Every year, KREMC awards 10 $350 4-H scholarships to co-op members who participate in 4-H. Get to know some of the 2024 scholarship recipients!

CARTER IMHOFF

Whitko Jr/Sr High School

Carter Imhoff was very happy to learn he was one of the recipients of this year’s KREMC 4-H scholarships.

As the Treasurer of the Pierceton Hayseeds 4-H club and a Junior Leader, Imhoff has taken on an array of projects including Blacksmithing, Shooting Sports, Foods, Model Craft, and Soil and Water. His fondest 4-H memory is winning Battle of the Barns with the Beef Barn and being the first barn to receive the new/updated 4-H flag.

We asked Imhoff if he had encountered any challenges or obstacles during 4-H.

“I think the biggest challenge I have encountered would be having to teach cattle to lead. They don’t like to wear halters or be made to walk with someone. They are stubborn. It takes a lot of time, patience, and trust to get your animal to be comfortable walking with you. I would spend about an hour after getting home from practice just working with my heifer and then more on the weekend. I can now just walk up to her, put her halter on, and walk her around.”

Looking ahead, Imhoff has set his sights on winning Reserve Grand or Grand Champion Beef Heifer. Academically, he plans to pursue dual credit classes throughout high school, with aspirations to attend Purdue University for either aerospace or agricultural engineering, or possibly both. He expressed gratitude to the KREMC members for their support.

“Knowing that there are scholarships like the one KREMC has for 4-H’ers is a blessing and allows us to get things we need to continue to do our best in 4-H. Thank you members for supporting my journey in 4-H.”

Imhoff shared that he plans to use the funds to purchase show halters and then put anything leftover away for college.

OLIVIA PARKER

Akron Elementary

Olivia Parker felt grateful and honored to learn she had been selected as one of this year’s KREMC 4-H scholarship winners.

Parker is involved in Dairy Calf Feeder Steers and Consumer Meats, where she makes different meat dishes and foods. Her favorite project is working with Dairy Calf Feeder Steers. She shared that she also had great memories from showing different animals in mini 4-H.

One obstacle Parker faced during 4-H happened in her first year. “My calves had some health issues, and I had to continue to check them and treat them so they could heal before fair,” she said.

When asked what her favorite part of being involved in 4-H is, Parker said it was the friends she had made and the time she had spent with them. “4-H and the fair just make me happy!” she added.

The scholarship funds will be put to good use, as Parker plans to purchase necessary supplies for her Feeder Steer project. Looking to the future, she aspires to place in the top three in her class with one of her calves and would like to win Showmanship someday.

Parker expressed her appreciation for the 4-H Scholarship program. “I would like to say thank you, and I really appreciate the support that is leading me to greater success in my 4-H career,” she said.

ACE RICHCREEK

Washington STEM Academy

Ace Richcreek was both surprised and happy when he learned he had been selected as one of the winners of the KREMC 4-H scholarship. As a newcomer to regular 4-H with three years of experience in the Explorer/mini program, he has already shown remarkable enthusiasm and commitment.

Richcreek took on several projects this year. He raised two pigs, two dairy feeder calves, one goat, and two horses, and entered a safety flag into the tractor safety project. In the weeks leading up to the fair Richcreek said, “I know I will be busy, but it will be worth it.”

According to Richcreek, one of the best memories from this year was attending the 4-H camp. He liked connecting with other kids who share the same interests as him.

Caring for his 4-H animals is Richcreek’s favorite aspect of 4-H. This passion aligns with his future aspirations of becoming a farmer to help feed people.

Richcreek extended his heartfelt thanks to the KREMC members for their support, expressing sincere appreciation for the scholarship. “I really appreciate the support that KREMC has provided for me in these projects. Thank you!” he said.

KATE RIVIR

Lakeland Christian Academy

Kate Rivir was thrilled to learn she was one of this year’s KREMC 4-H scholarship winners.

With two years of mini 4-H experience under her belt, Rivir has explored a variety of projects, including Lego, Collections, and Art. This year, she expanded her horizons by participating in Forestry, Wildlife, and Fine Arts projects.

Rivir used the scholarship to fund an excursion to Clifty Falls State Park, where she hiked, collected leaves, and gained hands-on knowledge about wildlife, particularly turtles.

Rivir said she loved all the 4-H projects she participated in. Her favorite thing about 4-H is that it’s fun and she learns a lot. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue learning and trying new things.

Rivir extended a big “thank you” to KREMC members for their support, expressing how the scholarship made her memorable trip possible. “Thank you for sponsoring my trip. Without the scholarship money, I wouldn’t have been able to visit Clifty Falls State Park,” she said.