Franklin County Farm Bureau Foundation and the Franklin County Farm Bureau Young Leaders Committee awarded scholarships to four Franklin County students.
 

Riley King, daughter of Anthony and Maria King, is a 2025 graduate of Benton Consolidated High School.  Riley’s school activities include High Honor Roll, American Legion Scholar Award winner, FFA Vice President, NCHS President, Pep Club Executive member, and Lion’s Club International Top of Class award winner.  Riley is a volunteer at a local food pantry and has volunteered at Hunting and Fishing days along with Farm City Days.  She has also helped collect items for natural disaster victims in surrounding areas.  She plans to attend Mississippi State university and major in Agribusiness.

Hannah Humphreys, daughter of Ryan and Jayne Humphreys, is a 2025 graduate of Frankfort Community High School.  Hannah’s high school activities include FFA (Treasurer, Vice President and President), National Honor Society Secretary, Beta, Sub-Debs, Youth & Government, Cheerleading, Track and French Club.  She is top 10 in her class and was a Marshall graduation for two years.  She also was named an Illinois State Scholar this year.  Hannah is a volunteer with her local library and local Christmas light display Candy Cane Lane.  She has served also as a Franklin County election judge.  She plans to attend Southern Illinois University and major in Agricultural Education.

Gunnar Funkhouser is a 2025 graduate of Benton Consolidated High School and Rend Lake College.  Gunnar has maintained a spot on the President’s List at Rend Lake College and a 4.0 GPA at Benton Consolidated High School.  He has contributed time to the Rend Lake Area Tourism Council, Benton Civic Center, local FFA and 4-H group and (Rend Lake Limbhangers) National Wild Turkey Federation.  Gunnar plans to attend Southern Illinois University and major in Forestry: Wildlife Habitat Management and Conservation.

Vada Webb, daughter of Lucas and Chelsea Webb, is a 2025 graduate of Benton Consolidated High School.  Vada’s school activities include NHS induction certificate, Honor Roll for four years, IHSA Academic Award, Outstanding Sophomore and Junior in FFA, Agriculture Scholar Awards, Most Outstanding in FFA CDE’s, FFA President, YAF, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team, Pep Club, softball, tennis and 4-H.  Vada is a children’s church leader at Whittington Church, Vacation Bible Study Crew Leader and Wednesday Night Youth Director.  Vada plans to attend Rend Lake College and major in Agronomy and Plant and Soil Sciences.

​The Franklin County Farm Bureau Young Leaders Committee is raffling a CVA Scout chambered in 350 Legend (blk).  A $10 donation will get one free ticket and tickets will be sold from now until our member appreciation dinner during the Franklin County Fair or until all tickets are sold.  The winner does not need to be present to win.  Donations to be used for the Franklin County Ag in the Classroom program.  Winner must be 21 years old, have a valid FOID card and be able to pass a State and Federal background check.  All State and Federal laws will be applied, transfer and take place at Hood’s Guns & More in Valier.

​Frankfort Community High School FFA, Sesser-Valier High School FFA, Rend Lake College and Franklin County Farm Bureau hosted a Farm Safety Day for 4th grade students in Franklin County on May 1st at the Rend Lake College Agronomy Building.  Students were able to learn about gun safety from the Conservation Police, knots from 4-H, heavy equipment from Little Tractor & Equipment, ATV safety from Oasis Power Sports, lawn mower safety from H&R AgriPower, first aid from Rend Lake College nursing instructors, sprayer and PTO safety from Addison Page of Rend Lake College, seat belt safety from Illinois State Police, and tool and animal safety from Frankfort and Sesser-Valier FFA members.
We would like to thank Rend Lake College for donating the use of their equipment and facilities and to Trudee Wynn (COUNTRY Financial, Benton), Leann Stilley (COUNTRY Financial, West Frankfort), Senator Dale Fowler and Rural King for donating lunch for the volunteers.  We would also like to thank Illinois Farm Bureau and COUNTRY Financial for providing a Farm Safety Grant to help feed volunteers as well.