Provided by Anna Egan (Student Administrative Assistant Iowa 4-H Foundation)
One hundred and fifteen Iowa 4-H scholarships valued at over $121,850 were awarded as a part of the Foundation’s scholarship recognition ceremony. Over 450 applications were submitted, and scholarships have been awarded to recipients from 58 counties across the state of Iowa with a wide variety of 4-H experiences.
* Luke Holdgrafer of Jackson County was awarded the Jackson County 4-H Alumni 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation at the recognition ceremony on Sunday, June 29 in Ames
Luke is an Iowa State University student majoring in Agricultural Studies. What began as a 4-H project, grew into a business that has drawn national attention. By donating his time and materials to build a table that was donated to a charity auction his work became well known. Luke has made over 20 pub tables that have raised over $10,000 for various causes in the community and beyond, including the states of Kentucky and California. Luke sincerely believes in charitable community service projects that build character and compassion.
This annual scholarship through the Jackson County 4-H Endowment is for an eligible Jackson County 4-H’er or alum who is pursuing a degree in any area of study at any college or university.
* Maranda Wood of Jackson County was awarded the Tobin – State Wide 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation at the recognition ceremony on Sunday, June 29 in Ames.
Maranda is a driven 4-H’er and Agricultural Communications student at Iowa State University. Her passion for agriculture is rooted in her up brining on the family farm and strengthened through years of leadership, service, and hands-on experience. Maranda has participated in various project areas including Agricultural and Natural Recourses, Poultry, Communication, Food and Nutrition, and STEM. Through her roles with the Jackson County Young Leaders, her work as a camp counselor, and organizing tie-blanket workshops for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Maranda has become a compassionate leader who empowers others through action. She uses the knowledge she has gained working at a farm-to-table store and meat locker too as she volunteers her time at poultry workshops. Maranda hopes to use her communication skills to advocate for sustainable agriculture, support local producers, and bridge the divide between farmers, consumers, and policymakers.
Provided through the endowment created in honor of J. Kelly and Irene Tobin, this scholarship is for eligible applicants that must be a college undergraduate at Iowa State University while pursuing any field of study. Recipients shall have demonstrated leadership during their 4-H career.
* Jacob Nabb of Jackson County was awarded the Theisen 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation at the recognition ceremony on Sunday, June 29 in Ames.
Jacob will attend the University of Dubuque to major in Flight Operations, with the goal of becoming an airplane pilot. A nine-year member and sheep exhibitor, Jacob’s journey in 4-H instilled in him a strong work ethic and ability to make ethical decisions. Jacob credits 4-H for giving him the confidence and courage to pursue aviation. Whether caring for livestock, serving others, or learning to pilot a plane, Jacob is driven by dedication, integrity, and the heart to always give his best.
This annual scholarship is for eligible applicants that reside in counties where Theisen Stores are located: Benton, Cedar, Chickasaw, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Floyd, Hardin, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Marion, Marshall, Poweshiek, Scott, Story or Warren. Recipients must be pursuing a two-year or four-year degree at any Iowa college or university.
* Charlie Lane of Jackson County was awarded the Tubbs ENDOWED 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation at the recognition ceremony on Sunday, June 29 in Ames.
Charlie will attend Iowa State University to study Agricultural Business and Animal Science. Through club officer roles and years serving on county council, he has helped lead events like the Sweetheart Ball and Jackson County Fair. His livestock experience and success in both the communication and visual arts projects reflect his creativity and resilience. From restoring antique furniture to overcoming steer-related setbacks, he’s applied 4-H values to every challenge.
Provided through the endowment created in honor of the Ed and Grace Tubbs Family, this scholarship is for eligible applicants who reside in Clinton or Jackson County. They must be a freshman in the upcoming academic year and be attending an Iowa two- or four-year college or university while pursuing any field of study.
* Molly Matthiesen of Jackson County was awarded the Gerald and Wanda Cornelius 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation at the recognition ceremony on Sunday, June 29 in Ames.
Molly has been a hands-on learner her whole life and found 4-H as a space to turn that energy into leadership and purpose. The swine project area became a quick favorite as it taught her responsibility, passion, resilience, and the value of consistency. She stepped into leadership roles as club president and county council member, where she helped lead various projects. Molly is currently studying Agricultural Studies at Kirkwood Community College and will transfer to Iowa State University to finish her degree. For Molly, 4-H wasn’t simply a club but rather a place that showed her what she was capable of accomplishing.
This annual scholarship is open to any Jackson County 4-H alumni who is an incoming freshmen or college undergraduate attending Iowa State University pursuing any field of study.
“Iowa 4-H Foundation scholarships acknowledge the hard work and dedication of young people who have used their 4-H skills and experiences to ‘make the best better’ for others,” said Emily Saveraid, Executive Director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. “We also are thankful for the many scholarship donors who fund these important opportunities for Iowa 4-H’ers.”
Charlie Lane
Jacob Nabb
Luke Holdgrafer
Maranda Wood
Molly Mathiesen
