By MELISSA WALKER

Staff Writer

The cattle came through.

The department of agricultural sciences raised more than $16,500 for scholarships aiding agricultural science majors at the 3rd annual Commitment to Education Consignment Cattle Sale.

Dr. Gary Kennedy, an associate professor of agricultural sciences, said he runs the cattle auction with the help of faculty, staff and students.

"It was a lot of hard work, but it is worth it," Kennedy said.

Kennedy said 300 to 400 people attended the auction, which was held Oct. 9 in the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe.

All proceeds from the 144 cows sold went to Tech's Agricultural Sciences Scholarship Fund.

Kennedy said the idea to hold an auction developed several years ago when the stock market was in a decline.

He also said each year after that the department has invited area producers to donate and consign. The producers donate 10 percent of the profit, which is the fee for putting an animal in the auction.

Kennedy said several corporate sponsors contributed to the costs of holding a cattle auction, and he said the efforts have paid off.

"In the past two years, we have raised $30,000," Kennedy said.

The profits are put into a fund that has resulted in 30 to 35 scholarships, Kennedy said.

The cattle auction proceeds consist of over 50 percent of the scholarship fund.

Scholarships are available to incoming freshmen under the department of agricultural sciences.

Laramie Harris, a scholarship recipient and a freshman agricultural business major, said she plans to continue to apply for the scholarship in the future.

"My $300 scholarship is going toward my tuition. Every little bit helps," Harris said.

Kennedy said returning students are also eligible for the scholarships, although they must apply.

Kennedy said the department awards scholarships to continuing students based on academic performance and involvement with the department.

Ashley Leggit, a junior animal science major, is also a recipient of an agricultural science scholarship.

"I assumed the university was responsible for the scholarships," Leggit said. "I had no idea that the money came from a cattle auction.

"I guess I am grateful to those cattle."