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Please join Lorain County Farm Bureau in congratulating each of these hard working individuals on their scholarship awards. Each applicant went through a committee reviewed application process, and we are proud to announce there are SEVEN winners this year: Two non-agriculture fields, two pursuing an ag-related field, two continuing education and one for the Al DiVencenzo Memorial Scholarship.

Non-Agriculture Scholarship Winners

Aden Macfarlane is a 2024 Black River High School graduate and will be attending Ashland University this fall to study sports management. Aden has been involved in FFA, Student Council, National Honor Society and competed in Varsity Basketball and Track & Field. After college Aden plans on finding a career as an athletic director for various levels of sports. He has been awarded a $500 scholarship from Lorain County Farm Bureau for his college education. 

Olivia Todd is a 2024 Black River High School graduate attending Cleveland State University to study business. In high school she was involved in varsity cheerleading as a co-captain, and track & field as captain. After college, Olivia plans to become a real estate agent to assist families in her area find their dream homes. Olivia has been awarded a $500 scholarship from Lorain County Farm Bureau for her college education. 

Agriculture Scholarship Winners

Garrett Schlechter is a 2024 Firelands High School graduate and plans to attend The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute to study agribusiness management. He has been heavily involved in 4-H, serving in several chairs, the president of Firelands FFA, and became an Eagle Scout in 2023. After college, Garrett plans to return to his family’s farm to be the 6th generation on Schlechter farms. Garrett has been awarded a $500 scholarship toward his college education from Lorain County Farm Bureau.

Jillian Stannard is a 2024 Wellington High School graduate and plans to attend The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute to study agronomy and ag business. She has been involved in Wellington FFA, Varsity Basketball, and Track & Field. After college Jillian plans to return to her family’s 95 year-old agricultural equipment business. Lorain County Farm Bureau has awarded Jillian with a $500 scholarship for her college education. 

Al DiVencenzo Memorial Scholarship

Clayton Kowalski is a 2024 graduate from Midview High School planning to attend Lorain County Community College this fall to complete an associate’s degree in science. He plans to continue his education at Cleveland State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. When he finishes all of his college education, Clayton desires to work in the agricultural equipment manufacturing industry to continue advancing equipment used by farmers everyday as well as continuing to work on his family’s farm. Clayton has been awarded the Al DiVencenzo Scholarship and won a $1,000 scholarship to put toward his education. 

Continued Education Scholarship

Natalie Calfo is a 2022 graduate of Wellington High School, and is attending the University of Akron as a sophomore studying biomedical science. She has been involved in Pre-Vet Club and is a research assistant. Natalie plans to obtain a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Lorain County Farm Bureau has awarded Natalie with a $500 scholarship to continue her post-secondary education. 

Molly Cordonnier is a 2021 graduate of Black River High School and is currently attending The Ohio State University studying animal sciences and agribusiness. Molly is very involved in extracurricular activities some of which include Collegiate Farm Bureau, AgriBusiness Club and the Collegiate Dairy Challenges Team. She intends to continue her education and earn a master’s degree in reproductive physiology or nutrition so that she may complete research that will create an economically friendly trend for small farms. Molly has been awarded $500 toward continuing her education from Lorain County Farm Bureau.