MAPLETON – The Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society is offering two individual $1,000 scholarships for students residing in Mapleton Township pursuing post-secondary education in an agriculture-related program in the fall of 2021, and applicants now have extra time to submit their entries.
The scholarships are intended for students entering or currently enrolled in university, college, or an apprenticeship program in anything related to agriculture, including natural resources and environmental studies.
Selection is not based on academic record alone, but is also focused on involvement in the community, especially with respect to an interest in the field of agriculture.
Ben Dobben, society director and member of the selection committee, explained, “What we are trying to do is invest in the student so that they can continue to invest in our agricultural community.”
The scholarships are being funded with revenue from the society’s lawn care package lottery. Additional funds from the lottery will provide stipends for the local 4-H and Clover Buds programs. The remaining revenue will be used to help maintain the society’s buildings at the Drayton Fairgrounds.
The lawn care package that is being raffled off includes a Husqvarna zero turn riding mower, push mower, leaf blower, chain saw, and weed hacker.
Tickets can be purchased by calling Arlie Zantinge at 519-638-3323, or by going to the Drayton/Mapleton Fair Facebook page and scrolling down to the picture of the prize, or they are also available at Blooms on Main.
President John Foster stated he is pleased the society is in a position to offer two post-secondary scholarships of this magnitude to Mapleton students.
“Agriculture has always been a rapidly evolving industry, and the rate of change is faster now than ever,” he said.
“As an agricultural society, we feel that a key way to strengthen our rural community is to support local students who are seeking further education in fields related to farming, agribusiness, natural resources, environmental studies, scientific research, etc.”
To download a scholarship application, go to www.draytonagsociety.com and follow the instructions.
For more information, or to have an application emailed to you, go to draytonagsociety@gmail.com.
The deadline to receive applications has been extended to Aug. 31. The two successful applicants will be announced at the Drayton Harvest Festival on Sept. 18.
