Cole Paulek of Stonington has been named a recipient of the 2026 Tom Tracy Memorial Farm Credit Illinois Family Scholarship.

Paulek will receive 3-thousand dollars to help cover college expenses. He plans to study animal science at Kansas State University. A graduate of Taylorville High School, Paulek was selected based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, career goals, and financial need.

The scholarship is awarded to children and grandchildren of Farm Credit Illinois employees and is administered by the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois. Paulek is the son of Craig and Katie Paulek. His mother works as a member service specialist with Farm Credit Illinois in Taylorville.

Paulek was selected along with 11 other recipients. The scholarship honors the legacy of former Farm Credit Illinois President and CEO Tom Tracy, who helped establish the program to support students pursuing higher education.