Each year the Monroe County 4-H Program accepts applications for two different scholarship funds to support learning after high school. The 2023 cohort of students have successfully navigated through in-person, virtual, and hybrid studies and are ready to step into post-secondary education in the fall.
The Norman V. Ryan Scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership and community service and are planning to enter a field of study or employment because of their 4-H activities and experiences. In 2023 one teen was chosen to receive the distinction of the Ryan Scholarship, Clara Whilden.
Clara Whilden plans to pursue a degree in Occupational Therapy at Keuka College. Her 4-H Career began when she was a five-year-old Cloverbud and has always included service to others. Whilden shared, “4-H has taught me immeasurable life skills – like how to communicate and connect with others, and how to perfect the skill of public speaking. How to be kind, how to always help others, how to communicate with the world.” She also shared how 4-H has influenced her choice to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. She said, “Occupational Therapy is all about helping people, and that’s the main thing we do in 4-H – helping people.”
The Ralph S. Harper Scholarship chooses students planning to pursue careers in agriculture, environment, home economics, or closely related fields. Awardees in 2023 are Miranda Rose Lanzatella and Madina Rahim.
Miranda Rose Lanzatella participated in 4-H through the Posh Ponies 4-H Club and equine activities. Ms. Lanzatella will be pursuing post-secondary training in Welding and Metal Fabrication. Lanzatella shared that 4-H helped her become confident to try new things. She shared, “Initially welding started as just a small interest. It wasn’t until I went to MCC’s four week summer program that I learned that it was something I had a passion for.” Miranda had a personal goal in 4-H to attend the National 4-H Horse Roundup in Kentucky to participate in an educational contest called Hippology. Through hard work and persistence, this goal was achieved in 2022.
Madina Rahim will be attending Nazareth University in the fall to pursue a degree in art. Madina served as a Teen Leader in the 4-H Cultivating Community Program. In her scholarship application Madina shared, “As someone who came to America about a year ago, I can say that it is one of the first and most beautiful opportunities I have come across.” She also spoke to the sense of belonging that youth feel in 4-H, stating, “4-H taught me that I can stand on my own feet in this process, that no one judges anyone, on the contrary, everyone is respectful and helpful to each other, patience, how to work with children, how to be a better leader.”
“It is a pleasure to watch each of these teen leaders grow and support others through their 4-H experiences. In reviewing applications and talking to these youth, the positive impact of their 4-H experiences is impactful. We wish them all the best as they navigate their future education and career goals and look forward to hearing about their successes,” shared Susan Coyle, Monroe County 4-H Team Leader.
The Monroe County 4-H Program is offered through Cornell Cooperative Extension to the youth of Monroe County. 4-H is a worldwide youth development program open to all youth aged five to 19, who want to have fun, learn new skills, and explore the world. In return, youth who participate in 4-H find a supportive environment and opportunities for hands-on or “experiential” learning about things that interest them.
Learn more about 4-H at http://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development.
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