Congratulations to the 2025 Minnesota 4-H scholarship recipients! These 28 outstanding 4-H youth and alumni across Minnesota stood out among approximately 170 applications.
An exciting new scholarship in 2025 is the Michael J. Liepold Scholarship for Extraordinary Leadership. The family of 4-H alumnus Mike Liepold has established an endowment fund.
Looking ahead, at least one additional new scholarship will be announced for 2026.
CCI Innovation in Agriculture Scholarship
A one-time $1,500 scholarship to be used toward education expenses at a post-secondary institution in the United States. Applicants must intend to pursue a degree in agriculture, with a preference for students pursuing a degree in agronomy, soil science, horticulture, plant science, ag economics, agribusiness or a closely related field.
Recipient
Cameron A., Goodhue County - Cameron, a senior at Cannon Falls High School, has been accepted to Iowa State University where he plans to pursue a double major in agronomy and agricultural business. He was senior class vice president, 4-H club president and FFA chapter president, while organizing numerous community service initiatives, including the Farmer's Breakfast that attracts over 500 community members annually. Cameron aspires to work in the seed industry as a sales representative or agronomist after graduation while continuing his family's show pig operation.
Alternate
- Allison D., Dakota County
Kern Scholarship
Four $1,500 scholarships for entering freshmen attending one of the University of Minnesota campuses or an institution within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System (formerly MnSCU) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better to qualify. Selected recipients may reapply annually, up to three times.
Recipients
Kaitlyn G. Pipestone County – Kaitlyn, a graduate of Pipestone Area High School, will attend the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities to pursue a college education that prepares her to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. A two-year Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador and National 4-H Congress delegate, she has earned multiple Grand Champion titles and led efforts like launching a community blessing pantry. Outside of 4-H, Kaitlyn also participated in student council, marching band leadership, athletics and service work.
Nicholas L., Marshall County – Nicholas, a graduate of Marshall County Central High School, plans to study social studies education at Minnesota State University Moorhead to become a history teacher and coach in northwest Minnesota, like his parents (both educators). He served as a 4-H club officer, tutored high school and junior high students, acted as a teacher's assistant, coached multiple youth sports (basketball, football, baseball, golf) and led school teams as captain. Nicholas also completed award-winning 4-H projects in youth leadership and woodworking, and even built his own fishing boat.
Sophia N., Murray County – Sophia, a graduate of Murray County Central High School, will attend Southwest Minnesota State University to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a high school English and language arts teacher in a small-town community. She has served as both club and county 4-H president, earned top 4-H honors, including Grand Champion for her flower gardening project and a state-level Community Impact Award. Outside of 4-H, she was a varsity athlete, state participant in cross country and track, band leader, drama club performer and an FFA officer.
Cora Y., Stearns County – Cora, a ROCORI High School graduate, plans to major in Spanish education at Winona State University with the goal of becoming a Spanish teacher and eventually joining the Peace Corps. She held leadership roles as a 4-H State Ambassador, camp counselor and Breezy Pines Club president, and participated in State Arts-In. Her school involvement includes serving as NHS secretary, yearbook writing editor, student council member, drumline section leader and musical cast member, with thousands of hours contributed across activities.
No alternate.
Michael J. Liepold Scholarship for Extraordinary Leadership
One $1,000 scholarship for an entering freshman who has participated in the 4-H Youth Development Program of the University of Minnesota Extension and plans to attend a post-secondary, accredited institution to further their education. This can also include an accredited trade school or a two-year college. The scholarship was established by family, friends and colleagues to honor Mike Liepold, a dedicated 4-H member, parent and volunteer.
Recipient
- Cody S., Steele County – Cody, a graduate of Owatonna High School, will pursue nursing at Luther College after discovering his passion while working as a certified nursing assistant at a long-term care facility. He was the clay target team captain and completed extensive community service through 4-H, including organizing kestrel falcon habitat projects that earned him the Minnesota Commissioner of Department of Natural Resources 4-H Youth Conservation Award. Born with moderate hearing loss, Cody aspires to become a compassionate pediatric nurse while continuing his commitment to environmental conservation and mentoring others with hearing disabilities.
Alternate
- Allison N., Kandiyohi County
David E. Pace and Valerie Halverson Pace Leadership Scholarship
Four one-time $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to either an entering accepted freshman or a continuing sophomore based on their leadership experiences in 4-H, school and community. Awarded funds must be applied toward educational expenses at an accredited college or university within the United States of America.
Recipients
William C., Houston County – William, a graduate of Houston High School in Minnesota, will pursue pre-med and music at the University of Chicago after discovering a passion for health care while volunteering with his local ambulance service. He was senior class president, FRC robotics team lead and student director of the Southeast Minnesota Honors Choir, while also serving as the 4-H State Agriculture Ambassador for three years. After establishing an EMT training program, now reaching 26 students across Minnesota, William aspires to become an ER doctor while continuing his advocacy for rural emergency medical services.
