FULTON County - 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 six graduates from four area schools.
Three scholarships were awarded from funds donated in memory of Hilda Rock, a long-time 4-H leader from the Cuba area, by her family. Kyle Spangler received a $900 scholarship from these funds. Jaclyn Janssen and Tom Janssen each received $800.
Jaclyn 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.
New this year, the $500 Phillips 4-H Scholarship was presented to Halee Hendel. This scholarship is sponsored by Roger and Cathy Phillips, who wanted to help a deserving 4-H member further his or her education.
Halee also received the 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 Gary Eathington Memorial Scholarship was presented to Emma Eathington. 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.
Amy Shaeffer 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.
Kyle Spangler is a 10-year member of the Checkrow Volunteers 4-H Club, and a 2020 graduate of Oakwood Academy. Kyle will attend Moody Bible Institute in the fall, to purse a degree in Worship and Media Arts. He plans to become a worship pastor.
Jaclyn Janssen is a nine-year member of the Avondale 4-H Club, and a 2020 graduate of Abingdon-Avon High School. Jaclyn will attend Illinois Central College, majoring in Culinary Arts Management. She plans to work in a bakery or restaurant, and some day to own a bakery or restaurant.
Thomas Janssen is a nine-year member of the Avondale 4-H Club, and a 2020 graduate of Abingdon-Avon High School. Tom plans to attend Bradley University in the fall, majoring in Computer Science, with career plans to become a software developer or project manager in the technology field.
Halee Hendel is a 10-year member of the Avondale 4-H Club, and a 2020 graduate of Abingdon-Avon High School. Halee will attend Illinois Wesleyan University this fall, double majoring in Psychology and Music. Her career plans are to be a Music Therapist/Clinical Psychologist working with young people who are diagnosed with cancer or terminal illness.
Emma Eathington is a 10-year member of the Fairview Huskies 4-H Club, and a 2020 graduate of Spoon River Valley High School. Emma will attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the fall, majoring in Animal Science. She would like to work in the field of Animal Nutrition and Research.
Amy Shaeffer is a nine-year member of the Busy Bees 4-H Club, and a 2020 graduate of Lewistown Community High School. Amy plans to attend Spoon River College, majoring in Animal Science. Amy plans to become a Veterinary Assistant.
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, University of Illinois Extension, 309-547-3711, jblout@illinois.edu