PETERSBURG, IL - Menard County 4-H is proud to announce that Emma Wankel has been awarded the 2025 Menard County 4-H Scholarship. Emma, the daughter of Tim and Kendra Wankel is a graduate of the PORTA School District and will receive a $1,500 scholarship to support her education.
This fall, Emma will begin her sophomore year at Lincoln Land Community College, where she is pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business. A dedicated member of the West Menarders 4-H Club, she served as Club President for three years while actively participating in community service projects, including the Menard County Fair, Feed the Farmers, and local school supply drives.
Beyond 4-H, Emma has demonstrated strong leadership in other organizations, including FFA, Key Club, and the National English Honor Society.
Reflecting on her 4-H experience, Emma shared, “4-H has helped me grow within my community. It has expanded my leadership skills and deepened my love of agriculture. 4-H has also inspired me to pursue a career in the agricultural field.”
Menard County 4-H congratulates Emma on her achievements and wishes her continued success in her academic and professional journey.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.