Lexis Collins, of Hamilton County, was awarded the Darla Merwald Memorial Passion for Horses 4-H Scholarship from Emily Saveraid, right, executive director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation, at the recognition ceremony July 9 in Ames.

Lexis Collins, of Hamilton County, was awarded the Darla Merwald Memorial Passion for Horses 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation at the recognition ceremony July 9 in Ames.

Ninety-nine Iowa 4-H scholarships valued at over $103,000 were awarded as a part of the Foundation’s scholarship recognition ceremony. Scholarships were awarded to recipients from 58 counties across the state of Iowa with a wide variety of 4-H experiences.

Collins has been involved in the horse industry ever since she was born. With her grandpa and dad, they would exhibit Clydesdale horses and Appaloosa ponies with wagons in local parades and rodeos. 4-H opened the doors to county and state fairs. Being awarded the Citizenship Washington Focus trip is Collins’ greatest 4-H experience.

The moment she realized 4-H was truly beneficial was during her first job interview as she was prepared for anything. 4-H influenced her college choice by not letting this big world scare her, no matter how far away from home. She will be attending Des Moines Area Community College this upcoming fall and will be studying for certification as a veterinarian technician.

“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.”

Provided by contributions made in memory of Darla Merwald, former 4-H Horse superintendent at the Iowa State Fair, these annual scholarships are awarded to recipients who have participated in the 4-H horse and pony project and who advocate for the horse industry. Recipients will be incoming freshmen at any higher education institution pursuing any field of study.