AMES, Iowa -- A $2,000 scholarship has been awarded to a Cedar County student. Ashley Schroeder, 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 training program boosted my confidence," Schroeder, daughter of Ron and Liz Schroeder, said. "I learned different strategies for difficult situations and how to present myself to new people."

Schroeder is a 4-H member and has participated in basketball, volleyball, chorus and student council. She is in National Honor Society and is the recipient of the Scholastic Academic Excellence Award.

Schroeder has been vice-president, historian and photographer of her 4-H club and is on her school principal's advisory committee.

A senior at Tipton High School, Schroeder plans to attend Wartburg College to study accounting or another math-related field.

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