DuPont Pioneer Community College 4-H Scholarship, 0

Colton Shull has grown up on a farm and would spend every day outside in the field baling hay or hanging out with the cows and calves. Shull calls it his one true passion and his experiences with 4-H have only reinforced how important the agriculture industry is. “I have heard several people say ‘if you love what you do at work it isn't a job’ and 4-H has taught me that I can stay with a project to its competition,” he said. “It just takes prioritizing, organization and dedication.” Shull has been showing cattle since he was seven years old and has been very fortunate to receive many honors for his cattle. One of his most memorable animals was a heifer he won Supreme Champion Overall Breeding Female with at the County Fair, and that same heifer brought him to be the Grand Champion Foundation Simmental Heifer and 4th Overall Breeding Heifer at the Iowa State Fair 4-H Breeding Heifer Show. Shull plans to continue to be a supporter in 4-H because of what he learned in and out of the show ring. He plans to attend Indian Hills Community College in Centerville to major in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. (201)

Tanner Allensworth chose to stay active in 4-H because he has grown each year as a person. “Being part of a 4-H club, which focuses on agriculture and the community has given me leadership skills for my career, my life and more,” said Allensworth. He learned how to keep records and as he has grown, he has been able to serve as a leader in Montgomery County by serving as a junior superintendent for every breed of livestock show at the county fair. He himself showed poultry, sheep, dogs, goats and beef; with many of his poultry and goats going to the Iowa State Fair. During Allensworth’s senior year, he started a mentoring program for his first year club members. His mentee was a girl who happened to have a disability. They partnered up during activities and together they learned many different skills such as how to use parliamentary procedure and how to give an effective educational presentation. As president of his club, Allensworth lead his peers once a month to volunteer at an assisted living facility to give back to the community. In the fall he will attend Iowa Central Community College to study agricultural technology. (197)

A member of the Waspie Legends 4-H club for only four years, Jacob Henderson has taken full of advantage of 4-H and participated in numerous community services and leadership activities. He has taken donations to the homeless shelter in Muscatine, loaded boxes for Kids Against Hunger and even painted bleachers at Muscatine fairgrounds. During 4-H Henderson excelled in Photography. He won the people choice award out of 4,000 entries in 2011 from Camera Corps where he participated against 4-H’ers from across Arkansas, Kansas, and Iowa. Some of his photos have been show at the St. Marks Gallery in West Des Moines. However, photography is not the only area Henderson has learned so much from. As a future animal science major at Iowa State University, he needed as much experience with animals to make becoming a veterinary was the career he wanted. “Through 4-H I have been able to attend workshops and programs that have helped me learn more about the animals I want to care for when I receive my doctorate in veterinary medicine.” With his gained experience in 4-H Henderson went on to volunteer in Kansas at the Lebanon Veterinary Clinic and West Branch Animal Clinic in West Branch. (200)

From the age of about one, Derek Johnson has been involved in 4-H. Johnson’s older siblings were in 4-H and he was in clover kids long before he reached the age to join 4-H himself. He grew up watching presentations and looking at exhibits that he couldn’t wait for the day he could participate. Johnson’s very first notable 4-H experience was the time he gave his first presentation for his club. He was so nervous and scared out of my wits he even forgot how to pronounce some of the words. Today, nine years later, Johnson has no problems with public speaking or speaking in front of others. Throughout the program he also found new hobbies such as woodworking, art and photography by completing projects in the project area. Johnson found how his excellence in math and science courses could turn into a career because of 4-H. “A science and technology 4-H club was started in my county and I became hooked,” said Johnson. “Now, I look forward to a career as an engineer.” Though still unsure of what subfield he would like to pursue in engineering, Johnson cannot wait to move to Ames in the fall to attend Iowa State University. (202)

“Being involved in 4-H has allowed me to gain confidence in myself, learn how to keep records and helped me gain leadership experience I couldn’t get anywhere else,” said Joel Kibbie. A graduate of Emmetsburg High School, Kibbie was a nine year 4-H’er who was determined to succeed in the Beef, Horticulture, Photography, and Science Engineering and Technology project areas. Kibbie is the president of his 4-H club and the vice-president of Palo Alto’s 4-H Youth County Council. One of his favorite 4-H experiences was attending the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference in Ames. “4-H has affected my future plans because it has showed me the advantages and opportunities that agriculture has to offer me,” he said. In the fall, Kibbie will be attending Iowa Lakes Community College where he will obtain his associate’s degree in Agriculture Business. In two years, he would like to attend Iowa State University to gain his bachelor’s in agriculture studies. (155)

