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Area graduates receive Fulton County 4-H scholarships

LEWISTOWN, Ill. - 4-H is the youth education program of University of Illinois Extension. Through 4-H there are several local scholarships available.

These scholarships go to current Fulton County 4-H members who actively participate in 4-H events, and who have shown great accomplishments through 4-H. This year Fulton County 4-H presented scholarships to eight graduates from four area high schools.

Five scholarships were awarded from funds donated in memory of Hilda Rock, a long-time 4-H leader from the Cuba area, by her family. Receiving $500 each were Lydia Curless, Kendra Hartstirn, Max Johnson, Jenna Spangler, and Audrey Tarochione.

Max Johnson also received the Merle L. Jenkins Memorial Agricultural Scholarship of $150.  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.

The $500 Phillips 4-H Scholarship was presented to Elizabeth Reed.  This scholarship is sponsored by Roger and Cathy Phillips, who wanted to help a deserving 4-H member further his or her education.

Elizabeth Reed also received the Roberta Mahr Memorial Scholarship of $100.  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.

The $500 Gary Eathington Memorial Scholarship was presented to Will Hensley.  Gary 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 the University of Illinois. 

Wayde Lane received the Virginia Barnard Memorial Scholarship.  Virginia was a Fulton County 4-H Leader for 69 years, who passed away in 2017.  This $500 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.

Lydia Curless, Max Johnson, and Elizabeth Reed each also received a $100 scholarship from Fulton County 4-H Federation.

Lydia Curless is a 10-year member of the Busy Bees 4-H Club.  She is a 2021 graduate of Lewistown Community High School.  Lydia will attend Illinois Central College, with plans to study Occupational Therapy.

Kendra Hartstirn is a 10-year member of the Fairview Huskies 4-H Club.  She is a 2021 graduate of Spoon River Valley High School.  Kendra will attend Augustana College, with a major in Biology.  She plans to become a veterinarian.

Will Hensley is a 10-year member of 4-H, currently in the Fairview Huskies 4-H Club.  He is a 2021 graduate of Bushnell-Prairie City High School.  Will plans to attend the University of Illinois, majoring in Agricultural and Consumer Economics.  He plans to pursue a career in Agriculture, including coming back to the family farm.

Max Johnson is a 10-year member of the Busy Bees 4-H Club, and a 2021 graduate of Lewistown Community High School.  Max will attend Millikin University, majoring in Biology/Entomology.  He would like to do research with the Department of Natural Resources in the area of Entomology.

Wayde Lane is a 10-year member of the Big Ten 4-H Club.  He is a 2021 graduate of Cuba High School.  He plans to attend Spoon River College, majoring in Computer Information Systems.  His future career plans are to work in the computer field.

Elizabeth Reed is a 10-year 4-H member, most recent years in the Busy Bees 4-H Club, and is a 2021 graduate of Lewistown Community High School.  Elizabeth will attend Butler University, majoring in Finance.  She would like to hold a financial position in a company.

Jenna Spangler is a 10-year member of the Checkrow Volunteers 4-H Club.  She is a 2021 graduate of Bushnell-Prairie City High School.  Jenna plans to attend the University of Illinois to study Food Science and Human Nutrition, with a concentration in Hospitality Management.  She plans to open Jenna Lou’s Ice Cream Shops and begin wholesaling her ice cream to grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses.

Audrey Tarochione is an eight-year member of the Fairview Huskies 4-H Club, and a 2021 graduate of Spoon River Valley High School.  Audrey will attend Kansas State University, majoring in Animal Science.  She plans to work as a beef geneticist and livestock producer.

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 jblout@illinois.edu.

 

SOURCE: Janis Blout, Fulton 4-H Program Coordinator, jblout@illinois.edu

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