Franklin is a 4.0 student who credits her 11 years in 4-H for helping her develop a strong work ethic. Currently she spends time in the clothing construction, visual arts, and market beef projects. In the past she participated in cake decorating, scrapbooking, market goats and breeding beef. Aside from 4-H, Franklin was involved in the Junior National Hereford Exposition, National Western Stock Show, Northern International Livestock Exposition, FCCLA State Leadership Conference, FCCLA National Leadership Conference, St. James’ Church annual Thanksgiving dinner, Meeker Mentors (a program she created in order to help eighth grade students find success in high school), Ecology Project International, Meeker Arts and Cultural Council stage makeup artist, marketing for Franklin Cattle Company and Wendll’s marketing (creating new menus and flyers for advertising), Sotheby’s International Realty marketing (created flyers for advertising and sent cards to buyers and sellers), Education First Tour of Spain and Italy, MHS Choir (trip to perform at Carnegie Hall, NYC), Scholastics State Art Contest, and she was the Colorado Make It With Wool Contest champion. Kolbi said “quitting is never the answer, even in times of despair.” She will be headed to Oklahoma State University where she will pursue a degree in Agribusiness. Specifically, she would like to focus on marketing and becoming a strong entrepreneur. Franklin will be receiving $1,500 towards her academic endeavors at Oklahoma State University.
Kindler plans to attend the University of Wyoming to earn a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or kinesiology with a master’s degree in athletic training. Madison is a nine year 4-H member and is an active member in the 4-H horse and market swine projects. She said that she always loved the opportunity to be able to give back to her community and feels an incredible sense of pride and accomplishment when she can help out others within her community. Kindler is being awarded $500 towards her education.
The Rio Blanco County 4-H Youth Fund ranks each applicant based on the following criteria: 50% all aspects of 4-H involvement, 20% school performance, 15% interest in continuing education, and 15% for other interests. The scholarship committee takes applications until March 1 each year. Scholarship applications are available to interested 4-H members at https://sites.google.com/view/rioblancocounty4hyouthfund. If you are interested in donating to the Rio Blanco County 4-H Youth Fund you can contact them at [email protected].
By ROXIE FROMANG | Special to the Herald Times
