Eight 4-H Canada members and post-secondary students receive $5,000 scholarships.
By Andrew Joseph, Farms.com
4-H Canada has announced the winners of the inaugural McDonald’s Canada Future of Agriculture 4-H Scholarship.
Through this scholarship program, eight senior 4-H members have been awarded $5,000 scholarships to support their goal of pursuing a future in the critical area of sustainable agriculture.
Congratulations to the 2023 recipients of the McDonald’s Canada Future of Agriculture 4-H Scholarship:
- Reegan Charlton, Brantford, Ontario; Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan;
- Hanna Fitchett, Quesnel, British Columbia; Agribusiness, Lakeland College;
- Devin Johnston, Listowel, Ontario; Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, University of Guelph;
- Ashley Miller, Hillsdale, Ontario; Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, University of Guelph;
- Brooklyn Piasta, La Salle, Manitoba; Bachelor of Science (Agribusiness), University of Manitoba;
- Halee Piasta, La Salle, Manitoba; Bachelor of Science, University of Manitoba;
- Shianne Simpson, Picadilly, New Brunswick; Bachelor of Science (Agribusiness), University of Prince Edward Island;
- Victoria Walker, Oakbank, Manitoba; Bachelor of Environmental Studies, University of Manitoba.
"Through the generosity of our longstanding partner, McDonald’s Canada, $80,000 in scholarship funding will be awarded to 4-H youth over the next two years," explained Shannon Benner, the Chief Executive Officer of 4-H Canada. "These funds will help ensure the next generation of leaders in sustainable agriculture has the opportunity to attain their educational and career goals."
Benner continued, "McDonald’s Canada is a leader in supporting sustainable production practices in the agriculture and agri-food sectors, which is an area that is incredibly important to today’s youth. We are grateful to have them as partners in our shared goal of supporting the next generation of environmentally aware and globally-minded Canadian farmers."
Benner had previously announced that after more than a decade as 4-H Canada’s CEO, she would be leaving the position as of September 22, 2023, to pursue another opportunity.
For over 100 years, 4-H Canada has been one of the most highly respected positive youth development organizations in Canada, with over 17,000 members and more than 6,500 volunteer leaders.
"At McDonald’s Canada, we’re committed to continuing to help support future generations of Canadian farmers. Investing in the education of youth is an investment in our future," said Ashwin Ramesh, Head of Sustainability & Impact Strategy at McDonald’s Canada and Canadian 4-H Foundation Board member. "We’re thrilled to support 4-H in transforming the aspirations of these remarkable recipients into a vibrant reality for the future of agriculture."
The McDonald’s Canada Future of Agriculture 4-H Scholarship will be awarded again in 2024. For more information, visit https://4-h-canada.ca/scholarships-awards.