Scholarships
Each year, the Ohio FFA Foundation recognizes Ohio FFA members who wish to continue their formal education. Through multiple scholarships, the Ohio FFA Foundation and its partners are able to recognize FFA members for their diligence and hard work. The Ohio FFA Foundation offers multiple different scholarship opportunities with only one application. The scholarship application will open on November 1 and close on February 1.
Brent Bail Family Foundation Scholarship – This scholarship was created by Tom and Nicole Waltz in honor of Nicole’s father, Brent Bail. Brent was born and raised in Athens and was a 1980 graduate from Athens High School. After a long career in excavating, Brent became an admirable horseman, eventually helping to found the Ohio Ranch Horse Association. Brent was able to touch the lives of countless people by passing on his horsemanship abilities while providing lessons that will be remembered for a lifetime. Eligible applicants should be post-secondary bound FFA members pursuing a vocational, associate, and/or bachelor’s degree. Preference will be given to students from Athens County and who engage in community service and volunteer work; are involved in 4-H and equestrian activities; work on a farm and support themselves or their family; and demonstrate financial need.
Earl F. “Doc” Kantner Scholarship – Dr. Earl F. “Doc” Kantner is well known for contributing 45 years of leadership to Agricultural Education and Ohio FFA. He served as a teacher, State FFA Executive Secretary and Ohio FFA Foundation and Center director. He and his wife, Onnolee, are also known for their positive influence on the organization. An endowment was established to award a scholarship to Ohio FFA members in honor of Dr. Kantner. Applicants must be a high school senior and planning to attend The Ohio State University (including any branch campus).
Ohio HBPA Scholarship – The Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) is comprised of nearly 2,500 owners and trainers who race Thoroughbreds at the three commercial race tracks in Ohio. Since 2016, the Ohio HBPA has partnered with the Ohio FFA Foundation to provide 24 scholarships to Ohio’s FFA members. Each year two $1,000 Ohio HBPA scholarships will be offered to FFA members in each of the FFA’s ten Ohio districts. Additionally, 4 at large $1,000 scholarships will be available to FFA members for a total of 24 $1,000 FFA scholarships. Applicants can be a high school senior or a college freshman and attending any post-secondary institution.
Ohio State Fair Endowment Scholarship – In 2016, the Ohio State Fair Scholarship Endowment Program was formed to provide scholarships to FFA Students who exhibit at the Ohio State Fair and are planning to study an agriculturally-related area of study. If applying for this scholarship, please be prepared to list in detail your participation at the Ohio State Fair including the areas of participation and the year. This includes livestock showing and/or judging, sanctioned 4-H/FFA project judging and participation in the livestock skillathon. Please also include your plans for the upcoming year. While the 2020 Ohio State Fair was cancelled, please list all involvement except that year.
Patricia A. Opelt Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship supports students pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture-related fields. Established to honor Patricia’s commitment to education, youth development, and the agricultural industry, this scholarship encourages future leaders as they continue their academic and career journeys. Priority consideration is given to applicants from Union and Madison counties.
General applicant requirements:
– Must be a current Ohio FFA member
– Must be a current high school senior or college freshman (at the time of application)
– Must major in an agricultural related field of study. See the List of Approved Majors document.
– Must have a minimum of 2.7 cumulative GPA
– Students that do not provide a valid email will be disqualified
Scholarship Application FAQs:
- Applications are due by February 1
- It is suggested to prepare application responses in another document and then copy them into the application. You may not be able to save your work in the application and return later.
- Applicants should be prepared to share the following information:
Resume Information
– Current GPA
– Career Objective
– Work Experience – List in reverse chronological order all paid and volunteer work experiences (Include the place of employment and a description of duties/achievements for each experience)
– Participation in FFA – List in reverse chronological order leadership roles, awards, and participation in FFA activities
– Participation in School & Community Organizations Outside of FFA – List in reverse chronological order school or community organizations that you are active in (include the name of each organization and a description of responsibilities/achievements in each group)
– Certifications, Awards & Accomplishments – List in reverse chronological order
– *Only if previously participated at the Ohio State Fair* – List in detail your areas of participation and years at the OSF. Include plans for this upcoming year
Essay Questions
– Describe how your involvement in FFA has shaped who you are. (500 word limit)
– Why did you decide to go to college and what are your academic goals? (500 word limit)
– How has your involvement in FFA prepared you to succeed in college and your future career? (500 word limit)
Recognition Information
Recipients of all endowed scholarships will be recognized on stage at the Ohio FFA Convention – Brent Bail Family Foundation, Earl F. “Doc” Kantner, and the Ohio State Fair Endowment Scholarships. Ohio HBPA Scholarship and Patricia A. Opelt Scholarship recipients will not be recognized on stage.
2026 Scholarship Recipeints
Endowed Scholarships
Brent Bail Family Foundation Scholarship
Eliza Beck-Aden, Athens FFA
Earl F. “Doc” Kantner Scholarship
Annabelle Eggleton, Miami Trace Great Oaks FFA
Lydia Fuchs, Barnesville FFA
Logan Snavely, Seneca East FFA
Emma Strickler, Amanda-Clearcreek FFA
Ohio State Fair Endowed Scholarship
Sydney Shelton, Mowrystown FFA
Sydney Stirm, Colonel Crawford FFA
HBPA Scholarship
Darby Ayars, Mechanicsburg FFA
Alaina Bell, Bloom-Carroll FFA
Emma Bergbigler, Miami Valley CTC FFA
Audrey Boeshart, Utica FFA
Claire Brunson, Anna FFA
Addyson Connelly, Northwestern FFA
Emmalee Connelly, Northwestern FFA
Abby Crum, West Muskingum FFA
Margaret Davis, Gallipolis FFA
Keegan Diehl, Logan Elm FFA
Marguerite Fulton, Fort Frye FFA
Ava Genter, Pettisville FFA
Grace Kackley, Meadowbrook FFA
Madee Koenig, Peebles FFA
Frances Lockyer, Eastwood FFA
Isabella Lucha, South Central FFA
Madison Pleiman, Fort Loramie-UVCC FFA
Brooklyn Randall, Urbana FFA
Delana Rank, Lincolnview FFA
Emelia Roehm, Fairfield FFA
Jack Stover, Shelby FFA
Wrehn Thompson, Upper Sandusky FFA
Brooke Watson, Barnesville FFA
Emily Weber, Carey FFA
Patricia A. Opelt Memorial Scholarship
Olivia Laubensheimer, Madison Plains FFA
Natalie Williams, Marysville FFA