Devah G., Anoka County – Devah, a graduate of Anoka High School, will pursue biology health sciences at Saint Mary's University in Winona. She was her school’s marching band president, founder of the pickleball club and director of her church's Vacation Bible School, while also serving as president of her 4-H club and creator of the Representative Team for youth leaders. Inspired by her father's compassionate physician assistant during his cancer treatment, Devah aspires to become a physician assistant while continuing her commitment to leadership roles at her university.
Maria H., Dakota County – Maria, a graduate of Northfield High School, plans to attend Oklahoma State University in fall 2025 to major in agricultural business with a minor in agricultural communications. She served in leadership positions such as FFA vice president and 4-H club president, competed in livestock judging and developed her own Red Angus cattle herd while advocating for agricultural education. Maria was a National Honor Society member, a member of the championship swim team and a community service volunteer for various initiatives, including Youth on Boards and church service projects.
Rayea R., Freeborn County – Rayea, a graduate of Albert Lea High School, attends the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and studies agricultural business and developmental psychology. As a Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador, county executive council president, club officer and county ambassador, she worked on projects related to food security, mental health, environmental challenges and youth voice. Her long-term goal is to combine community development, youth development and sustainable agriculture through international outreach with the Peace Corps.
Alternates
- Ryan P., Watonwan County
- Hannah S., Freeborn County
Andrea Ruesch Regional 4-H Scholarship
A one-time $1,000 award for at least eight 4-H members who are high school seniors or first-year college students. Must currently be enrolled in one of the counties listed: Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Martin, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Rock or Watonwan. The family of Andrea Ruesch established a 4-H scholarship in memory of her dedication and contributions to the Minnesota 4-H program.
Recipients
Grace B., Nobles County – Grace, a graduate of Worthington Senior High School, plans to study nursing at North Dakota State University after 13 years of involvement in 4-H. She served as club president and county ambassador and mentored younger members in the goat program. Outside of 4-H, Grace was actively involved in athletics, including volleyball and basketball; served as National Honor Society secretary and student council vice president; and participated in FFA career development events.
Rylee F., Pipestone County – Rylee, a graduate of Pipestone Area High School, will study nursing at the University of Mary. She completed 13 years in 4-H, where she excelled in livestock projects, earning multiple champion titles in market goats and beef cattle while competing at state and national levels in livestock judging and meats evaluation. Rylee served as club president, county leaders council president and FFA vice president, while also earning the Outstanding Youth Leader Award for three consecutive years.
Kaitlyn G., Pipestone County – Kaitlyn, a graduate of Pipestone Area High School, plans to study developmental psychology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. As a 4-H State Ambassador, Kaitlyn also demonstrated leadership in 4-H as a club historian, club vice president and club president. She earned a nomination for the Minnesota State High School League Triple A Award by participating in a variety of athletic and academic out-of-school time programs, including student council, tennis, basketball, track and field, knowledge bowl, marching band, speech and more.
Joseph K., Pipestone County – Joseph, a graduate of Pipestone Area High School, excelled in shooting sports for seven years, earning numerous state-level awards, including multiple first-place finishes and qualifying for nationals three times in different disciplines. After graduating, Joseph plans to attend Minnesota West in Jackson to pursue electrical studies. Upon returning home, he aims to become a certified 4-H shooting sports coach to pass on the skills and lessons he learned to the next generation of young shooters.
Tyler K., Martin County – Tyler, a graduate of Fairmont Jr./Sr. High School, plans to attend Iowa State University to pursue veterinary medicine. He dedicated 13 years to 4-H, achieving remarkable success in swine and beef projects, including three Minnesota State Swine Interview Championships. In 4-H, he participated on the livestock judging team and served as club president, vice president and secretary, while also excelling in FFA leadership positions and varsity hockey.
Taylor L., Murray County – Taylor, a graduate of Murray County Central High School, will attend Kansas State University as an animal science major. She has been involved in 4-H for 13 years, excelling in livestock projects with multiple Grand and Reserve Champion titles in swine and beef showmanship at both county and state levels. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership by serving as club president, 4-H ambassador and youth representative on the Murray County 4-H livestock committee, while also balancing her roles as student council president and FFA vice president, as well as participating in basketball and softball.
Grace N., Murray County – Grace, a graduate from Murray County Central High School, will attend Dakota State University to study production animation. She has been involved in 4-H for 12 years, earning multiple Grand Champion titles in filmmaking and fine arts, along with several Purple Awards of Excellence at the state fair. She has found her passion through 4-H's diverse opportunities, particularly excelling in the Minnesota State Arts-In program where she performed for thousands of people and developed strong teamwork and leadership skills.
