Illinois state Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City)
Illinois state Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City)
Illinois state Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) is encouraging younger residents of his 107th District to take advantage of Conservation Achievement Scholarships offered by the Illinois Conservation Foundation.
“I think this scholarship opportunity is perfect for FFA (Future Farmers of America) students and others who appreciate wildlife habitats for fishing and hunting and understand farming issues related to soil erosion and crop rotation,” Wilhour recently said in a press release. “Young people who help with recycling and community trash clean-up projects would be another group of students who should consider applying for these scholarships.”
The scholarships are designed to help promote the value of our natural world and encourage the next generation to strive to preserve a sustainable outdoor environment. They are being offered to accomplished senior students across the state who have demonstrated “effective, voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection, enhancement and/or promotion of Illinois’ natural resources.”
One of the four $2,000 one-time scholarships will be set aside for a qualified applicant who is also a legal dependent of a current Illinois Department of Natural Resources employee. The funds can be used for such expenses as tuition or textbooks related to enrollment at either a two- or four-year institution.
Applicants must be Illinois residents and able to demonstrate direct examples of “voluntary, effective contributions to Illinois’ natural resources throughout his/her high school enrollment.” A minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale achieved in the calendar year of graduation is required.
More information can be learned by calling the Illinois Conservation Foundation at 217-785-2003 or by visiting the website.
Still in his first term, Wilhour sits on the House’s Transportation, Labor & Commerce, Judiciary - Criminal, and Administrative committees. His 107th District includes all or parts of Bond, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette and Marion counties.