Hokkanen receives scholarship

Wahkiakum 4-H has awarded Novella Hokkanen a scholarship in the amount of $1,200 to continue "making the best better" in our world.

She has been a 4-H member for nine years and has participated in the areas of Horse, Swine, Goats, Food Preservation, Know Your Government, Creative Arts, Foods and Nutrition, Clothing and Textiles, Photography, Poultry, Rabbits, and Dogs.

When asked what she has taken away from her time in 4-H Novella responded, "4-H has provided me with friendships of all kinds and connected me to many amazing people in Washington state." In her scholarship essay Novella stated, "4-H over the years has slowly brought me out of my bubble of being anxious all the time, now I am more willing to do things I would not have." She spoke of an opportunity that helped her see other avenues in 4-H such as Know Your Government that helped with coming out of her bubble. She said, "I went to Know Your Government last February and I honestly had the most amazing time stepping out of my comfort zone." 4-H clubs and meetings have sparked a career interest in teaching for Novella.

"The teaching comes from meetings where I have ended up helping teach younger kids how to show animals, do small cooking projects, sewing either by learning to use a machine or by hand, and even helping with record books. It was one day helping a younger girl on a horse, her still being new to riding. Just helping her to learn basic things about riding and when she figured something out and was able to succeed after just a couple of tries. The smile and glimmer in her eye, made me want to do that again. Helping others learn something new, expanding their knowledge makes me happy."

Novella will be attending Lower Columbia College this Fall. Novella is interested in teaching with an upper elementary focus but will be exploring her options during her first two years at LCC.