A Highland Home School graduate has received a scholarship from Alabama 4-H, awarding over $1,000 to her continued education due to her dedication to the organization. 

Anna-Kate Foster has been a member of the Crenshaw County 4-H for nine years, competing in the 4-H State Horse Show, Equine Quiz Bowls, horse judging, Hippology and more during her time with the program; Foster has earned multiple state championships as well in these events. 

“As an individual, she is very caring [and] very thoughtful in working with youth [and] her other 4-H Horse Club members,” said Charlotte Petre, the 4-H Extension Agent with Crenshaw County. “She’s very thorough in explaining to them about parts of a horse or parts of a saddle… that helps for new people to come in and feel like they’re a part of something great.”

Foster is one of 38 graduating seniors in the state of Alabama to receive the scholarship this year, and the only recipient from Crenshaw County. 

The Alabama 4-H Foundation scholarship, which awarded $1,500 to Foster, was based on the submission of an online application, resume, letter of recommendation and a 500-word essay about the impact 4-H had on her life. 

“When I found out I received [the scholarship], I felt incredibly excited,” Foster said. “It was a thrilling moment that made me realize my hard work had truly paid off. All the effort and dedication I put in were validated, and it was rewarding to see my achievements recognized.” 

The Alabama 4-H Foundation scholarship will help fund Foster’s education at Mississippi State University, where she will major in Animal and Diary Science. The funds will be deposited through a direct deposit to her school. 

“I’m very proud of her; it takes work to stay involved in 4-H when there are so many things trying to pull for the students’ attention, it takes intentional effort to stay involved….” Petre said. “Anna-Kate is an example of how 4-H benefits you beyond fourth, fifth [and] sixth grade; she is a reminder that 4-H is for ages 9-18 and there is so much to learn from 4-H between the programing we offer, the competitions you can attend [and] the research based education opportunities.” 

In addition to the accolades Foster earned through 4-H she earned: Mississippi State Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship, Mississippi State Non-Resident Scholarship, Removing Education Barriers Scholarship, Crenshaw County Jr Cattlemen’s Scholarship, Resume Contest Winner – Crenshaw County, Electric Cooperative Foundation Scholarship, Good Citizenship Award, Anitra M Franklin Healthcare Award (HOSA), Agricultural Accomplishment (FFA), Alabama FFA Degree, FFA and JAG National Competitions team member, Joseph Roy Butts Award and class president.