October 30, 2014
Hess receives Joseph Cyril Courtney Scholarship
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- He started working with trees when he was 10 years old, and his goal is to make a career of it. His work ethic is part of what made Jacob Hess a winning candidate for the 2014-15 Joseph Cyril Courtney Scholarship at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The scholarship, established by Helitech Waterproofing and Foundation Repair for the College of Agricultural Sciences, rewards an incoming freshman or transfer student who seems likely to exemplify the ideals of hard work leading to significant accomplishment. Hess, a junior forestry major from Anna, is a transfer student from Shawnee Community College. He is the son of Samuel Hess and the late Lisa Hess of Anna.
Hess is a lifelong resident of Union County. His first job was working in orchards and vegetable fields, supplemented with mowing lawns. Hess has worked at Rusty’s Home Center since he was old enough for a worker’s permit. A graduate of Anna-Jonesboro Community High School, Hess was a four-year FFA member and played baseball.
He attended Shawnee Community College with the assistance of scholarships, finishing his career there as the 2014 Ag Student of the Year. At SCC, he promoted the agriculture program during visits to area high schools, worked in the greenhouse and on campus, served as a judge for FFA speech competitions and forestry events, and helped with the college’s hunter safety program.
He is eager to finish his bachelor’s degree at SIU and to find a career related to his forestry major.
The Joseph Cyril Courtney Scholarship is a tribute to the memory of the late Joseph Cyril Courtney. Courtney established a Farm Coop that served five states, served on the State Vegetable Growers Board of Directors and the University of Illinois Horticulture and Vegetable Advisory Board. The scholarship honors his example of hard work and significant accomplishment.
William Courtney, CEO of Helitech Waterproofing and Foundation Repair, said, “Helitech would like to congratulate and commend Jacob Hess on his hard work and commitment to the SIU College of Agricultural Sciences.”
Helitech has served homeowners across Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri as a residential construction contractor for nearly 30 years. Helitech’s capabilities include waterproofing, stabilization, and repair for basements, crawlspaces, and foundations.