The Trailing of the Sheep Festival is pleased to announce the second year of distribution of an annual scholarship in honor of John Peavey. The 2026 John Peavey Legacy Fund Scholarship application is open through March 1, 2026, for interested and eligible students. The recipient of this scholarship will be awarded $750 for the 2026-27 academic year. The recipient may use the funds for college- or trade school-related expenses, including tuition, fees, housing, and books while pursuing a degree or certificate in the field of agriculture.
The selected recipient will be notified of their award by April 1, 2026. A committee made up of members of the Peavey family and the Festival Board will review the applications and choose the scholarship winner. Details and the online submission form are available at www.trailingofthesheep.org/john-peavey-legacy-scholarship).
History of The John Peavey Legacy Fund Scholarship
A third generation Blaine County, Idaho, sheep rancher, John and his wife, Diane Josephy Peavey, created, actively supported and fostered the Trailing of the Sheep Festival into what is now an internationally recognized event celebrating the history and cultures of sheep ranching in Idaho and the West.
An icon of the Sun Valley community, John actively kept up his work and fostered his passions until his passing in June of 2024, at the age of 90. While he had many impressive achievements throughout his life—as a family man, rancher, national agricultural advocate, and Idaho State Senator—the Trailing of the Sheep Festival was very special to him as it allowed him to share his love of the sheep, the land, and his many stories which helped educate and inspire both local residents and visitors from around the world.
As a tribute to John, the Festival launched The John Peavey Legacy Fund in 2024. Donations to this fund are being used to support this annual scholarship, as well as John’s legacy to carry out the Festival’s mission to gather, celebrate, present, and preserve the history and cultures of sheepherding in Idaho and the West. The 2025 scholarship recipient was Luke Acquistapace of Carey, Idaho, a student in Agricultural Economics at the University of Idaho.
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