COUNTRY Financial and financial representative Jay Hurd in Minonk Illinois have donated 10 full scholarships for area basketball players to attend the 3rd annual Curley "Boo" Johnson Skills for Life basketball camp. Curley "Boo" Johnson is a former Harlem Globetrotter for 18 years.

The camp targets young players between the ages of 9 and 14 helping them grow both on and of the basketball court. Johnson and COUNTRY have also set aside four of the scholarships for Fieldcrest students who otherwise may not be able to attend the camp.

Mr. Hurd said, "We’re a small town. These people are my neighbors and friends. I’m proud to be able to bring them this experience."

"Curley’s camp isn’t just about basketball. This camp also teaches kids about making smart life choices. We hope by giving them this experience, we’re strengthening families in this community. That’s what we’re about at COUNTRY, strengthening families. In that regard, it’s a natural fit for us and we’re honored to be part of it."

Four fieldcrest students were awarded scholarships to Curley Boo's Camp at an assembly held in Wenona Monday. The students were selected based upon family need and administrative recommendation. The four winners include 7th grade students Jake Griffinand Joe Gensler, 6th grader Anthone Rogers, and 6th grade student Joey Buis. All four of these students have compelling stories related to family need. Curley Boo Johnson and Jay Hurd are thrilled to be able to deliver assistance and support to these families.

Jake Griffin is a seventh grade student at Fieldcrest Middle School. Jake loves basketball and played on the 7th grade team that won the regional championship this past year. Jake lost his father when he was very young. Two weeks ago his mother passed away suddenly. In this time of uncertainty and loss, Jake has been able to rely on his basketball buddies and close family for support. This opportunity for the “Skills for Life” basketball camp will also be of great benefit.

Joe Gensler is a seventh grade student at Fieldcrest Middle School. Joe also played on the 7th grade basketball team where his hard work and great efforts were evident in every game. Joe’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. The past year has been full of treatments and therapy and questions. It has been very emotional for the entire family. Through all of this time, Joe has been able to rely on one of his passions-basketball to help get him through this challenge. This camp opportunity is something the family would not be able to do given their medical situation.

Anthone Rogers is a sixth grade student at Fieldcrest West. Anthone loves basketball and has a terrific future ahead of him with the sport. He also loves his mom. For several years, it was Anthone, his sister, Shontel and his mom. She had to find a way to be a working mom and support her two children. This was a difficult situation, but they bonded together and made it through, A camp like this is out of reach for the family. This scholarship will allow Anthone a chance to develop the game he loves and be challenged to grow his character at the same time.

Joey Buis is a sixth grade student at Fieldcrest West. Joey’s family has been a source of support for Jake Griffin. Jake’s mom and Joey’s mom were sisters. With a full household already, Joey’s family has offered support to Jake in whatever manner is needed. An opportunity like this would not be possible given the current needs of the household. 

Pictured below from the left are Jay Hurd, Joey Buis, Anthony Rogers, Joe Gensler, Curley "Boo" Johnson, and Jake Griffin.