PEKIN — The Pekin Board of Directors announced a tremendous gift received by the district: 270 acres of farmland bequeathed by the late Roland L. McCreery. A longtime neighbor and steward of the land surrounding the old Navy Runway, Mr. McCreery generously left the property to the district in his will, ensuring his legacy will continue to enrich the lives of Pekin students for generations to come.

In a statement released to the media, the district stated, “This extraordinary gift will have a lasting impact on the district’s educational programs, particularly the FFA (Future Farmers of America) program and the Scholarship Program available to all graduating seniors. In tribute to Mr. McCreery’s generosity and lifelong connection to the community, the district will establish the Roland L. McCreery Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually during the May Awards Assembly.”

The Pekin Board of Directors officially accepted the gift at its October 13th board meeting.