Investing in youth and devoting money and time to develop stronger leaders for the future is a fundamental value of Texas Farm Bureau (TFB). And the state’s largest farm and ranch organization awarded two scholarships this summer through the Texas 4-H Foundation.
“We offer a variety of scholarships for youth across the state. Texas Farm Bureau awards more than $100,000 annually to youth through county Farm Bureaus,” said TFB Associate Director of Urban Relations and Youth Activities Coleburn Davis.
TFB President Russell Boening presented two $4,000 scholarships through the Texas 4-H Foundation to deserving students during the 2016 Texas 4-H Roundup held in June. The winners of the scholarships were Davis Matschek of Rowena and Allison Schaefer of Ballinger.
Matschek is a Kinesiology major and will attend Angelo State University. Schaefer is a Family and Consumer Science (FCS) major and will attend Texas Tech University. Both graduated in the top 10 of their class at Ballinger High School.
Matschek was involved in Runnels County 4-H for 10 years and participated in many activities and held several roles in the organization. He served as treasurer and vice president of the local 4-H chapter, as well as stayed active in sports and marching band throughout high school.
“Living in a family and a community with such a strong 4-H background is very fortunate. 4-H has taught me so much about life in general and has given me many opportunities and skills,” Matschek wrote.
Several sports injuries led him to his interest in physical therapy. He plans to pursue his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and his doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Schaefer was also involved in Runnels 4-H for more than 10 years. She began in third grade in a County Food Show and raised fryer rabbits. She has been involved in many roles within the chapter, including serving as secretary and vice president of the local chapter and as a District Ambassador. Schaefer also received the Gold Star Award and the Silver Star Award.
“4-H changed my whole life and perspective, making me want to talk and present better. Now, you can barely tell I struggled along the way. 4-H gave me the push I needed,” Schaefer wrote. “I know I can overcome any obstacle life gives me due to all the life lessons 4-H has taught me.”
She has been influenced by many FCS county Extension agents to become a FCS Extension agent or a FCS teacher.