2025 Belmont County scholarship recipients announced

Two students from Belmont County will each receive a $500 scholarship to help with expenses for their upcoming college year, thanks to Belmont County Farm Bureau. From the applications submitted, Payton Dudzik from Barnesville and Ella Pietranton from St. Clairsville were selected as the 2025 scholarship recipients.

Dudzik is the daughter of John and Danelle Dudzik.  Many people have inspired her, such as coaches, friends, teachers and most importantly her family.

“All of these people have played a role in helping shape who I am,” she said. 

Dudzik participated in various clubs and activities during her high school years such as softball, volleyball, FFA, Adopt a Shamrock, FEA, National Honor Society, and 4-H.  She will be attending Ohio University Eastern in the fall to obtain her bachelors degree in nursing.

Pietranton is the daughter of Dominic and Crystal Pietranton. She participated in various clubs and activities during her high school years such as volleyball, basketball, National Honor Society, class officer, homecoming court, FFA, FEA and more. 

“I am an active student, balancing athletic commitments with academic pursuits and involvement in extracurricular activities,” she said.  “My grandmother, Loretta Dunfee has always inspired me to work and be the best I can be. She is the hardest working person I know and she takes care of everyone.” 

Pietranton will be attending Ohio University Eastern in the fall to major in business.

Belmont County Farm Bureau congratulates Payton and Ella on their accomplishments and wishes all the best to our area graduates in their future endeavors.

My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

New and beginning farmers
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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