54197bff7eb3b6fc719e3.jpg)
Lucy Jackson
Lucy recently graduated as valedictorian from Foreman High School. In high school, she participated in many clubs and extracurriculars and volunteered in different community service activities.
This fall, she plans to study communication sciences and disorders at Ouachita Baptist University. Upon graduation, she intends to pursue her master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Her ultimate goal is to return to live and work in southwest Arkansas to give back to her family, church, and local community.
![Lucy Jackson](/assets/images/NoCrop_800x800/aa723ddffa3342d4b21d58a22eb9ed02.jpeg)
![Lucy Jackson](/assets/images/NoCrop_800x800/11701a8694b644569b5ab04b43380264.jpg)
Rose Gunther
Rose is currently a junior at Arkansas Tech University studying agribusiness. She is a member of the Presidential Leadership Cabinet and National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS). She has also volunteered in numerous community service activities.
While in college, she hopes to pursue several internships and continue exploring courses that prepare her for leadership. Upon graduation, Rose would like to pursue a career in either agribusiness, agricultural education or politics.
![Rose Gunther](/assets/images/NoCrop_800x800/c7d6bf98e23143bba30a214beb22437b.jpg)
Rylee Youngblood
Rylee is a recent graduate from Ashdown High School. This fall, she plans to study agricultural communications at the University of Arkansas.
Rylee has participated in numerous agricultural activities, including FFA, 4-H and showing livestock. While in high school, she was a member of organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America and student council.
After college, Rylee plans to attend law school to study agricultural law. She hopes to give back to the industry by becoming involved in agricultural production, marketing and distribution.
![Rylee Youngblood](/assets/images/NoCrop_800x800/7f27e93382484568940ed11b8760e87c.jpg)
Wesley Scroggins
Welsey recently graduated from Pottsville High School. This fall, he plans to study imaging sciences at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.
Wesley grew up on his family’s cattle farm and has been a member of 4-H and FFA for many years. During high school, he was involved in varsity golf and Beta Club.
Upon graduating college, Wesely plans to receive his certification in both radiography and sonography. When he graduates, he would like to work in a hospital and perform skills such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds.
![Wesley Scroggins](/assets/images/NoCrop_800x800/e8542a9dd6e745c8b1eb9d20c780cd94.jpeg)
Congratulations to our ten scholarship recipients! 2025 scholarship information will be available on myaglender.com beginning January 2025.
Other News
![Flossie Glinski](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/847-flossie-glinski.jpg)
![Person casting ballot in election with Farm Credit Biostar on ballot slip](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/839-person-casting-ballot-in-election-with-farm-credit-biostar-o.jpg)
![The Newsom family's kitchen features a dining area with large window, large kitchen island, and custom cabinetry](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/768-the-newsom-familys-kitchen-features-a-dining-area-with-large.jpg)
![Exterior of red brick and black siding home.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/849-exterior-of-red-brick-and-black-siding-home.jpg)
![Brady Jackson](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/837-brady-jackson.jpg)
![JD](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/836-jd.jpg)
![Group of people wearing hard hats and holding shovels get ready to break ground on new agriculture building at Arkansas Tech.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/830-group-of-people-wearing-hard-hats-and-holding-shovels-get-re.jpg)
![Madison](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/832-madison.jpg)
![Alaina](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/828-alaina.jpg)
![Mary Eichenberger](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/824-mary-eichenberger.jpg)
![2024 Summer Interns](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/809-2024-summer-interns.png)
![From intern to employee](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/799-from-intern-to-employee.png)
![Bradley Sweet Corn](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/796-bradley-sweet-corn.jpg)
![Ag Educators Attend CASE Institute](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/792-ag-educators-attend-case-institute.jpg)
![Home](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/781-home.jpeg)
![Person planting tomatoes in soil](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/765-person-planting-tomatoes-in-soil.jpeg)
![Farm Credit Aids in NWA Storm Cleanup](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/757-farm-credit-aids-in-nwa-storm-cleanup.jpg)
![Text reads "$20,000 awarded in scholarships" with Farm Credit logo at bottom](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/753-text-reads-20-000-awarded-in-scholarships-with-farm-credit-l.jpg)
![Group of kids and teacher in outdoor garden.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/750-group-of-kids-and-teacher-in-outdoor-garden.jpeg)
![Hand placing paper in ballot box.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/748-hand-placing-paper-in-ballot-box.jpeg)
![Silhouette of tractor in a field, bright sun](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/745-silhouette-of-tractor-in-a-field-bright-sun.png)
![Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Grant Program text over background image depicting jelly jars at farmers market.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/744-arkansas-farmers-market-promotion-grant-program-text-over-ba.png)
![2024 YBS Conference Group Photo](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/741-2024-ybs-conference-group-photo.png)
![Patronage open House Putting $11.7 million back in our members' pockets](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/740-patronage-open-house-putting-11-7-million-back-in-our-member.jpg)
![2024 Record breaking patronage](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/739-2024-record-breaking-patronage.jpg)
![Where are they now](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/731-where-are-they-now.jpg)
