Four high school graduates for the 2021-2022 school year were selected for the Farmington Fire Department scholarships, with the department’s volunteers coordinating the scholarship program.

Sydney Briggs, Drew Cunningham, Megan Kroon and Amanda Murphy were the four selected this year.

“One of the proudest events the Volunteers hold each year,” former chief Conni Bailey said of the dinner and scholarship presentation. “Each recipient receives a $1000 scholarship towards their continued education.”

Bailey said it was an especially meaningful night this year, as all four recipients already have their plans in place for future careers.

Drew Cunningham is going into the field of postpartum/delivery, Megan Kroon will be working toward a degree in Ag Business. Amanda Murphy has plans to become a journalist and possibly a news/sports anchor while Sydney Briggs will be studying to become a Physician’s Assistant, said Bailey, following “her family’s history in caring for people” and their medical needs.

“Aspirations of a generation that gives us all hope for the future,” Bailey added.

The Farmington Fire Department Volunteers have been doing the scholarships since 2008.

“At that time, we gave $500 each, then raised it a few years later to $1000,” explained Bailey. “All the scholarship money comes from the Pancake Breakfast.”

That annual event typically sees the department serve up several hundred breakfasts and they also bring in money that day as a result of offering several raffle drawings. Bailey said the money for the scholarships is set aside first from the proceeds of the breakfast.

“The rest is for emergency equipment,” she said. “It is the raffle that gives us the largest amount of profit.”