AMES, Iowa -- A $2,000 scholarship has been awarded to a Muscatine County student. Mark Binning, Wilton, received a Hills Bank 4-H Scholarship sponsored by Hills Bank and Trust Company.

The Hills Bank 4-H Scholarship is awarded to as many as 20 students each year. The recipients, who apply during their junior year in high school, attend nine hours of leadership training sponsored by Hills Bank and Trust Company during their senior year. Afterward, they receive $500 per semester for two years. The scholarship may be used at any of Iowa's accredited universities, colleges or community colleges.

"The program has given me new insight to my strengths as a leader, " Binning, son of Ron and Barb Soanksen and Marlin Binning, said. "The training we underwent showed me not only how to make my traits work for me but also how to motivate others."

Binning is a member of 4-H and has participated in National Honor Society, basketball and wrestling. He is the recipient of the Barry Nelson Award for Leadership, Weightlifter of the Year and the Mr. Hustle Award.

Binning is president of his church's youth fellowship and has served on the National Council for Youth Leadership.

A senior at Wilton High School, Binning plans to attend the University of Iowa to study business.

For more information about 4-H or its scholarship program, contact the Iowa State University Extension office in your county.

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