2025 4-H Art & Design 4-H Scholarship recipient Lauren Keller (third from right) pictured on June 29 in Ames. Also pictured (l-r) Mitchell Hoyer, Iowa 4-H Director and State Program Leader; Lauren’s dad, Ryan Keller; 4-H Art & Design 4-H Scholarship donor; [Keller]; Lauren’s mom, Melissa Keller; and Emily Saveraid, Iowa 4-H Foundation Executive Director. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

AMES – Lauren Keller of rural Gladbrook was awarded the 4-H Art & Design 4-H Scholarship through the Iowa 4-H Foundation at the recognition ceremony held Sunday, June 29 in Ames. As a part of the ceremony, 115 Iowa 4-H scholarships valued at over $121,850 were awarded. Over 450 applications were submitted, and scholarships have been awarded to recipients from 58 counties across the state of Iowa with a wide variety of 4-H experiences.

Lauren, 18, has a heart for her community. When the derecho of 2020 severely damaged several communities in Tama County, Lauren knew she could help. Baking over 66 dozen cinnamon rolls, hundreds of pies, breads, kolaches, cakes, and cookies, she raised over $3,000 which was given to non-profits that provided disaster relief to children and families in need. Lauren will study culinary arts and business administrations this fall at Des Moines Area Community College.

“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,” Emily Saveraid, Executive Director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation, said. “We also are thankful for the many scholarship donors who fund these important opportunities for Iowa 4-Hers.”

The annual $1,000 4-H Art & Design 4-H Scholarship was created by Wendy Brock and JaneAnn Stout and is being made a reality by the generous contributions of many. This scholarship supports 4-Hers who are planning careers in the areas of art and design. Those eligible for the scholarship must be an active Iowa 4-Her from any county who will be enrolling as a first-year student at any accredited two- or four-year college, university or institute studying the arts: Visual, Design, Performing, Literary or Culinary.

The Iowa 4-H Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides the private financial resources to develop and deliver quality 4-H youth programs throughout the state of Iowa. These opportunities help young people enhance their ability to use critical thinking, leadership, communication, and social skills – tools that will give them a competitive edge in their future endeavors. More information at www.iowa4hfoundation.org.