Head, heart, hands, and health–these are the four “H’s” that are the foundation of the 4-H program, a 118-year-old program that teaches youth valuable life skills. For Clarence and Vera Alpers of Stafford County, it would not only become a way of life for their family, but also the legacy for which they are remembered.
“Mom passed in 1969, and dad in 1990, but they’re still making a difference. We wanted to find a way to honor them, and help others,” said Marion Alpers. “They were always interested in young people. Every generation of our family has learned the value of 4-H. We all thought this scholarship would be a good way to honor Mom and Dad and encourage others to get involved in the organization they loved so much.”
Through the Golden Belt Community Foundation, the Alpers family created a scholarship fund, the “Clarence and Vera Alpers Stafford County 4-H Scholarship.” “Mom and Dad were 4-H leaders all down the line. They did everything in 4-H throughout their lives. They had three sons and wanted to help them, as well as other Stafford County families.”
Barb Alpers, Marion’s daughter-in-law, is also excited for the potential of this scholarship fund: “4-H leads to a lifetime of memories and forever friends. It’s not just about agriculture and livestock. 4-H projects zero in on: how to conduct a meeting; nutrition; budgeting; photography; sewing; leadership skills; public speaking; a solid work ethic; accountability; geology; and more. Even right now, in light of the pandemic, we have seen many people going back to the basics of preparing food at home.”
The scholarship is available to current high school seniors at Stafford County high schools (or home-schooling) who are active Stafford County 4-H members demonstrating leadership and program involvement. Recipients must plan to pursue a degree or certificate in an agriculture-related field at a vocational or trade school, or a two-year or four-year college or university in Kansas.
Marion’s wife, Juanita, adds: “We hope the scholarship raises 4-H awareness and we encourage other families to donate to this fund. It is an endowed scholarship, which means it will be here for generations to come. Clarence and Vera would be proud of their descendants who are in 4-H. And they would be so happy they can help the current younger generation and even people who haven’t been born yet. They would be honored to be remembered in this way.”
