Congratulations to Logan Bend and Ava Splear, recipients of the inaugural Donald and Patricia Pritchard Scholarship. This annual award is made possible through the Donald and Patricia Pritchard Scholarship Fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation. The Fund benefits a high school senior in DeKalb County who plans to attend the University of Illinois College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES), or a current college student who is a graduate of a DeKalb County High School and enrolled in the ACES program at the University of Illinois.

Logan Bend is a 2021 graduate of Indian Creek High School. He was accepted into the ACES Program and plans to attend the University of Illinois in the fall of 2021. On his scholarship application, Logan noted, “After graduating with the major of Agribusiness, I plan to work in the agricultural field. At this time, I am considering a career as a grain marketer, systems manager, or sales representative. In addition, I plan to use my knowledge, income, and free time to help improve and grow the family farm. The farm has given me an abundance of experience over the years. I want to give back everything I can to continue that tradition for the generations to come.”

Ava Splear is also a 2021 graduate of Indian Creek High School. She was accepted into the ACES Program and plans to attend the University of Illinois in the fall of 2021. She intends to study agricultural communications. “My career goal is to work in the ag industry to help educate others and be an asset to the industry,” she said. “As I have gotten older, I see that many people do not understand the importance of agriculture. It’s really important. My passion comes from growing up on a farm and being directly involved. I want to give back to the ag industry and my local community.”

The scholarship is named for Donald and Patricia Pritchard, who have strong ties to DeKalb County. The Pritchards dedicated their careers to working in the field of animal sciences and agriculture. Both Don and Patricia know the value of a college education, having worked in various capacities in the university system.

“Our desire is to encourage success in both college and life for these students,” said Don. “We understand the overwhelming costs of higher education and want to help. Someday, we’d love to see these scholarship recipients pay it forward and return the generosity to another U of I student.”

If giving the gift of education is of interest to you, consider donating to an existing Scholarship Fund online or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or additional information on scholarships, please contact 815-748-5383 or scholarships@dekalbccf.org.