July 20, 2023 – Three outstanding 4-H members were awarded scholarships from the Macon County 4-H and Extension Foundation for the 2023-24 academic year. These three individuals will pursue undergraduate degrees in the fields of computer information systems, aerospace engineering, and agribusiness.
Brett Brown, the child of Jeff and Toni Brown, has been a Green Machines 4-H Club member for ten years. Brett’s 4-H career achievements include exhibiting beef, junk drawer robotics, computer programing, air rifle, and financial literacy projects in the DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties’ 4-H general projects and livestock show. He served as club vice president for two years and one year as club reporter. He also served as a student representative on the Macon County Extension Council for one year.
“I would like to increase my understanding of all aspects of the agriculture industry through a career in agribusiness,” says Brett. “I am excited about my future studies at Illinois State University.”
Brett received the Warren E. Myers Scholarship, a one-time grant the Foundation awards to a college-bound freshman planning to major in agriculture. He also received the Betty and Mona Hartwig Scholarship, which is also a one-time grant awarded to a Macon County 4-H member pursuing a post-high school degree.
Owen Raleigh, the child of Jennifer and Ryan Raleigh, has been a 4-H SCREAM robotics club member for five years. Owen’s 4-H career achievements include being a member of Super SCREAM Bros, the club’s FIRST Tech Challenge team, and exhibiting rockets at the DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties’ general projects show. Owen programmed the FTC team’s robot for competitions and participated in many events to help bring STEM awareness to schools and community organizations.
“As an Aerospace Engineer, I hope to effect change in the world of space systems to grant humanity further access to orbit and beyond,” says Owen. “I will be pursuing my undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.”
Owen received a Macon County 4-H and Extension Foundation Undergraduate four-year college scholarship.
Benjamin Suckow, the child of Jeffrey and Jennifer Suckow, has been a 4-H SCREAM robotics club member for ten years. Benjamin’s 4-H career achievements include being a member of the club’s FIRST Lego League team and continuing on to the FIRST Tech Challenge team. He has also exhibited projects in aerospace, computer science, photography, cooking, civic engagement, visual arts, poultry, and woodworking. Ben served as club president and was the student representative for Macon County’s Extension Council for three years.
“A Computer Information Systems degree will allow me to have a wide range of possible careers,” says Benjamin. “Information Systems is a growing field. I’m excited to begin this dynamic and challenging career path at Murray State University.”
Benjamin also received a Macon County 4-H and Extension Foundation Undergraduate four-year college scholarship.
“The recipients of the 4-H and Extension Foundation Scholarships are bright individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to their academic pursuits, 4-H opportunities, and a genuine commitment to positively impacting society,” says Brittani Garner, Macon County 4-H and Extension Foundation board president. “Our Foundation believes in nurturing and empowering the next generation of leaders. We congratulate each scholarship recipient on their achievements and look forward to witnessing their incredible contributions to the world.”
