Illinois students among GROWMARK 2026 scholarship winners

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois is well represented among the 55 students selected to receive $2,000 scholarships through the GROWMARK Foundation for the fall 2026 semester.

Nearly 700 students from across the United States and Ontario, Canada, applied for the scholarships.

Recipients were selected in three categories: agriculture-focused students earning associate degrees from community colleges or technical schools, agriculture-focused students earning bachelor’s degrees from universities and business-focused students earning bachelor’s degrees from universities.

“At GROWMARK, we believe investing in students today helps shape the future of agriculture and business,” said GROWMARK CEO Mark Orr.

“Our internship programs give students real-world experience and exposure to the wide range of careers within the agriculture industry, while our scholarships support them in pursuing those paths. Together, these opportunities help connect students to meaningful careers with GROWMARK and FS companies after graduation.”

Illinois students receiving GROWMARK Foundation scholarships include:

Agriculture Focus — High School Seniors

• Helen Butcher, Northwestern High School

• Rachel Eckert, Henry-Senachwine High School

• Graydon Henson, Hamilton High School

• Ryan Jagers, Princeton High School

• Kylie Kocher, Richland County High School

• Grace McCarty, Edwards County High School

• Natalie Zwilling, Richland County High School

Agriculture Focus — Associate Degree Students

• Kade Beckmier, Lincoln Land Community College

• Jay Bliler, Lake Land College

• Ryan Carlson, Illinois Valley Community College

• Delaney Engler, Illinois Central College

• Clay Jackson, Black Hawk College East

• Kaylin Arlene Nolte, Lake Land College

Agriculture Focus — Bachelor’s Degree Students

• Hana Gillaspie, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

• Kasandra Hughes, Illinois State University

• Isaac Luebkemann, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

• Tristin Potts, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Business Focus — High School Seniors

• Sophia Kisler, Galesburg Junior Senior High School

• Caroline Spangler, Bushnell-Prairie City High School

Business Focus — Bachelor’s Degree Students

• Johnna Fulcher, Illinois State University