Speaking with Brad Chandler, CEO of Hensall Co-op: “I am thrilled to congratulate this year's Bright Futures Scholarship winners and am inspired by the number of talented students who applied. This overwhelming interest shows just how vital education is in our rural communities, and Hensall Co-op is eager to support the next generation of leaders.” Hensall Co-op is Proud to be Farmer Owned and proud to support education.

Marisa Huberts (Moorefield, ON) will be attending the University of Guelph for a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. As a future Agronomist, Marisa intends to apply her knowledge “directly to support Canadian farmers and the agricultural community.”

Attending Olds College for an Agriculture Management Diploma is Abby Pepper (Merlin, ON). With her education, Abby will equip herself with the “knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges faced by farmers and contribute to sustainable agriculture practices.”

The third recipient is Lauren Hoonaard (South Huron, ON) who is attending the University of Guelph for a Bachelor of Commerce, with a focus on Food and Agriculture Business. Lauren is “excited to work in agriculture to help farmers grow high-yielding crops to help feed the ever-growing population.” She was a previous Hensall Co-op summer intern, which is another program aimed at supporting education in the agricultural industry.

Due to the unprecedented number of applications submitted, two additional grants were awarded this year. Matthew Peters will be attending Fanshawe College and will support his "rural community and Canadian agriculture by acquiring a diploma in cyber security and helping farmers and agri-businesses protect their data against cyber security threats.”

Additionally, David Webster (London, ON) is attending the Ontario Veterinary College to obtain his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. David plans to “work closely with farmers and livestock producers to improve animal health, increase productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices.”

The Hensall Co-op Bright Futures Scholarship provides post-secondary scholarships to students who have shown a career interest in agriculture or a field or trade that will advance rural communities. Up to three $2,500 scholarships are awarded to students who are children or grandchildren of individuals who were a member of Hensall Co-op or an employee, as of March 1 of the year of application.