![2024 Farm Credit of Western Arkansas Scholarship Application.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/733-2024-farm-credit-of-western-arkansas-scholarship-application.jpg)
![Tax considerations ahead of the new year. Farm tax tips for 2024.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/701-tax-considerations-ahead-of-the-new-year-farm-tax-tips-for-2.jpg)
![Loans for agriculture business financing for cold storage facility Arkansas](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/721-loans-for-agriculture-business-financing-for-cold-storage-fa.jpg)
![Holiday Recipe Series](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/711-holiday-recipe-series.png)
![Iron Skillet Apple Pie Recipe](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/718-iron-skillet-apple-pie-recipe.jpg)
![Farmhouse Christmas decorations. Purchase a home in the country Arknasas.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/716-farmhouse-christmas-decorations-purchase-a-home-in-the-count.jpg)
![Top 5 Reasons to Apply for the Future Legacy Conference by Farm Credit](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/626-top-5-reasons-to-apply-for-the-future-legacy-conference-by-f.png)
![Holiday Recipe Series](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/708-holiday-recipe-series.png)
![2023 Arkasnas Farm Family of the Year](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/732-2023-arkasnas-farm-family-of-the-year.jpg)
![Anvil Metals & Fabrication Wins Arkansas Ag Innovation Challenge](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/712-anvil-metals-fabrication-wins-arkansas-ag-innovation-challen.jpg)
![Holiday Recipe Series](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/705-holiday-recipe-series.png)
![Courtney and Andrew Witt at Blossomberry Nursery in Clarksville, Arkansas](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/657-courtney-and-andrew-witt-at-blossomberry-nursery-in-clarksvi.jpg)
![Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, Casey Ford, Strawberry Jam, Canning, Food preservation, Canning for kids, canning recipes for kids](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/608-farm-credit-of-western-arkansas-casey-ford-strawberry-jam-ca.jpg)
![Arkansas loans for poultry houses. Arkansas poultry financing. Financing for poultry equipment and improvements.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/665-arkansas-loans-for-poultry-houses-arkansas-poultry-financing.jpg)
![2023 Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest Winners, background image of students in school garden](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/700-2023-arkansas-grown-school-garden-of-the-year-contest-winner.png)
![Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, Credit Score, Understanding Your Credit Score, Jody Almand, Justin Carter, Ag Loans, Rural Home Loans, Arkansas, Land in Arkansas](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/607-farm-credit-of-western-arkansas-credit-score-understanding-y.jpeg)
![Cody Jones, Board Chairman, Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, Poultry operation, poultry operation in arkansas, cattle, cattle operation in arkansas, Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, poultry loans, cattle loans, board of directors, ag loans](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/603-cody-jones-board-chairman-farm-credit-of-western-arkansas-po.jpg)
![Stack of papers with binder clips, understanding financial documents, loan documents, what to provide when applying for loan](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/685-stack-of-papers-with-binder-clips-understanding-financial-do.jpeg)
![Text reads, "National Cooperative Month" with biostar logo underneath. Photo is hands all meeting in middle with green overlay.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/683-text-reads-national-cooperative-month-with-biostar-logo-unde.jpg)
![2023 Director Election Results](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/667-2023-director-election-results.jpg)
![October 2023 is Cybersecurity Month, digital lock background image](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/648-october-2023-is-cybersecurity-month-digital-lock-background-image.png)
![2023 Photo Contest Winners](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/642-2023-photo-contest-winners.png)
![2023 Farm Credit of Western Arkansas Director Election](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/655-2023-farm-credit-of-western-arkansas-director-election.jpg)
![Bryan Pruit, former ag teacher, Bergman High School FFA, superintendent Eureka Springs School District. Farm Credit, Harrison Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, Calf Raffle, Brady Willis, Loan officer, land for sale in Harrison Arkansas, North Arkansas](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/599-bryan-pruit-former-ag-teacher-bergman-high-school-ffa-superi.jpg)
![Blevins' Family Lasagna](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/597-blevins-family-lasagna.jpeg)
![Arkansas Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/622-arkansas-farm-bureau-ag-innovation-challenge.png)
![The Stokes Family inside Tusk's Barn](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/610-the-stokes-family-inside-tusks-barn.jpg)
![Corn Dip](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/539-corn-dip.jpg)
![The Blevins' House](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/596-the-blevins-house.jpg)
![Colton Hewitt, Field Services Inter, sits at a desk and smiles toward camera](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/582-colton-hewitt-field-services-inter-sits-at-a-desk-and-smiles.jpg)
![Shae Parsons Angel, Field Service Intern](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/592-shae-parsons-angel-field-service-intern.jpg)
![Sarah Barkhimer, Communications Intern, sits at desk and smiles to camera](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/584-sarah-barkhimer-communications-intern-sits-at-desk-and-smile.jpg)
![Austin Bell, Field Services Intern, loads watermelons into back of truck while smiling at camera](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/583-austin-bell-field-services-intern-loads-watermelons-into-bac.jpg)
![Tips for building your dream home in the country Arkansas](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/559-tips-for-building-your-dream-home-in-the-country-arkansas.jpg)
