BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce the 11 winners of its 2025 4-H state-level scholarships.
Youth with at least five years of active membership in 4-H, current high school seniors, or those enrolled at SDSU are eligible to apply for the scholarships. These scholarships range from $650 to $2,000 and are funded through donors and SDSU Extension’s 4-H program.
Awards are based on scholarship-specific criteria – such as what area of study students intend to pursue – plus a mix of academic achievement, 4-H project involvement, community service and leadership, character and financial need.
2025 State 4-H Scholarship winners:
Matz Family Scholarship ($2,000) – Wyatt Huber, Bennett County. Huber graduated from Bennett County High School and is attending SDSU to major in the agriculture and natural sciences track of the exploratory studies program. Huber enjoyed participating in the 4-H beef project as well as shooting sports.
Bob Healy Memorial 4-H Scholarship ($2,000) – Ava Luken, Hamlin County. Luken graduated from Watertown High School and is attending SDSU to major in animal science and minor in agricultural communications. Luken enjoyed participating in the 4-H horse and dog projects.
Sokota Scholarship (six awards, $1,500 each):
- Abe Streitz, Moody County. Streitz graduated from Flandreau High School and is attending SDSU to major in pharmacy. Streitz enjoyed participating in many 4-H projects, including music and general automotive.
- Shay Solinsky, Custer County. Solinsky graduated from Central High School and is attending Southeast Technical College to become a veterinary technician. Solinsky enjoyed participating in the 4-H shooting sports and livestock project areas.
- Talayna Opdahl, Hamlin County. Opdahl graduated from Hamlin High School and is attending SDSU to major in pharmacy. Opdahl enjoyed participating in the 4-H dairy and shooting sports projects.
- Delaney Zoss, Sanborn County. Zoss graduated from Mitchell High School and is attending SDSU to major in human biology with a minor in animal science. Zoss participated in many 4-H project areas, but her favorites were the horse project and leadership opportunities.
- William Kreth, Davison County. Kreth graduated from Ethan High School and is attending SDSU to major in pharmacy. Kreth enjoyed participating in the 4-H State Ambassador Program.
- Braxton Jongeling, Hamlin County. Jongeling graduated from Estelline High School and is attending Lake Area Technical College to study agricultural diesel technology. Jongling enjoyed participating in many 4-H projects, including welding and electrical.
Robert and Maxine Olson 4-H Endowment ($1,500) – Liam Knippling, Moody County. Knippling graduated from Flandreau High School and is attending SDSU to major in human biology. Knippling enjoyed participating in the 4-H photography project area as well as the horticulture skill-a-thon.
Folkerts Family Scholarship ($1,200) – Rylie Sleep, Pennington County. Sleep graduated from Stevens High School and is attending SDSU to major in music education. Sleep enjoyed participating in the 4-H rabbit and shooting sports project areas.
John F. and Beryl Younger 4-H Scholarship ($650) – Riata Bultje, Charles Mix County. Bultje is currently attending SDSU to major in agricultural education. Bultje enjoyed participating in the 4-H sheep project and visual arts.
Scholarship applications are due to the State 4-H Office the beginning of April each year. Application instructions are available under the “Events & Opportunities” drop-down menu in the 4-H tab.
