The Kane County 4-H Foundation recently provided a total of $4,000 in scholarship funds to six Kane County youth.

Scholarship recipients were selected based on 4-H Youth Development program involvement, 4-H achievements, community service, school involvement and future plans. High school seniors, and post-high school students enrolled full-time in an educational program, were encouraged to apply.

Brooke Sunderlage  — $500 scholarship, made possible by Woodman’s Markets

Sunderlage is a 10-year 4-H’er, and is a member of Burlington Ag 4-H Club. She is a graduate of Genoa-Kingston High School and will be attending Black Hawk East College.

Sunderlage plans to pursue animal science studies with the objective to become an animal nutritionist. Her parents are Todd and Karen Sunderlage of Genoa.

Kristina Drendel — $500 Bob Konen Memorial Scholarship

Drendel is a 10-year 4-H’er, a member of Hampshire Junior Farmers 4-H Club, and a Hampshire High School graduate. This fall, she will be attending Elgin Community College with career aspirations in journalism.

Her parents are Mark and Pam Drendel of Hampshire.

Jake Thompson — $1,000 Scholarship from 4-H Foundation

Thompson has been in 4-H for 10 years, and he is a member of A Bit More 4-H Club. He is a graduate of Central High School, and this fall, will be attending Black Hawk East College, studying agriculture.

His parents are Mike and Jennifer Thompson of Maple Park.

Abigail DeDina — $1,000 Scholarship from 4-H Foundation

DeDina is a nine-year member of 4-H, a member of Hampshire Junior Farmers 4-H Club and a Hampshire High School graduate. She will attend University of Wisconsin-River Falls and is working toward a degree in agriculture education.

She is the daughter of Gerry and Kelli DeDina of Hampshire.

Erica Johnson — $500 Scholarship from 4-H Foundation

Johnson is a six-year member of 4-H and is part of the Kaneville Classics 4-H Club. She currently attends Waubonsee Community College, concentrating on graphic arts and design.

Her parents are Eric and Brenda Johnson of Maple Park.

Rebecca Rickert — $500 Scholarship from 4-H Foundation

Rickert has been part of 4-H for five years and is a member of The Challengers 4-H Club.

She presently attends Providence Baptist College, and she is working toward a career in architecture.

Her parents are David and Dianna Rickert of Elgin.

Fundraising Efforts

All monies for these scholarships are made available through fundraising efforts and private donations to the Kane County 4-H Foundation.

The Bob Konen Memorial Scholarship was first available in 2010 and is made possible through memorial donations from family and friends. Konen was a 50‑year 4-H supporter serving as a member, club leader, and a volunteer.

Donations and monies raised by the Kane County 4-H Foundation support many countywide events and activities including volunteer support, training, and recognition; 4-H Government Day; Kane County Fair activities and awards; educational scholarships; and general 4-H and University of Illinois Extension office support.

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. If you are interested in learning more about 4-H, contact University of Illinois Extension in your county, or visit us online at: go.illinois.edu/extensiondkk.

About the University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills and solve problems.