Each year, La Plata County 4-H is pleased to announce four $500 dollar scholarships to enrolled members who are looking to go on to higher educational institutes in the fall.

We are proud to provide some funding to our members who have shown continued dedication and commitment over the years. These members have exemplified the 4-H motto: “To make the best better.”

I would like to congratulate Jordan Baker of the Westside Wranglers 4-H Club. Jordan is an eight-year 4-H member. She has excelled in the 4-H leather-crafting project. In 2015, her project took home first place at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. She has also taken advantage of her 4-H experience by attending the 4-H National Congress in Atlanta. Jordan attributes this premier leadership conference to helping her gain confidence and skills to work with others. She will be attending Colorado Mesa University this fall in Grand Junction.

Jessica Lee is our next scholarship awardee. Jessica is a nine-year member of the Mountain Shadows 4-H Club. 4-H has taught Jessica to be patient, committed and hardworking. She learned these important skills through the hundreds of hours that she has dedicated to doing 4-H market beef projects. Jessica also feels 4-H has made her a better person by teaching her to aid others who need assistance. 4-H’s commitment to community service has inspired Jessica to lend a helping hand in the community. She has plans to attend Fort Lewis College this fall.

Kaleb Koerner of the Super Shooters 4-H Club in Bayfield is another scholarship recipient. This is Kaleb’s ninth year in La Plata County 4-H. Kaleb has participated in a variety of 4-H projects such as robotics, sport fishing, shooting sports, leather crafting, horse and owner-trainer horse. These projects have taught Kaleb the importance of responsibility. 4-H has helped Kaleb meet deadlines, multitask multiple goals and handle stress in a healthy and productive manner all while maintaining a quality of work that he can be proud of. He applies these skills outside 4-H in his school work and job responsibilities. Kaleb is heading north to attend the University of Wyoming starting this fall.

Finally, we would like to congratulate Kayla Stevens of the Westside Wranglers 4-H Club. Kayla is a 12-year 4-H member, beginning at the Clover Bud level when she was just 5 years old. Kayla has done a tremendous job being a youth leader in her club and at the county level. She has served in all officer positions from president to parliamentarian. This has allowed Kayla to be a well-rounded individual. She is also very involved in our livestock judging program that has helped her gain public speaking and analytical skills. Kayla plans on attending Northeastern Junior College for a double major in animal production and nutrition.

Scholarship recipients will be awarded on June 1 during our monthly 4-H County Council meeting. We couldn’t offer these awards without the gracious support of our community sponsors.

Greg Felsen is the La Plata County 4-H youth development agent. Reach him at gregory.felsen@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6463.

Greg Felsen