By Staff
CASSOPOLIS -- The 2003 Harold L. Sparks Agricultural Scholarship was awarded to Ryan Peterson, son of Rick and Nancy Peterson of Niles.
Ryan is the 2003 valedictorian of Brandywine High School and is currently enrolled at Michigan State University, majoring in biosystems engineering.
Ryan has grown up and worked on the family farm all his life and is hoping for a career that has the ability for him to continue to work with farmers and other people interested in the preservation and management of land resources. Ryan is good at working with people, which shows in his accomplishments. He is currently the Michigan FFA Association president, presiding over all FFA members statewide.
He has also served as president for student council, senior class, National Honor Society, Cassopolis FFA and Michigan Region I FFA.
Ryan is very active in 4-H and has also been in the American Legion Boy's State delegation.
The $500 scholarship is awarded annually. It was established by the Harold Sparks family through the donations of his many friends at the time of his death.
Harold spent much of his life helping others through his career as 4-H and MSU Extension agent.
On July 22 Harold's wife, Rose, passed away at age 88. She, like Harold, was very interested in youth and education. She often talked about how she received a 4-H scholarship which enabled her to go to MSC and earn her teaching degree. She often said she may have never been able to go to college without the scholarship. Donations to the scholarship are welcome and can be sent to the Harold L. Sparks Scholarship Fund, Fifth Third Bank, Cassopolis, MI 49031.