Students honored with Massac County HCE, Extension Facilities scholarship

The scholarship program is open to students in Massac County who plan to pursue studies in home and community education, environmental sciences or agriculture.

Wrye is the daughter of James and Dee Dee Wrye of Belknap.

A senior at Massac County High School, she was a member of the National Honor Society and active in Future Farmers of America. She was awarded the Illinois State FFA Degree and was Section 25 FFA Star in Ag Placement. She was also active with HOSA and the CNA programs.

Wrye volunteers at the Metropolis Library, University of Illinois Extension’s Plant a Row, Watch COPE Grow Food Donation Garden, and the COPE food pantry. She also planted trees in the community and worked at the Lone Oak Animal Clinic for the past three years.

Wrye plans to attend West Kentucky Community and Technical College to pursue an associate of science degree in nursing, and then apply for the nursing program to work toward becoming a registered nurse.

Westbrooks is the son of Chad and Stacey Westbrooks of Metropolis.

The MCHS senior was member of the band, jazz band, soccer team and National Honor Society.

Outside of school, Westbrooks is an active member of the First Baptist Church Youth Group, church band and is a camp counselor. He has also attended mission trips and helped with the At the River community dinner.

Westbrooks plans to attend WKCTC for a degree in electrical technology. He will pursue an associate of science degree and plans to become an electrician.

McNeill is the daughter of Molly Stephens of Metropolis.

A senior at Joppa High School, she was an active member of the BETA Club, FFA, WYSE Team, Scholar Bowl, student council and the lead student for the school news program. She was president of the senior class, president of the FFA chapter and vice president of BETA Club.

McNeill was also a member of the basketball, volleyball and softball teams. She worked at Fat Edd’s Roadhouse as a cook and cashier, volunteered at University of Illinois Extension’s Plant a Row, Watch COPE Grow Food Donation Garden and assisted with the elementary basketball camp at Joppa.

McNeill plans to attend Shawnee Community College and major in the Emergency Medical Technician certification program. After completing the certificate, she plans to attend a four-year university to obtain a master of science in paramedicine to become an EMT.

Latham is the son of Shannon and Deanna Latham of Metropolis.

The JHS senior was a member of the Academic Team, BETA Club, WYSE, FFA, Scholar Bowl and Math Team. He was also a leader of many of the teams to compete at academic state events.

Latham tutored some of the younger students at Joppa and helped transport students home from sports and club events.

Latham plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University to pursue a bachelor of science degree in computer science.

Massac County HCE was established in 1947 as the Massac County Home Bureau. A driving goal through its 75 years has been to support local charities and community members in the area. Ella Mae Main, a long-time HCE member, helped establish the high school scholarship program in 1990 for seniors in Massac County who are pursing post-secondary eduction in the areas of home, family, environment and agricultural studies.

Massac County Extension Facilities, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that provides the offices for the University of Illinois Extension, which provides educational programs, nutrition, 4-H and the COPE Food Donation Garden for the community.

The two groups work together offer the scholarships, which are $500 each.