Four from county are awarded 4-H scholarships

     Four Jones County youth have earned 4-H scholarship awards.

     Here is a look at the four recipients, describing what 4-H has meant to them, and/or what their future plans are, in their own words.

Clara Lynch

     Clara Lynch has earned a $1,500 Esther and Joe Legg 4-H Scholarship.

     “4-H has helped me plan for my future, because when I first started in 4-H seven years ago, living on a farm, I thought I was going to go to college for something ag-related, maybe ag nutrition or maybe a veterinarian. However, as I have grown older, I realized that I still want to go into some career field with nutrition and health; I now know that I don’t want it to be with animals. I want to help people become successful and healthy. I feel that in 4-H, working on projects and thinking about goals helped me focus on my future.

     “After I graduate high school this year, I plan on attending the University of Northern Iowa to major in motion and exercise science, and minor in psychology with an emphasis on nutrition. After college, I plan on getting a job in my career field. One of my goals is to work at a gymnastics center because of my love for gymnastics. With my major, I will know more about how the body works and how the brain plays into everything associated with the body. I think this knowledge will really help in my coaching of gymnastics because it is such a physically and mentally grueling sport.”

Emma Bock

     Emma Bock has earned a $1,000 Jane and Varlyn Fink Family 4-H Leadership and Community Service Scholarship.

     “While 4-H has impacted my life in many ways, it has affected my life most significantly through influencing my career aspirations and leadership skills. I have long known that I enjoy working with animals and science. During my time in 4-H, I have had the opportunity to participate in poultry, goat and dog projects, as well as veterinary science and communication.

     “Through my livestock projects, I learned how to work with and care for animals and the time and patience that requires. Additionally, I researched and put together a veterinary science project each year. These projects have further strengthened and pointed me toward the veterinary science career path.

     “Furthermore, 4-H has strengthened my leadership skills. I started off as secretary, and then became vice president, and later president. Throughout the process, my leaders and older members supported, encouraged and trained me. I now feel completely comfortable in leadership positions, and even seek them in other activities such as Jones County 4-H Council, student council, and the National Honor Society.

     “Additionally, 4-H has allowed me to work closely with Iowa State University, which led me to choose to go to college there. I plan to major in biology and then go to veterinary school. I hope to one day be employed in a private practice mixed animal veterinary clinic in Iowa.”

Koree Miller

     Koree Miller has earned a $750 Jones County 4-H Scholarship.

     “4-H has personally benefitted me in many areas. I have personally grown so much in areas of confidence, responsibility, acceptance, and how to conquer fears. I would encourage younger members to challenge themselves to try new project areas each year. Don’t be afraid to be passionate about what you love. 4-H is a journey and an amazing life skill-building experience. New members should never be afraid to ask a leader or experienced 4-H’er for advice. Take a hold of every opportunity that’s thrown at you.

     “My plans are to graduate in May, from Kirkwood as an emergency medical technician (COVID-19 has to die down first). I plan to graduate from Midland Community High School May 17. If all goes according to plans, I plan to pursue a paramedic associate’s degree with a specialized study in fire science.”

Wyatt Lynch

     Wyatt Lynch has earned a $750 Jones County Livestock/Animal Exhibitor Scholarship.

     “In the fall of 2020, I will be attending Southwest Tech in Fennimore, Wis. to pursue my associate’s degree in farm operation management – dairy. While attending Southwest Tech, I plan on remaining active in my FFA alumni by participating in meetings and social events.

     “I also plan on pursuing my American Degree while in college. After college graduation, my long-term plan is to return home to my family’s organic dairy operation in Cascade. I am looking forward to bringing home not only a degree, but an updated level of knowledge to the family farm, emphasizing nutrition and genetics.”