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Nine $12,000 scholarships awarded to 4-H participants
Texas
Nine high school seniors received $12,000 scholarships during the Bexar County 4-H Awards Program at the Helotes 4-H Activity Center on Friday evening, Aug. 13. The scholarships were awarded by the San Antonio Livestock Exposition Inc. Scholarship recipients were determined through the 4-H and Youth Development education program of Texas Cooperative Extension for Bexar County.
"We determined if a student was worthy of one of these scholarships based on his or her personal growth as shown by the information provided in their individual record books," said Shane Browning, Extension agent for the program. "We judged the students on a number of factors, but the most important were degree of involvement in the community, in 4-H leadership and the 4-H program overall, plus academic achievements."
Four of the students received scholarships in honor of singer Reba McEntire, who came to the aid of the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo this February by quickly filling in for another performer who became unavailable.
The scholarships were only given to 4-H members currently enrolled and actively participating in 4-H and development activities through the Extension. Students receiving these scholarships are required to use them toward a degree in agriculture and life sciences, leading to a career in agriculture or agribusiness.
"We think requiring students get a degree in this field means we're sticking to our roots as far as the Stock Show and Rodeo is concerned," said Bert Pfiester, chairman of the livestock exposition's scholarship committee. "The livestock part of our show activities is as important as the rodeo. The San Antonio Livestock Exposition feels awarding these scholarships is a good step in the direction of ensuring a strong future for agriculture and agribusiness."
Donald Barnett, 18, of St. Hedwig, was one of the students who received the $12,000 scholarship. Barnett, who has been active in 4-H for nine years, knows how he will use the money.
"I plan to major in animal sciences and to attend the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M," he said. "I'm very grateful for the opportunity this scholarship will give me to do that. It's a big financial relief."
The mission of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition Inc., is to promote agricultural awareness and its advancement through education. Since 1984, the group has awarded more than $22 million in scholarships, grants and endowments to students, colleges and universities in Texas.
Date: 8/26/04
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