Antigonish youth receives 4-H scholarship for involvement, service

ANTIGONISH – The Canadian 4-H Council announced the three recipients of the 2013/2014 CIBC 4-H Secondary Education Scholarships on Monday.

Shandra MacMaster, a 4-H member from Antigonish, is one of three youth selected from across Canada for the scholarship.

She will receive $2,500 a year for the next two years towards her post-secondary education.

The funding for these scholarships was made possible by CIBC’s commitment of $30,000 to support post-secondary education of 4-H students.

“We are very pleased to be offering these scholarships with the help and support of CIBC,” said Rob Black, president of the Canadian 4-H Council. “This scholarship program helps 4-H youth further their studies, and ultimately become leaders in the agricultural industry.”

Amy Pizzey of Binscarth, Man., and Wyatt Johnston of Ayer’s Cliff, Que., will also receive CIBC 4-H Secondary Education Scholarships.

“CIBC is committed to causes that matter to our clients, our employees and our communities. With a community investment focus on kids, we are helping young people to achieve their potential,” said Steve Meston, CIBC’s Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking.

“We are proud to support 4-H in their efforts to provide the skills and experiences needed by youth today to become our leaders of tomorrow in communities across the country.”

The CIBC 4-H Secondary Education Scholarships are open to all active 4-H members in their last year of high school or CEGEP and who are at least 16 years of age.

The recipients were selected based on their academic standing; a 500-word essay explaining what 4-H has done for them and what they hope to achieve through higher education; three reference letters from their community, school or 4-H; and their 4-H and community involvement.

Previous scholarship recipients have gone on to study in the fields of veterinary medicine, engineering, agriculture and biochemistry.

4-H is one of Canada’s longest-running youth organizations and is celebrating its 100 Anniversary in 2013. Since 1913, 4-H youth have pledged their Head, Heart, Hands and Health to their 4-H club, their community, and their country. Today, more than 26,000 4-H youth, and more than 8,400 volunteer leaders help 4-H members “Learn to do by Doing.” The Canadian 4-H Council began in 1933 to oversee all 4-H activities across Canada.