LEWISTOWN, Ill. - University of Illinois Extension, Fulton County 4-H is honored to recognize seven high school graduates for their outstanding 4-H accomplishments and leadership. Thanks to scholarship funds established by local donors, $6,700 was awarded this year.

Washita Bradford, of Cuba, is a member of the Smithfield Up and Coming 4-H Club and graduated from Cuba High School. During her ten years in 4-H, Washita held the offices of secretary and reporter/historian and was an Achievement member. Washita received funds from the Hilda Rock Memorial Scholarship. Washita will be attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, studying psychology. Washita shared in her application how important 4-H is and how thankful she is for all the opportunities she has received during her 10 years as a member. “I have been able to meet so many people, and I hope everyone who joins 4-H has as good of an experience as I have.”

Victoria Cooper, of Lewistown, is a member of the Jolly Workers 4-H Club, and a 2024 graduate of Lewistown High School. Victoria received funds from the Hilda Rock Memorial Scholarship, SEFF (Support Extension and 4-H Fund) and 4-H Federation. During her time in 4-H, Victoria has held the position of reporter, secretary, and vice-president in addition to being an active member of 4-H Federation. Victoria’s plans include attending Western Illinois University where her course of study is physical education to become a PE Teacher and coach. Victoria summarized in her application “Every year I am excited about participating in 4-H events. It is like opening a present with endless surprises!”

Morgan Hendel, a ten-year member of the Avondale 4-H Club, and a recent graduate of Abingdon-Avon High School is headed to Illinois State University to pursue a degree in acting. While in 4-H, Morgan was a 10-year Achievement member, and has held the position of secretary, treasurer, and vice-president. Morgan shared that 4-H has taught her to be compassionate, a good helper, and shaped how she has grown. “My club leaders and 4-H has shown me how to be the best person I can be.” Helping her community through her club’s “Giving Thanks” meals each year is a special event for Morgan. Scholarships for Morgan include the Roberta Mahr Memorial Scholarship and funds from SEFF.

Makenna Johnson, of Lewistown, is a 10-year member of the Busy Bees 4-H Club and graduated from Lewistown High School. While in 4-H, Makenna held the office of treasurer, was an Achievement member for 10 years, and held the office of president in 4-H Federation for two years. Makenna will be attending Black Hawk University East this fall where she will study to become a Veterinary Assistant. Community service activities such as collecting food and supplies for both the Food Pantry and Humane Society of Fulton County have been especially important to Makenna. Scholarship awards presented to Makenna include funds from the Hilda Rock Memorial Scholarship, Merle L. Jenkins Agricultural Scholarship, SEFF, and 4-H Federation.

Zaya Peirce, of Lewistown, is a member of the Busy Bees 4-H Club, and a 2024 graduate of Lewistown High School. Zaya is the recipient of the Phillips Scholarship, funds from SEFF, and 4-H Federation. Zaya has been accepted as a student to Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where she will pursue a degree in Environmental Science. In her scholarship application, Zaya shared that her time in 4-H has impacted her life exponentially through the friends she has made, connections with people she would not otherwise have meet, and has afforded her the opportunity to become a more confident public speaker. “4-H has had positive impact on my life, helped me develop leadership skills, and shaped me into becoming a positive role model.”

Abigail Stevenson, of Ipava, is a recent graduate of VIT Jr/Sr High School, and a member of the Pleasant Spacemakers 4-H Club. Throughout her 10-year 4-H membership, Abigail has held the offices of treasurer, reporter, vice-president, and president, in addition to being an Achievement member throughout her career. Post high school, Abigail will be attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to study Nursing. Abigail was awarded the Virginia Barnard Memorial and funding from SEFF.  Abigail shared the following, “4-H has impacted my life in countless ways. It has helped me become a better leader, make lifelong friends, and has showed me the importance of community service and involvement.”

Ashley Tarochione, of London Mills, is a member of the Fairview Huskies 4-H Club and graduated from Spoon River High School. Ashley’s plans include attending Iowa State University where she will pursue a degree in Animal Science. After completing her degree, Ashley would like to work with cattle and start her own herd. Throughout Ashley’s time in 4-H, opportunities to help others through community service projects such as making Christmas stockings for military members, and fleece tie blankets for children were rewarding to her. “Seeing the smiles on people’s faces after doing something nice, makes me feel good inside.” Ashley is the recipient of the Gary Eathington Memorial Scholarship. 

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.
• SEFF (Support Extension and 4-H Fund) The purpose of Illinois Extension in Fulton County and 4-H Education Foundation is to promote, sponsor, and support various Extension activities as determined by the board of directors.

Congratulations to all seven 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 Scholarship program, call 547-3711 or email Krista Gray, Fulton 4-H program coordinator at kristakg@illinois.edu.

Photo caption above: Zaya Peirce