The Rock Island Rotary Club, in partnership with the Rock Island County Extension & 4-H Education Foundation, awarded five scholarships totaling $4,750 during the 51st annual Bert Blood Memorial Scholarship awards ceremony held at the Quad City Botanical Center on April 1, 2023.  Rock Island County 4-H members Matthew Callahan, Anna Taylor, and Ella Goodnight each gave presentations about their 4-H experiences. They were awarded their scholarships by Rotary Vice President Eric Westphall, 4-H Foundation President John Flaherty, and Rotarian John Wetzel. Two Rock Island County 4-H alumni, Tyler Bohnert, and Evan DeKeyrel also received scholarships for their continuing college education. Here’s more information about the recipients and the scholarship program.

2023 Bert Blood Memorial 4-H Scholarship Recipients were: 

Matthew Callahan received a $1,500 scholarship. He is the son of Michael and Amie Callahan of Moline, Ill. After graduating from Moline High School in May, he plans to attend The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, majoring in art. He has been a 10-year member of the Magical Muggles 4-H club where he has served as treasurer, and teen leader. His favorite 4-H projects included visual arts, poultry, and rabbits. He credits his 4-H service projects in the areas of food insecurity as helping him see the difference he can make and said his 4-H conference judging experiences helped him develop the confidence to pursue his art degree.

Anna Taylor received a $1,250 scholarship. She is the daughter of Robert and Chris Taylor of Sherrard, Ill. After graduating from Sherrard High School in May, she plans to attend Black Hawk East to major in agriculture with an emphasis on equestrian studies. She has been a 10-year member of the Trail Blazers 4-H Club where she has served as president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. She credits 4-H with helping her develop the confidence to go outside her comfort zone and try new things, like welding. Her favorite 4-H projects have been in training and showing horses.

Ella Goodnight received a $1,000 scholarship. She is the daughter of Luci and Ben Goodnight of Illinois City, Ill.  After graduating from Rockridge High School in May, she plans to attend Luther College to study neuroscience. She has been a 10-year member of the Edgington Go Getters 4-H Club where she has served as president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and reporter. Some of her favorite projects have been swine, visual arts, equine science, and photography. She credits 4-H with helping her develop public speaking, and leadership skills.

Two 4-H alumni also received $500 scholarships: Tyler Bohnert of East Moline, Ill who is enrolled in Agri-Business at University of Wisconsin, Platteville; and Evan DeKeyrel of Milan, Ill who is enrolled in Ag Production at Black Hawk East.

The Rock Island Rotary Club has been awarding the scholarships since 1973. They were started in honor of Albert M. "Bert" Blood, a long time Rock Island businessman, who organized the Rotary Club's annual Rural/Urban program up to his death in 1972 at age 101. Bert worked hard to ensure that Rock Island Rotary Club stayed connected with their dependence on rural production and supply. As tuition costs increased and with assistance of the Rock Island County Extension & 4-H Education Foundation, there is now a total of $4,750 in scholarships available to qualifying applicants each year.

Picture cutline: Bert Blood 4-H Scholarship Recipients, Matthew Callahan, Anna Taylor, Ella Goodnight (center) are flanked by 4-H Foundation president, John Flaherty, and Rotary VP Eric Westphall, (left) and Rotary member John Wetzel (right).