2025 4-H Scholarships

“I am truly honored to have been chosen again this year,” said 17-year-old Natalie Shultz in a thank you note she sent to us after receiving a scholarship award at the Dutchess County Fair on August 23 from the DLC. This was her fourth year applying for and receiving one of the scholarships, which assist 4-H youth with expenses incurred while attending the Dutchess County Fair. Natalie used her award to purchase supplies for her market goat. The application requires applicants to write an essay, and this year 4-H’ers chose from two topics: what has 4-H taught you about being a good steward of the environment; and what do you wish more people knew about wildlife protection, farmland preservation, and/or water conservation? The nineteen applicants wrote thoughtful and moving compositions, and excerpts from their essays can be read and enjoyed below.

The scholarships were handed out to the winners at the 4-H Barn Bash at the Dutchess County Fair, where 4-H’ers and their parents gather to celebrate their accomplishments. For the first time, the DLC awarded the top applicants the Dave Tetor Award. A long-serving member of the DLC Board of Directors, Dave Tetor was a lifelong voice for the agricultural community, a guiding light for the DLC, and – perhaps his greatest accomplishment! – one of the originators of the supremely popular 4-H Milkshake Booth at the Dutchess County Fair. DLC Director of Education gave an impassioned speech on Dave's legacy, while DLC Communications Manager Doug Ohlandt handed out the awards.

Taya Underhill
- Age 11
Helping keep our world clean is the best thing I could ever do. I love helping the environment grow. It's fun for me, and I feel good doing it.






Meadow Facchin - Dave Tetor Award Winner
- Age 9
I think vernal pools are just as important as all other wetlands and bodies of water. Many creatures rely on them. I hope one day vernal pools will be equally protected just like other wetlands.





Jessa Carpentieri
- Age 11
Farmland provides essential ecosystem services that benefit both the environment and human well-being.







Cooper Randall
- Age 11
If just one animal goes extinct, then a whole ecosystem can be destroyed; and if too many ecosystems are destroyed, then it can affect the whole planet, including humans.





Livia Underhill
- Age 11
We need to remember that we are not the only living things on this earth, and if we don't take care of it, then we all suffer.






Kendra Carpentieri
- Age 13
We can't lose farmland because once it's lost, you can't get it back easily.







Caitlyn Cassidy
- Age 13
The best thing to do is leave the wildlife alone and let them do their thing.







Tavin Pennock
- Age 13
No matter how small, every living organism has a crucial place in its ecosystem, and it is the responsibility of humanity to educate themselves about how our actions affect the wildlife around us.





Lily White
- Age 13
Think about how much we rely on plants and animals for nutritional value, our health overall, and even just for pure joy.






Vivien Padoleski
- Age 14
Agricultural preservation is so important for environmental, economic, and social benefits. More specifically, it creates jobs, generates revenue, provides food security, adds biodiversity, and preserves soil and water.




Sienna Carpentieri
- Age 15
Wildlife maintains ecosystems. Animals, plants, and their habitats provide essential services like clean air and fresh water, as well as fertile soils and pollination.






Corra DiBlasi
- Age 15
4-H has shown me how important nature is and how important our environment is, but recently, it has helped me develop a sense of care for the animals in the world.






Roger Loughran
- Age 15
Having goats has taught me how to take care an animal and it's teaching me lots of life skills.







Lyris Pennock
- Age 15
Whether we're taking a hike, working on the farm, or spending time in the backyard, we should always be grateful for the beauty surrounding us and how much it has helped our society flourish.





Addison Stapf
- Age 15
There are small things you can do to help preserve farmland. One of these is through the usage of crop rotation, which will reduce the risk of soil erosion.






Noah White
- Age 15
I wish more people were informed about the proper preservation of farmland and water. We all need water - not only to drink, but to produce plants and nourish animals.





Riley Mahaffey - Dave Tetor Award Winner
- Age 16
Being a good steward means recognizing that the land, water, and wildlife that surround us are not just resources to use, but responsibilities to protect and savor. Stewardship starts with awareness. You can't protect what you don't understand.




Isabella Tropea
- Age 16
Community programs and wildlife protection programs play an important role in educating the public about their responsibilities to the environment. If everyone makes one small change to help the environment, collectively we can make a huge impact.




Natalie Shultz
- Age 17
We need to protect our land and protect our farms because they make the world go round.