The October 15th stop made by the “Luke Bryan Farm Tour” in Effingham will soon benefit four high schools students heading to Eastern Illinois University.
Although he is now known as a Country Music superstar, Luke Bryan spent a majority of his life expecting to work in agriculture. Bryan was born in Georgia to a peanut farmer. In 2009, Bryan launched the first “Farm Tour”, performing at farm-based venues for fans. To honor his roots in agriculture, proceeds made by ticket sales for each stop of the “Farm Tour” are used for scholarships to be given to local high school students. Therefore, four local high school students that are heading to EIU will receive a $2,000 EIU Luke Bryan Farm Tour Scholarship.
Applicants for the scholarship must be able to meet the following requirements,
- Must be a High School Senior, graduating in Spring 2017, in Coles, Clark, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Moultrie, or Shelby County.
- Must have a personal background or connection in agriculture/farming
- Must complete the online application and submit a personal essay/ statement
- Must submit at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher, principal, supervisor, or mentor
- Must be admitted to EIU by March 15, 2017
Personal essays and statements are required to address at least one of the following questions,
- “How has agriculture been an essential part of your life and what civic, moral or other responsibilities have developed from this lifestyle? How will these values help you be successful at EIU?”
- “Farming communities rely heavily on stewardship in order to survive. When have you witnessed this in your community? Explain how this experience impacted you and how it will shape your future at EIU?”
- “Traditionally, country music is the voice of working class Americans. Choose a Luke Bryan song or lyric and express how his music embodies a theme in your life. How will this benefit you while at EIU?”
- “Agriculture and/or farming requires dedication, skill, and perseverance. Who is your mentor and how has their background in agriculture directly or indirectly taught you these attributes? Please include a narrative or example.”
For additional information regarding the EIU Luke Bryan Farm Tour Scholarship, contact Molly Button at mmbutton@eiu.edu or call 217-581-2299 or contact the Office of Admissions at 877-581-BEIU(2348), admissions@eiu.edu, or visit www.eiu.edu/admissions. Scholarship applications and letters of recommendations can be submitted at www.eiu.edu/lukebryanscholarship.