Allamakee County 4-H seniors Nathan Helgerson and Grace Howe each awarded $2,000 Marion E. Jerome Scholarship from Iowa 4-H Foundation

Nathan Helgerson and Grace Howe from Allamakee County were each awarded the Marion E. Jerome Foundation 4-H Scholarship of $2,000 through the Iowa 4-H Foundation at a recognition ceremony Sunday, June 2 in Ames. The Iowa 4-H Foundation honored the recipients of over 100 Iowa 4-H scholarships valued at over $115,000 at this year’s banquet.

Recipients accepted their awards Sunday, June 2 at the Foundation’s scholarship recognition ceremony held in the Scheman Building on the campus of Iowa State University. Over 400 applications were submitted and scholarships have been awarded to recipients from 50 counties across the state of Iowa with a wide variety of 4-H experiences.

Helgerson is a May 2019 graduate of Waukon High School and the son of Erik and Janelle Helgerson of Lansing. In the coming fall, he plans to attend Iowa State University to major in mechanical engineering. He credits 4-H with giving him a vision and focus on modern agricultural equipment and techniques to improve soil erosion and agricultural run-off.

“I find my 4-H leadership experience to mean so much for me personally because it allowed me an opportunity to better myself by learning different skills and opening the door to new experiences,” said Helgerson, an eight-year member of the Elon PMC 4-H Club. “I truly feel that my leadership in 4-H was the spark that pushed me to continue my involvement as a leader, member and volunteer in many other aspects of the community.”

Howe is a May 2019 graduate of Waukon High School and the daughter of Shelly and the late Matt Howe of Waukon. She plans to attend Iowa State University this fall majoring in agricultural communications. She hopes to continue to advocate for the agricultural industry with a minor in dairy science. She has been heavily involved in the dairy industry on local, regional and national levels.

“If it were not for 4-H and the experiences I have had, I would not want to pursue a career in agriculture. My personal goals are also centered on 4-H and my dairy cattle and horses,” said Howe, a nine-year member of the Elon PMC 4-H Club. “In the future, I want to be able to give back to my community along with my local 4-H program for the experiences and skills they have given me.”

“Iowa 4-H Foundation scholarships acknowledge the hard work and dedication of young people who have used their 4-H skills and experiences to ‘make the best better’ for others,” said Emily Saveraid, Executive Director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. “We also are thankful for the many scholarship donors who fund these important opportunities for Iowa 4-H’ers.”

Candace and David Arp of Decorah established the Marion E. Jerome Foundation 4-H Scholarship to help 4-H’ers in northeast Iowa pursue their educational goals by providing this scholarship to one male and one female 4-H member to attend either a two- or four-year college. Candace’s mother, Marion E. Jerome, was a 4-H leader and supporter for many years. Preferences are given to 4-H’ers showing financial need from Winneshiek, Howard or Allamakee Counties. A full list of all scholarship recipients and photos of the reception and award winners are available at www.iowa4hfoundation.org.

The Iowa 4-H Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides the private financial resources to develop and deliver quality 4-H youth programs throughout the state of Iowa. These opportunities help young people enhance their ability to use critical thinking, leadership, communication and social skills - tools that will give them a competitive edge in their future endeavors. More information can also be found at www.iowa4hfoundation.org.