Paul Moeggenberg Family Youth Agricultural Scholarship

The Paul Moeggenberg Family Youth Agricultural Scholarship has been established to honor a man who lovingly devoted his entire life to his faith, family, community and farming.  At age 15, Paul left high school to help sustain his parent’s farm while his older brothers served in WWII.  Paul never looked back.  In 1955, Paul and his young bride, Eleanor, purchased their very own farm in Leaton, Michigan. Together, they built a successful dairy farm operation while raising eleven (yes, 11) children.

While farming consumed the vast majority of his time, he always remained a loving, caring and patient husband, father, grandpa, uncle, brother and leader in both his church and community.  Paul actively used his farm to share the many life lessons that farming provides, not only for his own children but for countless nieces, nephews, neighbors and often those in need... for Paul was always reaching out to others. Paul fully understood that reaching out to others was what was most important in life and that his farm was simply the tool that allowed him to do so, to so many.

Therefore, the family has established this scholarship, not just to honor Paul, but to carry forward his wonderful legacy of giving back through farming.  While we recognize this will be but one small part of the recipient's education and development, we hope that each recipient will embrace Paul's giving spirit as they embark on a successful and rewarding career in agriculture.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a graduating senior from an Isabella County high school.
• Must be planning a career in the field of agriculture.
• Must have demonstrated academic ability with a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average.
• Must have been active in a youth organization (e.g. 4H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church Group, FFA)

Preferences:

In considering eligible applicants, reviewers should give preference to students whose career plans, past accomplishments and background best address the following:

• The desire to establish a career in the field of Production Agriculture as expressed in the applicant’s written essay.
• A farm background as described in the applicant’s written essay.
• Financial need as expressed in the applicant’s written essay.
• Volunteer & community service as detailed on the scholarship application.