Sophia N., Murray County – Sophia, a graduate of Murray County Central High School, will attend Southwest Minnesota State University to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a high school English and language arts teacher in a small-town community. She has served as both club and county 4-H president, earned top 4-H honors, including Grand Champion for her flower gardening project and a state-level Community Impact Award. Outside of 4-H, she was a varsity athlete, state participant in cross country and track, band leader, drama club performer and an FFA officer.
Maryann P., Murray County – Maryann, a future childhood nature studies major at the University of Minnesota Duluth, has built a record of leadership and achievement through FFA and 4-H in a wide range of project areas, including child development, poultry, foods and woodworking. She has earned multiple county championships, held key leadership roles like 4-H club president and FFA chapter president, and participated in statewide and national opportunities such as the Citizen Washington Focus trip and National FFA Convention. Maryann plans to continue inspiring others through education and mentorship.
Keeley R., Watonwan County – Keeley, a graduate of St. James Public High School, will double major in agricultural education and agricultural leadership at South Dakota State University. She hopes to become a licensed agricultural educator and teach back in her area to share her love of agriculture with both those who grew up around agriculture and those who did not. Keeley was the state Grand Champion for the Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge for three years and served in leadership roles in her 4-H club for five years.
Gabriella S.-O., Cottonwood County – Gabriella, a graduate of Windom Area High School, will study at Bethel University as a pre-health major and minors in business and Spanish. Gabriella was selected as an American Legion Minnesota Girls State Auditor and the Miss Riverfest Queen in 2024. Her long-term goal is to serve diverse populations with sensitivity and understanding while running her own chiropractic practice.
Kylie Z., Jackson County – Kylie, a graduate from Jackson County Central, will study elementary education at Northwestern College. She was the president of her school’s National Honor Society, vice president of FFA and served as both club president and Federation president and vice president for 4-H. Kylie has participated in a variety of school activities, including robotics, knowledge bowl and Math League, as well as 4-H projects, with 13 years in the horse project and crafts and fine arts.
No alternate.
Ada and Helmuth Schroeder Scholarship
Six one-time $1,000 scholarships awarded to present or former Minnesota 4-H members who will be entering their freshman year at Minnesota college or university, based on scholastic achievements, community and 4-H involvement, leadership roles and positions.
Recipients
Kaitlin G., Murray County – Katilin, a graduate of Russell Tyler Ruthton Public Schools (RTR) High Schools, will attend Southwest Minnesota State University to study Early Childhood Education. During her time in 4-H, she provided service to the community by creating birthday bags for her local food shelf and earned multiple awards for alpaca showing, citizenship and archery. She plans to bring 4-H ideas into her classroom when she becomes a teacher.
Megan L., Blue Earth County – Megan, a graduate of Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, will study mechanical engineering at Bethel University. Her long-term dream is to focus on biomedical engineering so she can improve the lives of those who suffered medical trauma by designing prosthetics. During her time in high school, she helped her local school restart its robotics program and competed in 4-H projects, such as quilting, rabbit showing, robotics and aerospace, as well as participated in the Rube Goldberg Engineering and Design Competition.
Amelia M., Dakota County – Amelia, a graduate from Hastings High School, is pursuing the VetFAST program at the University of Minnesota-Crookston College of Veterinary Medicine to become a rural large animal veterinarian. During her time in 4-H, she volunteered at animal shelters and vet clinics and led a livestock care project where she taught younger 4-H members about proper animal care. Her long-term goal is to support local farmers, improve animal productivity and, ultimately, positively impact her community and environment.
Calissa N., Washington County – Calissa, a graduate of Park High School in Cottage Grove, will study biomedical engineering at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to pursue a career in healthcare. During her time in 4-H, Calissa was the Grand Champion at the state fair and county fair in the food revue project multiple times. Calissa also extensively volunteered for a variety of causes including Feed My Starving Children, Books for Africa, her local food shelf, Open Arms and more.
Gabriella S.-O., Cottonwood County – Gabriella, a graduate of Windom Area High School, will study at Bethel University as a pre-health major and minors in business and Spanish. Gabriella was selected as an American Legion Minnesota Girls State Auditor and the Miss Riverfest Queen in 2024. Her long-term goal is to serve diverse populations with sensitivity and understanding while running her own chiropractic practice.
Clara T., Mower County – Clara, a graduate of Albert Lea High School, will study biology at Winona State University. She is involved with her community as a tutor, with 4-H as a mentor and volunteer on the county and state horse project development committees. Her experience with horse’s PSSM (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy) diagnosis, and guidance from her biology teacher, has inspired her to pursue her long-term goal of becoming a genetic researcher.
Alternate
- Jacey L., Stevens County
Extension Development and Minnesota 4-H are committed to continuing development efforts for college-bound 4-H youth and alumni scholarships. If you know of a person or business who might sponsor a scholarship, please contact Jane Johnson, chief development officer of Extension Development and Minnesota 4-H, at 612-626-3717 or [email protected].