Gene Wiles Memorial Fund Awarded at Washington County Ag Expo

Gene Wiles family along with the Community Foundation of Washington County MD, Inc. recently presented the first award from the Gene Wiles Memorial Fund to John Justin Martin, 17. He received this grant to purchase a bred gilt to register pigs and continue his swine project. Martin joined the Washington County 4-H at 6 years old, was an active member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) during high school and competed in Envirothon as well as numerous FFA Career Development Events. He currently works with his family at Ivy Hill Farm while attending Hagerstown Community College to pursue a degree in business.Established by the Wiles’ family to honor Gene and his love for agriculture, the Gene Wiles Memorial Fund provides financial support in the form of an annual grant through a qualifying organization to assist a young adult from Washington County, Maryland, or the surrounding area, pursuing an agricultural endeavor. Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 21 and have an affiliation with 4-H programs, the FFA or the Washington County Agriculture Board. Projects must relate directly to agricultural interests.