The Clinton County Extension 4-H Education Foundation has awarded $8,000 in scholarships to seven 4-H members and alumni in 2025, recognizing their dedication to 4-H and supporting their pursuit of higher education.
To qualify, applicants were required to have participated in 4-H for at least six years, with a minimum of four years in a Clinton County 4-H program.
2025 Scholarship Recipients:
Cara Carrillon ($1,250) – A member of Clover Crew and Clinton County Federation, Cara has held multiple officer roles and served on the Livestock Ambassador Team. She is involved in FFA and FBLA at Central Community High School and helps on her family’s farm. Cara plans to study Animal Science at the University of Illinois.
Mason Hilmes ($1,250) – A member of the Aviston 4-H Aces and Federation, Mason is the son of Larry and Kristi Hilmes of Aviston. He plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Interior Design.
Anthony Huegen ($1,250) – A graduate of Central Community High School, Anthony was active in athletics, Special Olympics, and multiple clubs. An eighth-generation beekeeper and 4-H member, he plans to study Aerospace Engineering at a four-year university.
Bradley Huelsmann ($1,250) – A 12-year member of Sugarcreek Country Kids 4-H Club, Bradley lives on a farm near Trenton and is attending Kaskaskia College to earn a degree in Welding Technology.
Carissa Litteken ($1,000) – A former Aviston 4-H Aces and Federation member, Carissa is studying nursing at Kaskaskia College and plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree after graduation. She is active with Clinton County Farm Bureau Young Leaders.
Christopher Richter ($1,000) – A freshman at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville studying Computer Science, Christopher is a former 4-H Aces president and Eagle Scout. He was involved in numerous academic and extracurricular activities in high school and is part of the SIUE Honors Program.
Abigail Voss ($1,000) – A 2025 graduate of Central Community High School, Abigail plans to attend SIUE to earn a degree in Elementary Education. She is the daughter of Jared and Lisa Voss of Carlyle.
For more information about Clinton County 4-H or the Extension Foundation, contact the Clinton County Illinois Extension Office at (618) 526-4551 or uie-bcjmw@illinois.edu.
