Memorial Health System
06/17/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/17/2022 12:09
Hospital Foundation Awards Agriscience, Nutrition Scholarship
Eric M. Schafer, a Taylorville High School alumnus, received the 2022 John H. Butterfield Agriscience and Nutrition Scholarship awarded by the Taylorville Memorial Foundation.
Schafer was awarded $1,000. He is the son of Aaron and Sue Schafer of Owaneco.
Schafer is a sophomore at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas, majoring in agriculture. He plans to transfer to Oklahoma State University to complete his bachelor's degree in animal science.
Schafer has gained on-the-job experience as a part-time employee at McCurry Ranches, where he helps with the sale of bulls and breeding stock and assists with a junior show program that teaches children how to exhibit cattle at state and national events. Schafer also serves as vice chairman of the National Junior Angus Association board of directors and participates on the Butler Livestock Judging Team.
The John H. Butterfield Agriscience and Nutrition Scholarship is awarded to a student who has graduated from a central Illinois high school, with priority given to a Christian County resident, and has completed the first year in an agriscience or food nutrition program at a two- or four-year college or university.
John H. Butterfield's lifetime interest in soil science and plant nutrition led him around the world to observe and learn about farming practices in other countries. Raised on a Christian County farm, he worked as an appraiser for the Farm Credit Administration before returning to the family farm in 1940.
"The Butterfield family established this scholarship to honor their father's dedication to agriculture. Awarding this scholarship to a young person preparing for a career in agriculture or nutrition exemplifies John's lifelong interest in education," said Raedena Ryan, executive director of the Taylorville Memorial Foundation.
For more information about educational grants and scholarships available through the Taylorville Memorial Foundation, visit memorial.health/tmf or contact Ryan at 217-707-5271.
Organized in 1995, the Taylorville Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports Taylorville Memorial Hospital's mission to improve lives and build stronger communities through better health.