![Online banking help Farm Credit of Western Arkansas](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/578-online-banking-help-farm-credit-of-western-arkansas.jpg)
![Participants and instructors in the 2023 Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education Institute at Arkansas Tech University pose for a group photograph.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/580-participants-and-instructors-in-the-2023-curriculum-for-agri.jpg)
![Rusty truck in a field at sunset](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/821-rusty-truck-in-a-field-at-sunset.jpg)
![Issues facing Arkansas agriculture. Arkansas agriculture policy issues.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/561-issues-facing-arkansas-agriculture-arkansas-agriculture-poli.jpg)
![Country Home in South Arkansas](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/548-country-home-in-south-arkansas.jpg)
![DIY Cedar Plant Boxes](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/554-diy-cedar-plant-boxes.jpg)
![School Garden of the Year Contest 2023](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/543-school-garden-of-the-year-contest-2023.jpg)
![pencil completing vote ballot](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/506-pencil-completing-vote-ballot.jpg)
![Student studying at table, text reads "Farm Credit awards MANRRS VIP Scholarships"](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/503-student-studying-at-table-text-reads-farm-credit-awards-manr.png)
![Text reads $20,000 awarded in scholarships, green background with money and graduation cap.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/492-text-reads-20-000-awarded-in-scholarships-green-background-w.jpg)
![Blue corduroy background, text reads Washington county students nominated to receive FFA jacket in honor of FFA Week."](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/491-blue-corduroy-background-text-reads-washington-county-studen.png)
![Group of people stand in front of business sign outside. Text reads, "Taylor-Made From Start to Finish"](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/486-group-of-people-stand-in-front-of-business-sign-outside-text.png)
![Two $100 bills stick out of pocket of brown overalls.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/484-two-100-bills-stick-out-of-pocket-of-brown-overalls.jpg)
![Graduation caps flying in the air, text reads "2023 Scholarship Application Now Open!"](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/480-graduation-caps-flying-in-the-air-text-reads-2023-scholarshi.png)
![TEXT: Where are they now? Farm Credit Scholarship recipients 15 years later](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/477-text-where-are-they-now-farm-credit-scholarship-recipients-1.jpg)
![Text reads, "Farm Credit Families Named District Farm Families of the Year." Pictured below are the Robertson and Stobaugh families](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/474-text-reads-farm-credit-families-named-district-farm-families.png)
![Text reads: 2022 Soup Showdown, The Best Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup by Rachel Webb, FSS in Hope. Pictured is header with soup photos, Rachel's headshot, and a bowl of potato soup.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/466-text-reads-2022-soup-showdown-the-best-slow-cooker-loaded-ba.png)
![Copy reads: 2022 soup showdown, Copycat Zuppa Toscana, by January Bennett, FSS in Texarkana. Headshot of January, bowl of soup.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/470-copy-reads-2022-soup-showdown-copycat-zuppa-toscana-by-janua.png)
![2022 Soup Showdown logo, Text reads "Three simple soups to keep you warm this winter." Background photo is three bowls of soup surrounded by spices and bread.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/471-2022-soup-showdown-logo-text-reads-three-simple-soups-to-kee.png)
![Miracle Farms Market](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/419-miracle-farms-market.jpg)
![Garden sign reads "bell peppers"](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/420-garden-sign-reads-bell-peppers.jpg)
![Haybales that look like rolls of money](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/410-haybales-that-look-like-rolls-of-money.jpg)
![Farm School Scholarship for Veterans. Photo of red tractor and American flag in green field.](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/408-farm-school-scholarship-for-veterans-photo-of-red-tractor-an.png)
![Rusty barn in front of sunset. Top text reads "2022 Photo Contest Winners". Caption reads, "Grand Prize: Barn Sunset by Lisa McCarley"](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/407-rusty-barn-in-front-of-sunset-top-text-reads-2022-photo-cont.png)
![Cathy's famous peach bread](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/386-cathys-famous-peach-bread.png)
![Troy Buck on Phone](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/380-troy-buck-on-phone.jpg)
![Homegrown by Heroes Scholarship](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/369-homegrown-by-heroes-scholarship.png)
![Intern Nicolette Graves](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/355-intern-nicolette-graves.jpg)
![Intern Carter Horton](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/356-intern-carter-horton.jpg)
![Intern Kyleen Hewitt](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/353-intern-kyleen-hewitt.jpg)
![Intern Hannah Chambers](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/354-intern-hannah-chambers.jpg)
![A note from our board chair](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/366-a-note-from-our-board-chair.jpg)
![Aeriel shot of family walking through row crop field](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/265-aeriel-shot-of-family-walking-through-row-crop-field.jpg)
![Emerson Farmers Market](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/334-emerson-farmers-market.jpg)
![Text: $20,000 awarded in scholarships. Image: roll of cash with graduation cap](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/342-text-20-000-awarded-in-scholarships-image-roll-of-cash-with-graduation-cap.jpg)
![Group of women](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/272-group-of-women.jpg)
![Large group of young people](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/268-large-group-of-young-people.jpg)
![Hand putting patronage check in mailbox](/assets/images/processed/NoCrop_2560x2560/267-hand-putting-patronage-check-in-mailbox.jpg)