Donation to 4-H Legacy Awards makes scholarships possible for two 4-H’ers

      Glen and Ginger Sterk join Ireland Sebetka, second from left, and Abby Cheney, second from right, at the Poweshiek County Fair Awards Night on Thursday, July 13. Sebetka and Cheney were the first two recipients of the Poweshiek County 4-H Legecy Award. They each received $750 toward their education goals and dreams. The awards were made possible due to a generous donation from the Sterks.

By J.O. Parker
 
     Two Poweshiek County college-bound 4-H’ers were the recipients of the first annual 2023 Poweshiek County 4-H Legacy Awards presented during the Poweshiek County Fair Awards Night on Thursday, July 13.
      Abby Cheney, daughter of Tom and Michelle Cheney, and Ireland Sebetka, the daughter of Adriane and Wesley Sebetka III, where each presented with a $750 check for their future educational goals and dreams.
     The scholarships were made possible thanks to a generous donation from Glen and Ginger Sterk of Grinnell and formerly of Montezuma, who were present at awards night.
       Poweshiek County Extension Director Cathy Lents noted that there were eight 4-H seniors eligible to apply with Cheney and Sebetka being the only two who applied and received the scholarships.
       “In June, both of them went through an interview with a committee of five,” said Lents. 
      Cheney will be attending Iowa State University this fall. She will be majoring in Business Marketing with a double minor in Ag Communications and Dance.
      Sebetka will be attending Marshalltown Community College this fall. She will be taking classes in Vet Tech. She also an Ambassador for Marshalltown Community College.
      “It is an honor to receive this award,” said Cheney. “I’m so grateful to the Sterks for their generosity.”
    “I’m very grateful for the Sterks and 4-H for giving me the opportunity to be able to attend and finish college,” said Sebetka.
     The Sterks, who have no children, said they donated to the 4-H endowment fund to give seniors who have finished their 4-H career the opportunity to go to college.
     “We donated to help get this started,” said Ginger.