Rebecca Ahlers loves 4-H. She loves it so much she cannot find one word to describe the impact 4-H has had on her life. Ahlers made the most of each opportunity offered to me in 4-H and was able to grow into the young woman she is today. From being club historian, treasurer and president, to organizing club projects and joining County Council, she was able to become involved and learn so many life skills that helped her find her way along the road to college. Now a senior studying agronomy and journalism at Iowa State University, Ahlers has been a VEISHEA Parade Committee Co-Chair, an agronomy department peer mentor and the chancellor of a honor society in Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Alpha Zeta. Ahlers credits 4-H for much of her success at college. “When it came time for me to decide what to do with my life, I knew from my experiences in 4-H to follow my passions and do something that I could put my head, heart, hands, and health into and make a difference in not just my community or my country but my world.” (192)

As a young 4-H'er, Michelle Temeyer learned the Principles and Elements of Design and incorporated them in her projects. She learned how to put together designs and clothing based on these concepts, and why it's important and helpful. When Temeyer joined in fourth grade she completed paint-by-numbers, but her growth in 4-H had her designing and creating her own piece of 4-H jewelry for her visual arts project last year. “4-H has helped me develop more than my citizenship, leadership, and communication skills. This organization has given me countless opportunities to explore project areas and has given me numerous treasury opportunities.” Outside of 4-H she sat on the Ankeny Community Education Advisory Council, joined the service organizations of Key Club and Interact Club and volunteered at her local library. These experiences, along with her numerous 4-H experiences, have influenced Temeyer’s decision to pursue an accounting and finance majors at the University of Northern Iowa. (154)

“4-H has taught me so much, and has done so much for me over the years,” said Odebolt-Arthur, Battle Creek-Ida Grove High School Kara Cowlham. “4-H has made me more confident, more poise, more outgoing and more responsible.” A nine year 4-H’er, Cowlham has found success in Clothing, Photography, Communications and Dog Obedience. She has given educational presentations related to what she has learned during the program such as “The Nutritional Value of Goat Meat,” “Dog Obedience,” and “Getting Involved.” As a Sac County 4-H Council member Cowlham has found the value of community service by working the omelet breakfast for her county’s endowment fund fundraiser, cleaning and improving the Sac County Fairgrounds, creating crafts for Santa Comes to Odebolt, and planning and advertising the Potato Bake Fundraiser for 4-H. In August she will study agricultural geospatial technology at Kirkwood Community College. (142)

When Katlyn Kahler first started 4-H, she joined the Story County Hippology Team where she was a team member for many years. Kahler quickly joined the Story County Quiz Bowl Team and her team not only qualified to participate in the 2013 Denver National Western Stock Show, Rodeo and Horse Show but placed seventh overall in the competition. At the same show her county’s horse judging team placed fourth overall. Halter, Showmanship, Walk-Trot, Western Pleasure and Horsemanship where Kahler’s choices of horse competitions, and in 2011 and 2012 she won Senior Horse Showmanship at the county fair. She advanced to Story County’s Supreme Showmanship Contest and won that contest in 2012. However, Horse projects where not the only areas of excellence for Kahler. She has received numerous state and local awards for her Swine and Communication projects over her nine year 4-H experience. “I have become a stronger leader, volunteer, communicator, and citizen because of the skills and experience I’ve had through 4-H,” she said. Kahler is a State 4-H Council member and will attend Iowa State University in the fall to study animal science and agriculture business. (188)

Colin Ryan’s favorite saying is “Nothing can hold you back, if you don’t hold back a thing.” As a senior in civil engineering at Iowa State University and because 4-H helped him develop a work ethic that includes strong organization skills, his rigorous courses aren’t as challenging as it could be. When he graduates, Ryan would like to improve the nation’s roads, specifically the bridges, and make them safer while also becoming more environmentally compatible. A member of Collegiate 4-H, he has also found Dance Marathon, Concrete Canoe Team, and the American Society of Civil Engineers as places that he can be involved to make the best better. While in 4-H, Ryan has been a National 4-H Congress representative, attended National 4-H Conference, received State Project Awards in Leadership and Poultry, and was a member of the State 4-H Technology Team. “I am grateful for the opportunities to develop my leadership and communication skills as well as my commitment to community service through 4-H.” (164)

