Pair of Waukon High School graduates awarded 4-H scholarships this summer
Gebel receives Ralph and Agnes Dostal 4-H Scholarship ... Alaina Gebel (far right in the photo above) was one of two recipients of the Ralph and Agnes Dostal 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation. Pictured above with Gebel at the scholarship presentation are Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director Emily Saveraid (far left) and the scholarship’s other recipient, Morgan Moen (center) of Winneshiek County. Submitted photo.
Palmer receives 4-H Legacy Scholarship ... Emma Palmer (second from left in the photo above) accepts the Kris Fish Kuhlmann 4-H Legacy Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation from the Kris Fish Kuhlman family (three pictured at right) and Emily Saveraid (far left), Executive Director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. Submitted photo.
A pair of 2023 Waukon High School graduates and Allamakee County 4-H members were among 4-H’ers from across the state of Iowa who received scholarships through the Iowa 4-H Foundation at a recognition ceremony held Sunday, July 9 in Ames. Alaina Gebel, daughter of Nate and Tami Gebel of rural Lansing, and Emma Palmer, daughter of Eric and Stephanie Palmer of rural Waukon, were among those honored 4-H members.
Ninety-nine Iowa 4-H scholarships valued at over $103,000 were awarded as a part of the Foundation’s scholarship recognition ceremony this year. Scholarships were awarded to recipients from 58 counties across the state of Iowa with a wide variety of 4-H experiences. “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.”
Gebel was one of two Iowa 4-H’ers who were awarded the Ralph and Agnes Dostal 4-H Scholarship, the other being Morgan Moen of Winneshiek County. This annual scholarship is for Iowa State University undergraduates who have demonstrated participation in 4-H activities, community service and/or college activities. The student can pursue any field of study, and preference is given to current college students.
Gebel says the National 4-H Congress opened her eyes to many things - new friends from all over the nation who shared about their communities and their 4-H programs. Noting that the experience changed her perspective on life, she says the National 4-H Congress had a huge emphasis on true service to others and she learned how her community could benefit through her service.
By attending the Animal Science Roundup at Iowa State University during the annual 4-H State Conference, Gebel said she met other swine producers who were interested in improving their operations, and even met her new college roommate through 4-H. Gebel is currently attending Iowa State University in Ames and is majoring in Agriculture and Life Science Education.
Palmer is the recipient of the Kris Fish Kuhlmann 4-H Legacy Scholarship. This annual scholarship is for an applicant to whom 4-H has significantly impacted their life and career direction. Applicants should be completing their ninth year in 4-H, in any county in Iowa, be a graduating high school senior with plans to attend any college or university, with any major, in the state of Iowa.
Palmer was an active member of Allamakee County 4-H. She enjoyed leading and organizing events that challenged youth to grow. Community service was an impactful part of her 4-H experience where she could expand her horizons while making a difference in her community. Palmer is currently attending Iowa State University in Ames and will major in Kinesiology where she can combine her passion for working with her hands, connecting with people, and medicine.
