Hanson is awarded the Gary Vincent Memorial 4-H Scholarship – Upperclassman 

Ames, Iowa – Olivia Hanson of Benton County was awarded the Gary Vincent Memorial 4-H Upperclassman Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation at the recognition ceremony on Sunday, June 29 in Ames.

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.

Olivia is an Iowa State University student majoring in Agricultural Communications. As a lifelong exhibitor and devoted 4-H’er, Olivia transformed her passion for agriculture into a calling to be a storyteller and advocate for the people who feed the world. Her 4-H journey was shaped by experience like rebuilding her goat herd after a devastating barn fire, organizing Benton County’s “4-H Night at the Grandstand,” and traveling nationally with her livestock judging team. Oliva hopes to use her voice to connect producers and consumers, educate members of the public, and foster pride in rural communities.

“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.”

This annual scholarship is for applicants attending Iowa State University pursuing an education in either Agriculture Communications or Agricultural Systems Technology.  

A full list of all scholarship recipients can be found here. Photos of the scholarship reception and the award winners are available here.

The Iowa 4-H Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides the private financial resources to develop and deliver quality 4-H youth programs throughout the state of Iowa. These opportunities help young people enhance their ability to use critical thinking, leadership, communication, and social skills – tools that will give them a competitive edge in their future endeavors. More information atwww.iowa4hfoundation.org.