COLLEGE STATION –More than $920,000 in scholarships will be awarded to outstanding young people at the 1995 Texas 4-H Roundup at Texas A&M University June 5-8.
Roundup is the state’s biggest annual 4-H event. About 2,000 young people will gather this year to practice leadership and demonstrate skills and knowledge gained through work in 4-H projects, said Gayle W. Laine, 4-H youth development specialist with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service.
“The 4-H scholarship selection sponsored by the Texas 4-H Foundation is one of the main events during Roundup,” Laine said. “Texas 4-H awards more scholarships than any other 4-H program in the nation and continues to grow with enormous support from the private sector.”
Scholarships are contributed by individuals, businesses and organizations interested in helping young people receive a college education, Laine said.
Recipients are selected on the basis of scholastic ability, need, 4-H participation, leadership and personal character.
“We anticipate that about 125 outstanding 4-H members will receive scholarships ranging from $500 to $15,000 this year,” Laine said. “There are more than 400 4-H scholars attending 34 Texas colleges and universities.”
A featured part of Roundup is the Texas 4-H Fashion Show. More than 100 contestants will demonstrate their abilities in clothing purchasing, construction and modeling. Contestants will compete for plaques, Savings Bonds and scholarships. Sponsors for the contest include Justin Boot Company, Mary Kay Foundation, McCall Pattern Company, Make Benet Formals, Mohair Council of America, Texas Laundry and Drycleaning Association, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers’ Association and Wrangler.
“For the second year, the Teens of Texas Acquiring Leadership (T.O.T.A.L.) program will be offered,” Laine said. “The hands-on, two-day leadership seminar will involve 4-H youth in cooperative learning activities and include new 4-H members in the state 4-H Roundup experience.”
The Texas 4-H “Beating the Odds” Program will recognize 4-H members who have achieved significant personal accomplishments while dealing with limiting circumstances, according to Dr. Nelson Jacob, 4-H and youth development specialist with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service.
“The program demonstrates how 4-H has the capacity to deal with the educational needs of highly diverse audiences,” Jacob said. “What we’d like for people to realize is that 4-H does not always go after the successful kids, but it builds successes out of kids.”
A traditional part of Roundup is the 4-H Food Show. Contestants enter their favorite recipes in one of four categories–nutritious snacks and desserts, fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals and main dish. Each first-place winner receives a $750 scholarship from the Morrison Milling Company. Each contestant is interviewed by judges concerning their 4-H project work and knowledge of nutrition.
Young people also take part in 44 contests ranging from consumer education to veterinary science, Laine said. The photography contest and exhibit and the fashion design competition are two of the highlights.
In the photography contest, about 250 4-H members compete for honors in one of 10 classes. Entries are then placed on display during Roundup.
Educational workshops will be offered for the third year, Laine said. Half-day workshops for 4-H members will cover such topics such as grooming, fitness and health, self-defense, personality profiles, communication skills, stress management, country and western dance and the art of illusion.
“During Roundup, many outstanding young people as well as adult leaders, 4-H alumni and sponsors are recognized,” Laine said. “But it’s also a time for us to show appreciation for thousands of 4-H youth in the state. It’s an excellent educational and learning opportunity.”