RBC | The Rio Blanco County 4-H Foundation held its fall meeting on Sept. 13 to review applications for annual awards. The 4-H Foundation was established nearly 50 years ago to support education opportunities for 4-H members in Rio Blanco County.
The foundation makes scholarship awards to deserving seniors moving on to higher education. Scholarships are awarded based on involvement in 4-H, school performance, interest in continuing education, and other interests/financial planning. The 2017 scholarships were received by Antoinette Dorris of Rangely and Lori Ann Klinglesmith of Meeker. Dorris has plans to become an occupational therapist, while maintaining an interest in agriculture education. She is attending Kansas State University. Klinglesmith is attending the University of Wyoming while pursuing a degree in agri-business and a minor in economics. Both these young women were active participants in many areas of 4-H, maintained high scholastic achievement and were active in their communities.
Annually the foundation provides funding for Round Robin winners at the county fair. The money earned is held for them and can be accessed by the recipient for any educational opportunity (clinics, leadership conferences, college expenses, etc.). 4-H members may apply for financial assistance to attend the Citizen Washington Focus conference in the summer. The Washington trip provides a unique opportunity to meet legislators and see the government at work. Most recently Macy Collins and Mary Baylie attended. Outstanding member awards in the junior, intermediate, senior, junior leader divisions in both Rangely and Meeker and the Danforth award are given each year at 4-H achievement nights.
The work of the 4-H Foundation is totally funded by donations and fundraising activities. The community has been generous in supporting the educational work through private donations and buyback donations from the county fair livestock auction. Fundraising by the Foundation Board most recently has included providing meals for judges at county fair and the pie contest and auction at the Fall Festival in Meeker. Donations to the foundation are tax deductible.
Join the 4-H Foundation on Sept. 30 at the Fall Festival and support our 4-H members countywide. The pie contest has six divisions: best overall pie ($100 prize), best fruit pie ($100), best Fall Festival pie ($100), best youth pie ($50), prettiest pie ($50), best no-bake pie ($50). Bring two pies between 9-10 a.m. for judging. Pies will be auctioned and pieces of pie will be on sale for your enjoyment.
For additional information or questions contact the Rio Blanco County 4-H Foundation at [email protected]. There are currently vacancies on the Foundation Board in Rangely. If you are interested in supporting educational opportunities and scholarships for 4-H members, please contact Danny Lapp at 970-629-9525.