MANCHESTER, Iowa — The Iowa 4-H Foundation has announced the recipients of over 100 Iowa 4-H scholarships valued at over $115,000. Recipients accepted their awards on Sunday, June 2 at the Foundation’s scholarship recognition ceremony held in the Scheman Building at Iowa State University. Over 400 applications were submitted and scholarships have been awarded to recipients from 50 counties across the state of Iowa with a wide variety of 4-H experiences.
Tehya Demmer from Delaware County was awarded the Schmalenberger Family 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
Tehya Demmer was awarded the Schmalenberger Family 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation.Demmer will be attending Iowa State University this fall to major in animal science with plans to pursue veterinary medicine upon graduation. In high school, she was involved with the National Honor Society, FFA, and at home on the family dairy farm. Her passions in dairy led her to representing Iowa on a national level through the dairy judging and quiz bowl competitions in these organizations. Through her involvement in 4-H, she was able to find her niche in animal agriculture to pursue her education as a veterinarian.
“I have always had a love for animals and the agricultural industry, but 4-H has helped me experience other parts of it that I could have never experienced on my own,” said Demmer.
Shelby Westhoff from Delaware County was awarded the Duroe 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
Westhoff is a senior at Beckman Catholic High School with plans to attend Iowa State University this fall to major in animal science. Westhoff credits her 4-H experiences with helping her achieve personal growth and a confidence to speak out. She points to her club officer role, helping at the 4-H concession stand and giving presentations as areas 4-H developed different skills.
“4-H was one of the first organizations that opened me to all of the opportunities in the agricultural field. It is because of my involvement that I have decided to pursue an animal science degree. This decision stems from my involvement in showing animals and my research projects,” said Westhoff. “4-H showed me that I had a voice and that my opinions were important. I learned that I can make a difference by sharing what I know.”
Grace Reiss from Delaware County was awarded the Theisen’s Home | Farm | Auto 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
Reiss will be attending Iowa State University in the fall double majoring in dietetics and global resource systems. She hopes to be a part of the effort to end world hunger by improving malnourishment issues in developing countries. She credits her involvement in the 4-H program for sparking her interest in food and nutrition and a young age and giving her a drive for success in healthy living.
“4-H has opened my eyes through the years of the possibilities I can do in the future. At a young age, it taught me about hard work, presentation, and the drive to reach my goals,” said Reiss. “It warms my heart knowing we can make a difference in our community. My goal is that when I’m finished with 4-H, I’m remembered for my community service and my healthy recipes.”
“Iowa 4-H Foundation scholarships acknowledge the hard work and dedication of young people who have used their 4-H skills and experiences to ‘make the best better’ for others,” said Emily Saveraid, Executive Director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. “We also are thankful for the many scholarship donors who fund these important opportunities for Iowa 4-H’ers.”
— Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
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