University of Illinois Extension, Fulton County 4-H is honored to recognize eight high school graduates for their outstanding 4-H accomplishments and leadership. Thanks to scholarship funds established by local donors, $4,500 was awarded this year.

Perry Serven, of St. Augustine, and member of the Avondale 4-H club, was honored with the Hilda Rock Memorial Scholarship ($600). Perry stated in his application that 4-H provided him his first introduction of engineering design at the Lego robotics class at his first two 4-H Clover Clinics he attended. Perry plans to attend either University of Illinois or Iowa State University to study engineering technology and management for agriculture systems or biological systems engineering.

Cooper Nelson, of Canton, is a member of the Farmington Lucky Clovers and graduated from Canton High School. Cooper was awarded the Virginia Barnard Memorial Scholarship ($500). In his scholarship application, Cooper said, “I often think of the 4-H motto: ‘To make the best better’. 4-H has greatly impacted my life; I’ve shown livestock and been involved in 4-H since I was 8. It has been a huge learning experience for myself and my younger siblings.” Cooper plans to attend Spoon River College this Fall.

Halle Tindall, Class of 2023 Lewistown High School graduate and member of the Busy Bees 4-H club, received funds from the Hilda Rock Memorial Scholarship ($400). Halle will be attending Black Hawk East, studying Equine Science. Halle shared in her application that she has learned a lot throughout her eight years in 4-H and looks forward to helping younger 4-H members in the future.

Isabella Cooper, graduate of Lewistown High School has been a member of the Jolly Workers 4-H club for ten years and has held the leadership roles of president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Isabella’s future plans include obtaining her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arizona. Isabella stated in her application, “No matter where I go in the world, one thing is for certain, I will forever devote my head, heart, hands, and health to Fulton County.” Isabella received both the Phillips 4-H Scholarship ($500) and Fulton 4-H Federation Scholarship ($200).

Kelsey Irwin, of the Busy Bees 4-H club is a graduate of Lewistown High School. Kelsey shared in her application that 4-H has helped her become more comfortable as a public speaker during her nine-year membership. Kelsey will be attending Spoon River College and Graham School of Nursing to become a nurse. Kelsey is the recipient of the Roberta Mahr Memorial Scholarship ($100).

Nathan Spangler, of Marietta, is a member of the Checkrow Volunteers 4-H club and graduated from Bushnell-Prairie City High School. Nathan is the recipient of the Gary Eathington Scholarship ($500) and Merle L. Jenkins Memorial Agricultural Scholarship ($200). Nathan will be attending Parkland College as part of the Parkland Pathways program which will allow him to transfer to the University of Illinois where he will major in Energy Technology and Management for Agricultural systems. Nathan stated in his application that through 4-H, he has had the opportunity to help many people through community service. He is also mentoring a younger 4-H member this year with his beef project.  

Emma Green is a member of the Smithfield Up & Coming 4-H club, and a 2023 graduate of Cuba High School. Emma is a recipient of the Hilda Rock Scholarship ($600). Future plans for Emma include attending Blackhawk East Campus and studying Agribusiness. Some of the activities Emma has been involved in throughout her 4-H career include being a 4-H Teen Teacher and taking pictures of 4-H youth at the 4-H General Show, local livestock shows, Fulton County Fair, and the State Fair.

Braydon DeCounter, of Good Hope, is a member of the Smithfield Up & Coming 4-H club. Braydon’s future plans include attending Lincoln Land Community College where he will work towards his associate in animal science and transfer to a four-year University to earn his Bachelor of Science in Animal Nutrition. Braydon also plans on being a member of Lincoln Land College competitive livestock judging team. In his application, Braydon shared that in his 10 years of being part of Fulton County 4-H, he has made it his job to help others as much as possible through their 4-H journey. Braydon is the recipient of the Hilda Rock Memorial Scholarship ($900).

The Fulton County 4-H scholarships have been established to support 4-Hers and honor alumni.

Hilda Rock was a long-time 4-H leader from the Cuba area and her family sponsors 4-H scholarships in her memory.

The Phillips 4-H Scholarship is sponsored by Roger and Cathy Phillips, who wanted to help a deserving 4-H member further his or her education.

Roberta Mahr was a former leader of the Farmington Lucky Clovers 4-H club, and the club continues to fund the scholarship in her memory.

Gary Eathington was a 40-year 4-H leader who passed away in the fall of 2012. Gary raised cattle and was a big supporter of 4-H and University of Illinois.

Merle L. Jenkins, a 1939 graduate of the University of Illinois (B.S. Agriculture), was a long-time supporter of agriculture, youth, and education in Fulton County, including service on the Fulton County Fair Board and Lewistown School Board, agriculture teacher, and a life-long farmer in Fulton County. As an on-going tribute to Mr. Jenkins, family and friends established The Merle L. Jenkins Memorial Agricultural Scholarship to honor him for his great love of agriculture and education throughout his life.

Virginia Barnard was a Fulton County 4-H leader for 69 years, who passed away in 2017. This scholarship goes to a 4-H member pursuing a college education in Agriculture or Home Economics, and who is beginning studies at Spoon River College.

Fulton County 4-H Federation is a group of 4-H members ages thirteen and up who assist in planning, conducting, and helping with county wide 4-H events.

Congratulations to all eight scholarship recipients! These 4-H members are to be commended for their hard work and dedication to 4-H over the years.

For more information on the Fulton County 4-H program and its vast array of activities, call 547-3711 or email Krista Gray, Fulton 4-H program coordinator at kristakg@illinois.edu.