University of Minnesota Extension is pleased to announce the 2025 Andrea Ruesch 4-H Scholarship recipients.
The Andrea Ruesch 4-H Scholarship was established in 2010 by the family of Andrea Ruesch, in memory of her dedication and contributions to the Minnesota 4-H program. Based on the family’s belief in positive youth development, the scholarship recipients are selected by demonstrating learning and leadership through handson experience, and using what they have learned to help others through youth leadership.
The scholarship committee announces the twelve $1,000 scholarship recipients:
• Gabriella Symens-Otero, Cottonwood County 4-H
• Grace Barber, Nobles County 4-H
• Grace Nelson, Murray County 4-H
• Joseph Kor, Pipestone County 4-H
• Kaitlyn Goelz, Pipestone County 4-H
• Keeley Runge, Watonwan County 4-H
• Kylie Zishka, Jackson County 4-H
• Maryann Pagel, Murray County 4-H
• Rylee Folkerts, Pipestone County 4-H
• Sophia Nelson, Murray County 4-H
• Taylor Larson, Murray County 4-H
• Tyler Kurt, Martin County 4-H The mission of Minnesota 4-H Youth Development is to engage youth, in partnership with adults, in quality learning opportunities that enable them to shape and reach their full potential as active citizens in a global community. These students exemplify the life and leadership skills we hope all youth have the opportunity to develop.
The scholarship is for a high school senior or first-year college student currently enrolled in 4-H. Applicants must be from one of the nine counties listed: Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Martin, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Rock, and Watonwan.
Contributions to the Andrea Ruesch 4-H Scholarship can be made online at z.umn.edu/4HgiveRuesch or via mail to UMN Extension, 405 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108. Gifts are received by the University of Minnesota Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that raises funds to support 4-H in each of Minnesota’s 87 counties and tribal nations. For more information about making a gift to your favorite local 4-H program, call 612-500-8896 or visit extension.umn.edu/connect/give.
If you would like to learn more about the 4-H program and the opportunities available, contact your local Extension office. For more news from U of M Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu/ news. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
