La Plata County schools will soon be entering summer recess. I encourage all students to study hard and finish strong.
I also would like to congratulate all high school students who will be graduating in the coming weeks. I hope your next adventure treats you well.
Each year, La Plata County 4-H awards $500 scholarships to graduating seniors who have shown commitment and dedication to our program through the years. We hope this money is used to help ease the transition between high school and their higher educational pursuits. This year, all four applicants will be granted scholarships. These scholarships are made possible only by the generous support of local sponsors of the 4-H program.
Here’s a look at our recipients:
Samantha Harris, who I highlighted in my last column, is one of our award winners. She is a member of the Mountaineers 4-H Club and has been involved in 4-H since she was 8 years old and will graduate from the Big Picture High School in Durango.
Samantha plans to attend San Juan Community College in Farmington. She will be pursuing education to obtain a nursing degree.
Bailey Herrera is a member of the Pioneer 4-H Club in Marvel. She has been in 4-H for the last nine years and will graduate from Durango High School. Bailey is very involved in our 4-H horse program.
“4-H has made me a better person by teaching me the value of responsibility at a young age,” she said.
Bailey will attend Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, where she will be working toward a degree in criminal justice.
Lorriane Stevens is a member of the Westside Wranglers 4-H Club in Redmesa. She also will graduate from Durango High School. Currently, she is acting as vice president of the La Plata County 4-H County Council. She has shown great commitment volunteering her time and mentoring younger 4-H members for more than 10 years.
Lorriane has done many projects throughout her years in 4-H. This year, she is completing projects in these categories: horse, swine, welding and specialty foods.
I would agree when she says, “4-H has made me a well-rounded person.”
Lorriane will be studying agriculture at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling.
Last but not least, Michael Semler, a member of the Ignacio Westerners’ 4-H Club, will receive a scholarship. He is president of the La Plata County 4-H County Council.
Michael lives and breathes 4-H, and we can’t thank him enough for going above and beyond to help our program thrive. He will graduate from Bayfield High School and attend Northeastern Junior College. He will study agriculture and participate in the school’s Livestock Judging Team program.
Michael is looking forward to showing off his beef, swine and leather-crafting projects at this summer’s county fair.
“4-H has taught me the values of giving back to my community,” he says.
felsengh@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6463. Greg Felsen is La Plata County 4-H youth development agent.
