Barnstable County 4-H Awards Scholarships to Cape Cod Youth for Leadership in Education and Environmental Advocacy
September 27, 2024 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County 4-H Advisory Council has awarded scholarships to three outstanding youth members—Lauren Bosco, Hailey Fink, and Morgan Chaves—recognizing their contributions to their communities and supporting their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships highlight the mission of 4-H and Cape Cod Cooperative Extension to empower young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make lasting impacts on Cape Cod and beyond.
Lauren Bosco, a long-time member and junior leader of the 4-H club Muddy Paws, will attend the University of Austin in Texas, where she plans to study computer science and English. Through 4-H, Lauren has developed a passion for technology and communication, working extensively with dogs and volunteering at the MSPCA. Her leadership in 4-H, including organizing events and mentoring younger members, has earned her numerous awards.
“My eight years in 4-H have helped me develop numerous important life skills, and I will forever be indebted to the 4-H organization for them,” Lauren expressed.
Hailey Fink, a graduate of Barnstable High School and dual enrollment student at Cape Cod Community College, will pursue a Bachelor of Science in environmental science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. With a focus on agriculture and sustainable food systems, Hailey’s goals are to address environmental issues through research, internships, and study abroad opportunities.
“4-H has been a huge motivator for my passions in this field of study. I do not believe I would be who I am today without this organization supporting me,” Hailey shared.
Morgan Chaves, a returning scholarship recipient, is currently exploring the intersection of art, social justice, and environmental advocacy. After spending her freshman year at Maine College of Art & Design, Morgan will transfer to Bard College to further her studies in environmental and social justice issues through her artwork, which uses recycled and upcycled materials.
Through their time with 4-H, these students have not only developed leadership skills but have also grown into advocates for the environment and their communities. Their success embodies the 4-H mission, under Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, to foster growth and innovation among Cape Cod’s youth.
ABOUT MASSACHUSETTS 4-H
Massachusetts 4-H is part of the University of Massachusetts Extension Programming. The 4-H program is open to youth ages 5-18 throughout Massachusetts. The 4-H Youth Development Program offers many projects, activities, and programs where young people can explore, learn, and grow. 4-H programs can take place in a variety of locations. These include community clubs, 4-H clubs or groups at community centers, in schools, and in after-school programs. Massachusetts 4-H is part of the University of Massachusetts Extension System. Founded in 1908, 4-H is the largest youth development program in the country reaching more than 27,000 youth in Massachusetts and 6 million young people throughout the country.
ABOUT CAPE COD COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension is the education department for Barnstable County. Educational programs focus on agriculture, marine resources, horticulture, aquaculture, natural resources, water quality, recycling, household hazardous waste, nutrition, food safety, youth development and environmental education issues facing the county. Extension programs are conducted in Barnstable County in cooperation with the staff at the University of Massachusetts, and The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution–Sea Grant program. www.capecodextension.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Sandi Shepherd-Gay, Youth Extension Educator, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
Sandi.shepherdgay@capecod.gov | (508) 375-6696
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