By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor
Texas 4-H Youth Foundation recently announced the selection of the 2020 Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Scholars.
The two graduating high school seniors, Kristi Bolf and Graci Philips, will each receive a $5,000 scholarship to assist in their pursuit of higher education.
“We’re proud of these young ladies and how well they represent agriculture and their communities,” TFB Director of Youth Outreach Mia Balko said. “This scholarship is an acknowledgement of their dedication to agriculture, and we wish them the best on their journey.”
Bolf of Karnes County has been a 4-H member since the third grade. She is passionate about horses and participated in horse projects, horse shows, horse judging, horse quiz bowls, horse skillathons, hippology and equine public speaking.
Her experience in 4-H and agriculture helped prepare her for leadership in many ways, but she said the biggest thing she has learned is self-confidence.
“I was the youngest one on a four-person team. It used to terrify me because you had five minutes to prepare and go speak on a topic, but the experience taught me how to be poised under pressure,” she said. “Equine public speaking has really made a difference. I’ve learned how to speak with people and be relatable and get my point across.”
Bolf plans to attend Texas A&M University in the fall to study animal science.
“I’m in a unique position in that I was top of my class through junior year, and I had already applied to and been accepted to A&M as part of the top 10 percent program. But I made the decision to homeschool this last year, because I didn’t feel like I had enough time to pursue my other interests. So, I did have to give up some scholarship opportunities because of that,” she said. “I’m thankful to Farm Bureau and what the organization does for agriculture and what it stands for, and I’m thankful for this opportunity and the help I’ll receive in covering the cost of college.”
Philips of Kendall County grew up in Llano, but her family recently moved to Comfort, where she attended high school for her senior year.
Throughout the years, she’s been heavily involved in 4-H, exhibiting livestock and participating in livestock judging and different horse events. She was also a 4-H Livestock Ambassador.
“I’ve shown market lambs since I was in diapers, basically,” she said. “I joined 4-H as soon as I was able, and I held a lot of different offices.”
Philips also participates in barrel racing, and she was the Comfort FFA student advisor this past year.
She plans to attend South Plains College, where she will be a member of the livestock judging team. Philips plans to eventually transfer to Texas Tech University.
“It means so much to me to be awarded the scholarship,” she said. “It’s such a big help to know I don’t have to worry so much about the money, and I can focus more on my grades and judging. I am very appreciative of the opportunities agriculture and Texas Farm Bureau have given me.”
TFB, a corporate sponsor of Texas 4-H, provides assistance to the organization through various youth outreach and development programs throughout the year, as well as a complimentary TFB membership to each 4-H club in Texas.