2026 Scholarship Winners

The Will-South Cook SWCD is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026

Conservation Education Scholarship Awards. These students will each receive a $2,000

scholarship and be honored at the SWCD’s Annual Recognition Dinner on July 23 rd ,

2026.

Nathan Heldt is the 2026 recipient of the Richard “Dick” McHugh Memorial Scholarship.

Nathan is the son of Ryan and Shannon Heldt of Beecher. He is a graduate of Beecher

High School and plans to attend Iowa State University in the fall to study Agribusiness

and Economics. Nathan works at his family’s farm and volunteers at various community

events.

Autumn Regal is the 2026 recipient of the Allan May Memorial Scholarship. Autumn, the

daughter of Jeffrey and Dolores Regal of Peotone, is a graduate of Peotone High

School. She is planning to attend Joliet Junior College and study Agriculture. Autumn

has been an active member of FFA, Student Council, National Honor Society, and

various other school organizations.

Savannah Cortina is the 2026 recipient of the Richard “Dick” Smerz Memorial

Scholarship. Savannah, of Mokena, is the daughter of Tomas Cortina and Ashley Bourn.

She is a graduate of Lincoln-Way East High School and plans to attend the University of

Oklahoma in the fall to study Meteorology and Atmospheric Science. Savannah has

been a member of National Honor Society, an academic tutor, and a hospital volunteer

and trainer.

The Will-South Cook SWCD is proud to honor these three students.