(2005)
- Created by Mary Margaret Kerns Meek, the fund will provide scholarships to
graduating seniors of McGuffey High School who are members of the Future Farmers
of America and who intend to pursue a post-secondary education in the field of
agriculture.
Mary and her brother, Bob Kerns, grew up on a farm located on McGuffey Road in West Alexander, PA. The farm has been in their family since the early 1800's. After graduating from high school, the siblings decided to pursue careers in agriculture.
After graduating from West Liberty State College with a BS in Home Economics and Speech Communication, Mary became a County Extension Agent for West Virginia University, where she also obtained her MS in Family Resource Management. Mary spent her career serving for Ohio, Tucker, Hampshire, & Hancock Counties, concentrating in the areas of home economy, flood relief, 4-H, and agriculture.
Mary also enjoyed showing dairy animals with two of her nephews, and traveling to different shows to educate people about what it takes to operate a dairy farm. Children were taught where milk comes from, while adults learned about the economics of running a farm and what it would cost to ship a Grade A product.
Now retired, Mary enjoys serving on the session of the West Alexander Presbyterian Church and singing in their choir. She also gives inspirational and informative speeches to community groups, including one group that is sponsored by the WVU Extension Service. Mary also enjoys worldwide traveling.
Bob Kerns still continues to operate on the farm, with his wife and two children. He recently converted the farm from a full time dairy operation to a beef and crop farm.
The Kerns' Farm
This fund is the 100th permanent fund of the Washington County Community Foundation.
Click here for printable application
Click here for a list of scholarship recipients