Zaabel awarded 4-H scholarship

Lauren Zaabel from Jasper County, was awarded a $1,000 Robert and Harriet Smith 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation at the recognition ceremony on June 5 in Ames.

Ninety-five Iowa 4-H scholarships valued at more than $124,000 were awarded as a part of the Foundation’s scholarship recognition ceremony. More than 454 applications were submitted and scholarships have been awarded to recipients from 50 counties across the state of Iowa with a wide variety of 4-H experiences.

4-H introduced Zaabel to the world of agriculture and volunteer opportunities. Every year she participated in Meals from the Heartland, Angel tree shopping, and volunteering at the Newton Community Theater. 4-H helped her realize the needs of others in her community and in the world. Lauren will be heading to Iowa State University this fall to study Agricultural Business and Ag Communications.

“4-H helped develop my love for agriculture and opened the door to meeting many new people. I participated in volunteer opportunities as well as leadership opportunities and developed life skills,” Zaabel said.