“4-H has given me the incentive to better myself through hard work and doing what I enjoy,” said Emily Miller. Year-round she worked to improve her skills and knowledge of horses. In the summers Miller would ride everyday while also working for multiple horse barns. Her dedication brought her 23 champion awards at the Story County Youth Fair and one at the Iowa State Fair. Miller practiced horse judging, quiz bowl and hippology as much as possible, which resulted in two trips to the Western National Roundup where her team represented the entire state of Iowa. Miller’s teams placed fourth and seventh in the nation, while she placed third in horse judging. “I am proud of all of these,” Miller said. “However, my greatest accomplishment has been receiving the Story County Horse Project Senior Sportsmanship Award.” Some of her favorite times in 4-H included interacting with the youth she had the time to establish a friendship and supportive role model relationship with. Miller said she loved watching the younger 4-H’ers learn new things they enjoyed, which is why she instructed horse riding lesson group every week. In the fall, she plans on attending Ellsworth Community College majoring in agricultural business and animal science. (203)

For Bradley Lampe, 4-H has been a family affair because of his mother’s family has been very involved in 4-H for many generations. All of Ann Lampe’s seven siblings were in 4-H and every single one of their children have been heavily involved in 4-H. Bradley Lampe’s entire family belongs to the Washington County 4-H program and one year, there were 11 cousins showing cattle at the same time! He has many memories loading up the trailers and caravanning to the Iowa State Fair and to the Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Stock Show to show their cattle. One of Lampe’s proudest moments as a 4-H’er was when his family, the Elmer Schneider family, was named the Family of the Year for Washington County this past November. Another great 4-H moment for him was in 2012 at Ak-Sar-Ben when he was named the winner of a 4-H challenge calf. “As a person, 4-H has influenced me to be a better leader and a better role model for the youth across my county all while leading me to choose an agricultural field of study after high school.” Lampe will attend Kirkwood Community College to study agricultural business in August. (195)

Between classes at Highland High School Alec Ornduff would always find time to help his dad and grandpa on the family farm. He said it will be one of the hardest things to let go when he graduates and attends Kirkwood Community College in agriculture production this fall. Being born and raised on a small family operation has brought Alec Ornduff many challenges. It was 4-H where he rose above those challenges and reached for the stars. Not only from his successful champion sheep did he learn the true value of head, heart, hands, and health but also in his failures, which pushed Ornduff to try harder and kept him moving forward. His favorite part of the 4-H organization was how he directed his own path of learning through his busy life. Ornduff will always remember building a retaining fence in downtown Ainsworth and helping a local shop with gifts during the busy Christmas season. “4-H isn’t about winning, but the experience, the fun, the friendships, and the way families bond together,” Ornduff said. “That’s what’s important.” (177)

“I have made numerous lasting friendships and memories in my many years of 4-H,” Joni Erwin said. “All while developing my passion for the agricultural industry.” Her expertise in 4-H included Market and Breeding Beef, Sheep, Food and Nutrition and Photography. Erwin was the Champion Intermediate Showman at the Iowa State Fair in 2010 and her team received third overall in the State Livestock Judging Contest. She was the secretary of her 4-H club from 2011 until 2013, while also being the secretary for the Washington County 4-H Youth Council. Throughout high school she was also involved in Business Professionals of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions and the National Honor Society. Erwin just graduated from Washington High School in Crawfordsville, Iowa and will attend Iowa State University in the fall with an agricultural business major. She hopes to one day become an agriculture sales woman. (145)

Mitchell Hora believes the most influential part 4-H had on him was his communications skills. Hora has given educational presentations each year and has participated in the challenging extemporaneous speaking project twice. During his nine years in 4-H he has taught other 4-H'ers about the Communications project area through numerous workshops and presentations. In his 4-H club, Hora put it on himself to give his club a voice on the world-wide-web. In 2008 he created a website for and became the first club website in Washington County. The site is designed to inform club members of upcoming events and to provide them with digital copies of the agendas to assist them in filling out their record books. “I am still in charge of updating and managing the site today. We communicate daily and I have used what 4-H has taught me to improve my skills,” said Hora. He has also improved his skills by taking many projects to the fair in Home Improvement, Citizenship, Leadership and Swine. Hora will attend Iowa State University in the fall to study agricultural systems technology. (181)

