The Jim Rutherford Scholarship was established by the McLean County Soil and Water Conservation District to assist outstanding agricultural students at any Illinois college. The students awarded the scholarship demonstrate superior agricultural academic achievement, commitment to soil and water conservation and potential for innovation and/or leadership ability. The Jim Rutherford Scholarship is awarded in the fall semester of the academic year. This scholarship fund is made possible by generous donations from local donors. Each year, an annual golf outing -- planned for Aug. 2 this year -- is held to raise the necessary funds. Help support the next generation of local agri-business professionals.
Preston Rhode, son of Tyler and Melissa Rhode, is a Carlock native at Normal Community West High School planning to pursue an Agri-Business or Animal Science Major. Preston is active in FFA as a member and chapter officer, actively competing on both the FFA Livestock Judging team and local 4-H team. He is an athlete in both football and basketball and National Honor Society member. Preston has served as both a member and officer at the Illinois Junior Simmental Association and member at the Illinois Junior Angus & National Junior Angus Association. Preston Agricultural instructor, Parker Bane writes "Preston Rhode is one of the most accomplished and decorated students I have worked with in 19 years."
Paige Lemenager, daughter of Luke and Stacy Lemenager, is a Hudson native at Normal Community West High School planning to pursue a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics and Juris Doctor Degree in Agricultural Law. Paige is active in many extracurricular and community activities holding many local, state and national officer and leadership roles. She is involved with the Illinois Farm Bureau & Affiliates Youth Education in Agriculture Committee, McLean County & Hudson 4-H, Illinois 4-H Ambassador Team, Section 9 & Normal West FFA, Student Council, Promise Council, Business Club, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, the Illinois Junior Beef Association, Illinois Junior Herford Association, Illinois Junior Angus Association and the National Junior Angus Association. NWHS School Counselor, Brooke Bollmann writes, "The phrase 'Full Package' is what I would use to describe Paige Lemenager. Paige is a shining example of a student who balances a wide range of activities, amazing grades, all with grace, kindness and leadership."
Amelia Rodriguez, daughter of Sam and Gloria Rodriguez, is a Normal IL native at Normal Community High School planning to pursue a Wildlife Biology Degree. Amelia is active in FFA as a member and officer, Archive Club member, and Cultural cooking club member. She volunteers for programs including Ag in the Classroom, Towels for howls, Sugar Grove Nature Center, City of Bloomington, and Parkland Foundation. She is a founding member of the Illinois Agricultural Education Diversity and inclusion committee and serves on the NCHS Agriscience Program mentoring team. Liz Harris, agriculture teacher at NCHS writes "Amelia is a natural leader both in the classroom and as a member of our Normal FFA chapter."
Categories: Illinois, Education