Posted: August 17, 2022
Pennsylvania 4-H has announced this year's recipients of the Allen L. and Richard H. Baker Memorial 4-H Scholarship. Receiving awards are Isabel Poorbaugh, of Fayette County, Katelyn Taylor, of Lycoming County, Emma Diliberti, of Wayne County, and Alaina Leasure, of Armstrong County.
The annual scholarship was established to honor a father, Professor Allen L. Baker, and his son, Richard H. Baker, for their years of dedicated service to the University.
Professor Allen L. Baker was involved in 4-H club work for 38 years and was the state 4-H club leader for 37 years. Starting in 1946, Richard H. Baker worked for the University for 38 years, serving as assistant treasurer and director of financial management from 1976 to 1984.
Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences awards the scholarship to current or former Pennsylvania 4-H members who have completed at least one semester and are enrolled as full-time undergraduate students at Penn State's University Park campus or at Commonwealth Campuses.
In the scholarship application, applicants highlight their 4-H project, activity, citizenship and leadership experiences and describe what they learned and how those experiences contributed to their personal growth throughout their 4-H career. Many also describe how 4-H influenced their field of study and/or career choices.
Poorbaugh, who was awarded $1,795, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in recreation, park, and tourism management with a minor in environmental resource management. Poorbaugh served as vice president of events for the 2021 4-H State Council. In addition, she participated in public speaking, the Science of Agriculture Challenge and National 4-H Congress.
Taylor received a $1,795 award. She is majoring in animal science, business option, and plans to obtain a minor in agribusiness management in the future. Taylor’s 4-H projects and activities include dairy, cooking, and serving as a club president and a County Council member.
Diliberti was awarded $1,200. A major in agricultural and extension education, Diliberti’s 4-H activities included market steer and hog projects, livestock judging, and skillathon.
Leasure received an award of $1,000. The animal science major participated in the 4-H Science of Agriculture Challenge, the National Youth Summit on Agri-Science, and market and breed swine projects.
"We are honored to have the opportunity to award these monies each year and to know that the work of the 4-H program has provided learning experiences and positive lifelong impacts for our youth to find their passion, reach their potential and become our leaders of tomorrow," said Amy Gregor, education program associate for 4-H youth development with Penn State Extension.
Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the United States Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring, and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Penn State Extension 4-H website.
