Clinton County Extension 4-H Education Foundation awarded scholarships to 11 local students in 2026.

The Clinton County Extension 4-H Education Foundation awarded $8,750 in scholarships to 4-H members and alums of Clinton County in 2026. These awards encourage and support the county's youth interested in higher education. Each applicant must have spent at least six years in 4-H, with a minimum of four years in Clinton County 4-H. 

Winners of the 2026 scholarships include: 

Awarded $1000

• Mason Hilmes- Hilmes is a sophomore at Southeast Missouri State University, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Interior Design. He is from Aviston, Illinois, and is the son of Larry and Kristi Hilmes. Mason is the founder of T-Shirt Tuggers, a sustainable dog toy company focused on creative reuse and community impact. He is also a member of the Aviston 4-H Aces and is actively involved on campus through Residence Hall Association (RHA), Emerging Leaders, the Business Learning Community, and the First-Year Leadership Program, where he continues to grow as a leader and entrepreneur.
• Drew Lueking-Lueking is a ten-year 4-H member, which has allowed him to serve in leadership roles and be involved in his community.  Most importantly, it has allowed him to gain skills and achieve mastery related to his true passion for raising dairy cattle.  With all that 4-H has given him, Lueking feels very prepared to move forward with his education, continue contributing to his community, and is confident that he will make a career choice that is truly unique to him.   
• Grace Henrichs-Henrichs is a senior at Central Community High School. She plans to double major in History and Agribusiness on a Pre-Law track at either Missouri State University or Purdue University. She hopes to become an Agricultural Lawyer who can advocate for farmers around the world.
• Evan Beal-Beal is currently a Senior at Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School. His family farms about 250 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. They have a cow-calf operation of black Angus. Their herd consists of thirty-five animals, with about one-third being registered. He shows a few animals every summer at local livestock shows. Beal is active in 4-H, FFA, and plays baseball. He has chosen to major in Agribusiness and has narrowed his college choices to either Murray State University or Kansas State University.
• April Wilken-Wilken is a dedicated 4-H member and aspiring journalist. She has developed leadership, communication, and community service skills through years of 4-H involvement, including serving as club Vice President and volunteering with Cloverbud Camps. April is honored to receive this scholarship and looks forward to using her education to make a positive impact through storytelling and public engagement.

Awarded $750

• Caiden Litteken-Litteken grew up on his family’s farm in Aviston with his father, Mark, mother, Jenny, brother, Colby, and sister, Carissa. He is a 10-year member of the Aviston Aces 4-H club and a 4-year member of the Central Breese FFA Chapter. In the fall, Litteken will attend Lake Land College and join the Livestock Judging Team, then transfer to a university to pursue a degree in animal science.
• Aidan Huegen-Huegen is currently a student and four-sport athlete at Central Community High School. He plays football, basketball, baseball, and unified track. He is the school’s Special Olympics Ambassador and a student leader in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is also involved in Pit Crew, Spanish Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and Service Club. In 2024, Huegen qualified for the FBLA National Convention. Additionally, he is an 8th-generation beekeeper and a 4-H member. After high school, Huegen plans to attend a 4-year university and major in Biomedical or Mechanical Engineering. In his free time, Huegen works at Dairy King as a part-time employee.  
• Lydia Brandmeyer- Brandmeyer is a senior at Highland High School, where she is the captain of the cheer team and a member of the National Honor Society. She also volunteers for the Special Olympics. She is in her 10th year as a member of the 4-H Clovers and Cloverettes. She served as a junior leader, her club’s reporter for the past five years, and showed projects at the Illinois State Fair nine times. 

Awarded $500 

• Lillian Henrichs-Henrichs grew up in St. Rose. She is currently a senior at Breese Central Community High School. She has been a part of her 4-H club for the past 10 years, and she is active in many clubs and sports at her high school. Henrichs enjoys being active and doing all things outdoors. She loves going for walks and enjoys hunting and fishing. She plans to continue her education at Murray State University in the fall to pursue a nursing degree and become a pediatric nurse, making a positive difference in the lives of children and their families.
• Josephina Muskopf- Muskopf currently attends Kaskaskia College, majoring in Animal Science and Dairy Science, and has a minor in Agronomy. She plays volleyball at KC and will be a sophomore. Muskopf lives in Beckemeyer and is an only child. She currently works for Gateway FS, on her uncle's farm, and milks for Keith Richter. She also shows cattle with her cousins, with her uncle's help, and has done so for about 3 years. Muskopf went to Central High School and graduated in 2025 with a 3.88 GPA.
• Abigail Voss-Voss is the daughter of Jared and Lisa Voss of Carlyle. She is a 2025 graduate of Central High School. Abigail is currently attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. She looks forward to preparing for a career in teaching and hopes to make a positive impact on young students' lives through education.

For more information about Clinton County 4-H or the Clinton County Extension Foundation, please contact the Clinton County Illinois Extension Office at 618-526-4551 or uie-bcjmw@illinois.edu.