Pair of Allamakee County 4-H members among recipients of Iowa 4-H Foundation scholarships

Two Allamakee County 4-H’ers were among the recipients of the more than 85 Iowa 4-H scholarships valued at over $127,000 awarded as part of the Iowa 4-H Foundation’s scholarship recognition ceremony held Sunday, July 11 in the Scheman Building on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames. Over 300 applications were submitted and scholarships were awarded to recipients from 49 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.”

Among those scholarship recipients were Madalyn Palmer and Diana Davision, both of Waukon. Both girls were also members of the 2021 graduating class from Waukon High School this past May.

Palmer was awarded the $1,000 Great Western Bank 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation. She is the daughter of Stephanie and Eric Palmer of Waukon and will be attending Iowa State University in Ames to study animal science. She credits 4-H with helping her develop valuable life skills and offering opportunities to serve her community.

Palmer has also had the opportunity to gain leadership experience and feels confident 4-H has prepared her to succeed in the future. “4-H has impacted my life because it has provided me with a safe place where I have been able to develop into the person who I am meant to be,” said Palmer. “4-H has taught me the necessary life skills I will use to be successful in my continuing education and career.”

Great Western Bank Agri-Business in West Des Moines provides a $1,000 award to one male and one female who are participating members in Iowa 4-H and show promise in their career plans. Each student must major within Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Diana Davison was awarded the $2,000 Marion E. Jerome Foundation 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation. She is the daughter of Cindy Shogren of Waukon. During her time in 4-H, Davison has been involved in many meaningful experiences and projects.

She says 4-H allowed her to develop her interest in photography, and she plans to pursue this field of study at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo. Through her experience with 4-H, Davison says she has also had the opportunity to build strong communication skills and a passion for educating and encouraging others.

“4-H is truly a universe of possibilities,” said Davison. “Valuable friendships, in addition to developing skills like time management and public speaking, are all a reward when becoming involved in 4-H.”

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 in any state. 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 and Allamakee Counties, as well as Chickasaw, Fayette and Clayton Counties.

A full list of all scholarship recipients can be found at https://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/documents/filelibrary/scholarships/Scho.... Photos of the Scholarship Reception and the award winners can be viewed at https://www.flickr.com/photos/iowa4h/albums/72157719538512543.

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. Find more information at www.iowa4hfoundation.org.