New memorial scholarships honor 4-H leaders and support Michigan youth
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EmailThree new Michigan 4-H Foundation memorial scholarships will support 4-H youth pursuing postsecondary education: the John Aylsworth 4-H Scholarship, Marie Wagester Memorial 4-H Scholarship Fund and the Melinda Klockziem Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The Michigan 4-H Foundation is honored to announce the creation of three new memorial scholarships that will support Michigan 4-H youth in pursuing postsecondary education: the John Aylsworth 4-H Scholarship, Marie Wagester Memorial 4-H Scholarship Fund and the Melinda Klockziem Memorial Scholarship Fund. These funds are expendable scholarship funds, meaning awards will be made annually until contributions are fully expended. Additional gifts from family, friends or community members may extend the life and impact of each scholarship.
John Aylsworth 4-H Scholarship
Established in 2026 with gifts made in memory of John Aylsworth, this scholarship honors Aylsworth’s long-time work as a 4-H staff member, volunteer and alumnus. Raised on a dairy farm in Ohio, Aylsworth was encouraged by his high school agriculture teacher to pursue higher education with the help of a scholarship to The Ohio State University. He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural education and devoted his career to serving youth through 4‑H.
A lifetime of 4-H service
Aylsworth began his career as a county 4‑H agent in Ohio for 11 years, and then spent another 11 years in Clinton County, Michigan as a Michigan State University Extension employee. He then worked in state level 4-H programming until his retirement, but continued his 4-H dedication by coordinating 4-H international exchange initiatives for many additional years. Aylsworth is remembered for his lifelong commitment to youth development, education and cultural exchange, and for the countless young people whose lives were shaped by his dedication to 4‑H.
The Michigan 4-H Foundation Scholarship will be awarded in John’s honor in fall 2026. Additional contributions may be made by those wishing to honor Alysworth’s legacy.
Melinda Klockziem Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established in 2016 by Ken Klockziem with gifts in memory of his wife, Melinda Lee Klockziem, this scholarship fund was first held by the Benzie County Central Schools Educational Foundation and was transferred to the Michigan 4‑H Foundation in December 2024 to ensure its continuation. A lifelong 4‑H and FFA member, accomplished agriscience educator, and deeply admired mentor, Melinda devoted her life to teaching, inspiring and supporting young people in agriculture. Her passion for learning, leadership and service continues through the scholarship created in her honor. Additional contributions are welcome for those wishing to further extend Melinda’s legacy.
Honoring a commitment to youth and agriculture
The Melinda Klockziem Memorial Scholarship supports students involved in 4‑H or FFA, reflecting Melinda’s enduring dedication to youth development and agricultural education. This annual scholarship assists high school seniors pursuing degrees in agriculture‑related fields who demonstrate academic dedication, financial need, and a genuine commitment to agriculture. Preference is given to students from Benzie County and surrounding counties, ensuring that Melinda’s impact remains rooted in the community she served so passionately.
Scholarship purpose and eligibility
One $300 scholarship will be awarded annually until the fund is depleted. To qualify, students must:
- Graduate in the current year of the scholarship award.
- Be a current Michigan 4-H or FFA member.
- Have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
- Be accepted to a college or trade school in an agriculture-related field.
- Submit a complete application, including references and proof of acceptance.
Awards will be based on the applicant’s narrative, the impact of 4-H or FFA on their life and demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to students from Benzie County or surrounding counties. Youth wishing to apply for this scholarship should contact Allison Ballard, MSU Extension’s Benzie County 4-H program coordinator.
Marie Wagester Memorial 4-H Scholarship Fund
Established in 2025 through gifts from the family and friends of Marie Wagester, this fund honors a beloved Isabella County 4-H volunteer who dedicated nearly four decades to mentoring young people. Additional contributions are welcomed to sustain and grow this scholarship.
A legacy rooted in service
Marie Wagester, of Remus and Mt. Pleasant, was widely admired for her extraordinary dedication to Isabella County 4-H. Serving as a 4-H leader for nearly 40 years, she began volunteering before her own children, Ray and Tamara Wagester, were old enough to join 4-H.
Wagester led numerous project areas, served as a club administrator, and was the longtime superintendent for 4-H Public Speaking. Each year she closed her business and devoted her vacation to supporting “the kids at the fair,” exemplifying her belief in the power of youth development and community involvement.
Scholarship purpose
The Marie Wagester Memorial 4-H Scholarship Fund will provide a $1,000 postsecondary scholarship to Isabella County 4-H members until the fund is depleted. Recipients must have been active in 4-H for at least three years and demonstrate:
- Outstanding achievement in 4-H.
- Exceptional character and conduct.
- A broad range of 4-H project experiences.
- Leadership and citizenship within and beyond 4-H.
Preference is given to students pursuing agricultural-related fields.
This new scholarship will be available in the 2026-27 year. Youth wishing to apply for this scholarship should contact Liz Antvelink, MSU Extension’s Isabella County 4-H program coordinator.
Honoring lives, supporting futures
These scholarship funds celebrate the lives of individuals who invested deeply in 4-H, youth and their communities. Through these memorial gifts, the legacies of John Aylsworth, Melinda Klockziem and Marie Wagester will continue to open doors for young people—helping them pursue their education, grow as leaders and carry forward the values of Michigan 4-H.
“We are so grateful to the families, friends and donors whose generosity ensures these meaningful tributes will support the educational goals of 4-H youth in their local communities,” said Abbey Miller, Michigan 4-H Foundation director.
To contribute to the scholarship funds or learn more about giving to the Michigan 4-H Foundation, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org or contact Abbey Miller at abmiller@msu.edu.
