Natalie Richardson Receives Both 2009 Chapter & Local Scholarships

Ms. Natalie Richardson of Cantrall, Illinois is the winner of both 2009 scholarships offered by The New Salem Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. The NWTF scholarship program is for local high school seniors who are graduating each spring. Ms. Richardson received both of the two available chapter scholarships for a total of $500.00. She was selected as the Chapter Scholar with a $250 award, and becomes eligible to compete for additional $1,000 State and $5,000 National NWTF scholarships. An additional $250 local scholarship was awarded in the memory of chapter member Richard Eilks of Oakford - a long-time supporter of conservation organizations in Menard County.

Natalie graduated in June 2009 from Athens HS in Athens, IL. She is shown in the photo being presented the scholarship check at our 2009 banquet by former recipients Dalton Whitley (2005) and Zachary Holliday (2008.) Natalie plans to attend Lincoln Land College, then transfer to Western Illinois University in Macomb for the rest of her education with a major in Graphic Communication.

Since the local New Salem Longbeards Chapter is a "5-Star" NWTF Chapter, Natalie will have the opportunity to advance in the state and national NWTF Scholarship competitions. (State and National awards are $1,000 and $10,000 respectively.)

Scholarship applicants must be graduating seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, must pursue a degree at an accredited institution of higher education, actively participate in hunting sports, be involved in school activities, and demonstrate leadership plus community involvement. An essay, autobiography, and three letters of recommendation are required.

Ms. Natalie Richardson
2009 NSL Scholarship Recipient

The 2009 Chapter Scholarship Committee consisted of Larry Dale (Chairman,) George Staab, and Chris Hinton. The committee was unanimous in selecting Natalie for both scholarships on the basis of her high scores in all of the judging areas, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service experiences, and the extensive honors and awards that she has received. In addition, she wrote an excellent essay entitled "Why Hunting Is Important To Me."

Additional Information

• 2011 Applicant Page: Application information for 2010 graduates
• 2010 Recipient: George Tibbs
• 2008 Recipients: Robby Wahlbrink, Steele Sullivan & Zachary Holliday
• 2007 Recipients: Brandon Lounsberry & Cassandra Horreighs
• 2006 Recipient: Christopher Schirding
• 2005 Recipient: Dalton Whitley