The Illinois 4-H Foundation provided $25,000 in college scholarships and awarded another $20,000 in national conference travel scholarships this year.
“Our donors are generous and believe that higher education changes lives,” said Angie Barnard, Foundation executive director. Donors include Nann Armstrong, Patricia Clickener, Lila Jeanne Eichelberger, Keith and Lissa Parr, Donna Mueller, Dee Murray, George Obernagel, Legacy of Leadership endowment contributors, LA-CO, Barbara and George Clark, Barbara and George Clark, Ryan and Elaine Ruwe, Marvin and Elizabeth Schnitzler, Carrie Francis, Jason and Andrya Smith, Auxiliary to the Illinois State Veterinary Medicine Association and the Illinois 4-H Foundation.
Illinois 4-H Foundation presents the Legacy of Leadership Scholarship to 4-H members who demonstrate and maintain a high standard of 4-H excellence and mastery during their membership tenure. Morgan County 4-H winners include Anne Becker, Austin Dufelmeie and Katie White.
State 4-H Award Winners
Twenty-four young adults were also recognized as winners in one of five divisions of the State 4-H Award. Each winner may choose either a $1,000 scholarship or a trip to National 4-H Congress in Atlanta.
In the leadership division, area winners are Austin Dufelmeier of Morgan County and Katie White of Morgan County.
Anne Becker-Legacy of Leadership Scholarship
Morgan County | Agri-Stars, 4-H Federation, Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team
Anne has focused much of her 4-H work on helping others. She chaired the unit food packaging event and coordinated 130 volunteers, which resulted in more than 10,000 meals that were distributed to food pantries. She presented at the Illinois 4-H Hunger Summit. Through her efforts as a hunger ambassador, 120 gallons of milk were donated to the Salvation Army. She helped collect resources for 100 birthday bags for the local woman’s center. She served as the 4-H representative on the Illinois Farm Bureau Youth Education Committee and attended National 4-H Conference.
“Illinois 4-H is where I learned to be confident in myself and my ability as a leader.”
EDUCATION & CAREER: Anne plans to study agricultural leadership at Oklahoma State University and minor in international agriculture, with hopes to work in the agritourism sector for an international company.
Austin Dufelmeier-Legacy of Leadership Scholarship
Morgan County | East Side Jr. 4-H Club
Austin says his 4-H leadership roles have taught him to be bold in his actions and devoted to serving others. Austin believes it’s important to encourage others and earn the respect of others. He credits 4-H with enhancing his ability to connect with other people of all ages. Austin’s service to others includes ringing bells for the salvation army, weeding and mulching the flower beds on the fairgrounds, preparing a food basket for a family, making and decorating cookies for nursing home residents, and collecting clothing items for children and families in need.
“4-H has been my guide, exposing me to numerous life skills, preparing me for both the ups and downs, and teaching me that in life I will never lose at anything as long as I learn from the experience! 4-H has inspired me to pursue my passion, it has instilled in me an understanding and dedication to service with purpose and passion. 4-H has taught me to be thankful for what I have and who I am. 4-H has instilled in me the importance of being humble, kind, and compassionate.”
Career plans: Austin planst to earn an asociate degree in diesel power equipment and technology while participating in livestock evaluation and selection, then complete a 4-year degree. Austin plans to return to the family farm to raise corn, soybeans, and cattle.
Katie White-Legacy of Leadership Scholarship
Morgan County | East Side Jr's 4-H Club, Federation, Shooting Sports
Katie has explored 4-H at many conferences, including Legislative Connection, Dare to Lead Conference, Youth Livestock Conference, and Speaking for Illinois 4-H training. She volunteers at the local nursing homes and the women’s crisis center. She raises cattle and pigs and also participates in shooting sports, health, leadership, career, crops, and food projects.
“4-H has taught me how to set and achieve goals and given me the determination to always strive for more.”
EDUCATION & CAREER: Katie will study nursing at Lincoln Land Community College, then transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree.