During the annual Florida 4-H University program held July 31 to August 3 on the University of Florida campus, the Florida 4-H Foundation was honored to present more than $67,000 in scholarship support recognizing member achievement through national trip awards and educational scholarships. The livestream of the event can be viewed online.
An additional $14,400 in 4-HU registration scholarships were awarded to help members attend the overnight program. These include the Sellers First-Time Attendee, Florida Farm Bureau Young Leaders First-Time Attendee, Dr. Nick Place Leadership, Chris Tompkins Leadership Legacy, and Gator Nation Giving Day scholarships.
Sixteen members were recognized with National Trip Award Scholarships to serve as Florida 4-H delegates to National 4-H Congress and Conference. These members will represent Florida as they share their perspectives and further develop their leadership skills. Registration and travel expenses are sponsored by the Florida 4-H Foundation with support from donors and the Colleen W. McCreary 4-H Endowment.
National 4-H Congress Delegates | November 2023, Atlanta GA (pictured in header image)
National 4-H Conference Delegates with Foundation President Ronda Banner and State Program Leader Stacey Ellison. UF/IFAS 2023
Taylor Thigpen, Clay County
Tucker Padgett, Escambia County
Madelyn Goss, Escambia County
Helena Peterson, St. Johns County
Ava Chauvette, Escambia County
Kailee Dunlap, Escambia County
Florida 4-H Educational Scholarships recognize member achievement in 4-H, and support the next steps in their educational career through accredited university, college and technical/trade programs. These scholarships are possible through the generous support of 4-H alumni and friends. These scholarships honor the legacies of 4-H members, alumni, professionals and partners.
Florida 4-H Horseman of the Year Scholarship ($800)
Heather Owen, Lake County
Platt Memorial 4-H Scholarship ($500)
Anna Katherine Risalvato, Bay County
Diana Ward, Citrus County 4-H alumna
Dr. Debbie Nistler 4-H Scholarship ($500)
Hayden Moak, Marion County
Dr. Thomas and Earlece Greenawalt 4-H Scholarship ($500)
Sydney Alexander, Lee County
Nistler Scholarship recipient with scholarship sponsor Vaughn Wilson of Mega Ace Media. UF/IFAS 2023
Recipients are selected through the Florida 4-H Scholarship Application process, open April 1 to June 1 each year. Applicants submit a cover letter and skills based resume along with references in order to advance to the interview round. Youth are eligible to apply for National Trip Awards when they become a senior 4-H member at age 14. Academic scholarships are primarily awarded to graduating seniors and 4-H alumni.
Interested in supporting a Florida 4-H Youth Scholarship? Contact Caylin Hilton at grow4H@ifas.ufl.edu.
4-H is the youth development program of the land-grant university system and Cooperative Extension System. 4-H provides hands-on educational experiences for youth ages five to 18 with the objective of developing youth as individuals, and as responsible and productive citizens. In Florida, 4-H is administered by University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University. Learn more at florida4h.org.