Three recipients awarded 4-H Horse & Pony Scholarship

PORTER COUNTY– Three recipients have been announced by the Arthur O. Davis 4-H Horse & Pony Scholarship, including one winner and two runners-up.

The program provides a deserving Horse & Pony member in their final year of 4-H to win $5,000.00 towards an accredited trade school, 2-year junior college, certificate program, or 4-year university. Successful fundraising has allowed the family to also award the two runners-up with $750.00 scholarships.

Arthur O. Davis, former Porter County 4-H Horse & Pony Superintendent, passed unexpectedly in March of 2022. The family swiftly established a scholarship in Art’s name managed through the Porter County Community Foundation.

The Davis family continues to raise funds for the endowment to increase the amount of the awards and fund the permanent endowment. The Davis family is deeply grateful to all the generous donors.

Arthur O. Davis had a deep belief in the benefit 4-H provided for young people and wanted to support, educate, and mentor the Horse & Pony members in his care. Scholarship winners must apply and meet the criteria including but not limited to demonstrating exceptional leadership while a 4-H member and embodying the 4-H values and spirit.

Congratulations to:

Madeline Schmidt, winner of the $5,000.00 Scholarship – Madeline is a 2023 Graduate of Valparaiso High School and a 10-year member of the Horse & Pony Project. Madeline will be pursuing a Nursing Degree with plans to work in a NICU.

Alexis Rhew, runner-up winner of a $750.00 Scholarship – Alexis is a 2023 Valparaiso High School graduate and a 10-year member of the Horse & Pony Project. Alexis will be pursuing a Veterinary Medicine Degree with plans on becoming a veterinary technician.

Raymond Shock, runner-up winner of a $750.00 Scholarship – Raymond “R.J.” is a 2023 Home School Graduate and a 10-year member of the Horse & Pony Project. R.J. will be pursuing an Aviation Degree with plans on becoming a commercial pilot.

Thank you to all the donors to the fund, your kindness and generosity helped make this ongoing scholarship possible.