Growing up on a heritage family farm that has been in the family for over 150 has created this deep appreciation and love for agriculture in Austin Twinam’s life. He takes pride in the agriculture and 4-H way of life. A Family Heritage State Project Award recipient, Twinam was also a strong participant in Swine, Conservation, Home Improvement and Self-Determined during his nine years in the 4-H program. Twinam has taken his own road in his 4-H experience by being a member of Washington County Council for the past three years. During his time on the council he has even had the experience of speaking on his local radio station to hundreds of people about what 4-H during National 4-H Week. That is something Twinam never thought he would be able to do because of his shyness, but many 4-H experiences made it possible for him to grow. “I am thankful that I had the opportunity to be a member of 4-H and my county council,” Twinam said. “Both of them are a big part of the reason I feel I have the self-confidence I need to be a student in Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences next fall.” (201)

A senior studying both dietetics and family, consumer sciences Kallen Anderson looks back on how much 4-H has meant to her. “The friendships, skills and opportunities I have gained from 4-H will continue to help me and guide me through my last year as an undergraduate at Iowa State as well as graduate school,” Anderson said. During her nine years in the program she was a State 4-H Council member in 2007-2008, a selected National 4-H Congress participant and a State Award recipient in Clothing, Leadership, and Horticulture. During her three completed years of college she has found a passion for the Iowa State College of Human Sciences Student Council where Anderson has held the officer positions of vice-president and is currently in her second term as president. During her time on the council, she has volunteered her time at alumni events, bi-annual service projects with ACCESS and VEISHEA, as well as bi-annual pizza sales and other philanthropies benefiting the United Way of Story County. As a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, Anderson has served as alumnae relations coordinator, public relations coordinator, and social chair. She is currently looking for graduate schools in hopes of receiving her master’s after graduating from Iowa State University in May of 2014. (209)

Not many can say they found their future college roommate at the Iowa State 4-H Conference but Calvin Davis can. Since his freshmen year Davis has attended the conference every year, and it has always been one of the highlights of his year. It was by participating in Animal Science Roundup portion of the conference that Davis became an expert in different segments of the agriculture industry. Receiving Grand Champion in West Pottawattamie’s market steer and market broiler competitions are just the tip of Davis’ success. During high school, he spent much of his time between his homework for his classes at Underwood High School and working a part-time job. Some of his favorite jobs were doing hours for his uncle’s tree service business or his grandpa’s farm. “4-H has taught me to always work hard for what you want and to never give up,” Davis said. His passion for 4-H has him dedicated to make sure his younger brothers and other youth in his community become involved with 4-H so they don’t miss out on the many lessons he has learned in the last nine years. Davis will attend Kirkwood Community College to study agriculture business this fall. (199)

“I cannot imagine where I would be without such an amazing opportunity such as 4-H,” said eight year member Mariah Schmitt. All Schmitt ever wanted to do was take her pet calves to the county fair, and when she was told she would need to join 4-H to show she said – sure, why not? However, 4-H turned out to be so much more than just showing animals for Schmitt. She was a member of Winneshiek’s County Diary Judging Competition team and they won the state competition last summer. Schmitt said the experience was a dream come true, but she will never forget the opportunity to compete in the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest at the World Dairy Expo. Her team placed third in the breed of Ayrshire and eleventh as a team while individually, Schmitt placed 3rd in the breed of Brown Swiss. “I was so proud to be representing Iowa at a national 4-H event,” she said. Schmitt’s team has been invited to compete internationally representing the United States at the Royal Highland in Scotland in June 2013. In August she will attend Iowa State University to major in public service and administration in agriculture. (196)

“In 4-H I learned to express my point of view and to accept helpful criticism as a means of improving myself,” said Kalli Weber. “The 4-H program has helped me to become a leader and the person I am today.” 4-H has helped her show Horse and Swine while exhibiting many Food and Nutrition, Photography and Communications projects. Weber’s showmanship abilities allowed her to qualify for the Overall Senior Showmanship contest two years in a row and earned the title in 2012. In addition, she competed at the Iowa State Fair 4-H horse show in 2010 and 2011. Some of her top successes in 4-H exhibits include a photograph at the Iowa State Fair earning a blue ribbon and earned an opportunity to compete at the state fair in Extemporaneous Speaking. While participating in 4-H for nine years, Weber had the opportunity to attend the Citizenship Washington Focus Trip to Washington D.C. in 2010. Weber considered this trip a “once in a lifetime opportunity.” 4-H spurred her interest in pursuing a career that connects the field to health and diet and exercise. In the fall, she will chase after that career by majoring in diet and exercise at Iowa State University. (201)