AMES, Iowa – A $1,000 scholarship has been awarded to a Cherokee County 4-H member.  Alissa Brady, Marcus, received an Iowa State Fair 4-H Scholarship sponsored by the Iowa Foundation for Agriculture Advancement.

Brady, a seven-year 4-H member, is the daughter of Shawn and Barb Brady.  She has participated in communications, home improvement, clothing and swine projects.  She received a Seal of Excellence and Seal of Merit for Communications and has been awarded blue state fair 4-H ribbons.  She has served as the president, secretary and historian for her 4-H club.  She also participated in the county 4-H council and the county youth committee.

“4-H has been a huge influence on my decision to pursue agriculture as a career.  When I was growing up, I spent countless summers at county fairs,” Brady said.  “I loved to watch livestock, look at everyone’s blue ribbon projects ... I don’t feel that I will find that sense of family belonging in any other profession.  Agriculture is the road I chose for my future because I want to be America’s tomorrow.  I want to have the opportunity to invite a young child, just like me, to join the 4-H family and rural America.”

A recent graduate of the Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn High School, Brady plans on attending Iowa State University, majoring in agricultural studies.

In Iowa, the 4-H program is a part of Iowa State University Extension and headquartered on the ISU campus in Ames. For more information about 4-H, how to get involved or how to apply for a 4-H scholarship contact the local county office of ISU Extension.

-30-