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Lacombe County’s Sophia Hoogland is one of eight people across the country to receive the 2024 McDonald’s Canada Future of Agriculture 4-H Scholarship.
The scholarship, valued at $5,000, is offered to senior 4-H members across Canada to support their pursuit of advancing important work and educational pursuits in agriculture.
Hoogland will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Animal Bioscience. She is the only Albertan to receive the scholarship this year. The other seven recipients are Charlotte Quin, of British Columbia; Halee Piasta of Manitoba; Brooklyn Piasta of Manitoba; Jack Raymond of New Brunswick; Madeleine Cullen of Ontario; Chloe Loane of Prince Edward Island; and Skyler Preston of Saskatchewan.
“The impact of agriculture on our future goes well beyond the farm. Areas of expertise such as environmental protection, climate change, biodiversity conservation, food security, and more all play a critical role in securing a prosperous and sustainable future for Canada’s agriculture sector,” said Hugh Maynard, interim CEO of 4-H Canada.
“As we make progress towards more innovative practices in the agriculture and agri-food sectors, it’s great news that McDonald’s Canada recognizes the value of investing in our youth leaders, and in turn, investing in the long-term resiliency and the future of our industry in Canada.”
Ashwin Ramesh, head of sustainability and impact strategy at McDonald’s Canada and Canadian 4-H Foundation trustee, said McDonald’s Canada is “proud to partner with 4-H Canada in our shared commitment to fostering the next generation within our Canadian Agri-food industry.”
“This scholarship is a testament to their dedication and potential, and we are thrilled to be part of their educational journey in shaping the future of agriculture,” Ramesh said.
Earlier this year, Hoogland received the Premier’s Award, which is the highest honour bestowed to a 4-H Alberta member. The Premier’s Award recipient is chosen from the pool of current 4-H Ambassadors and represents 4-H at a variety of events over the following year.
On March 25, Hoogland met Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation of Alberta RJ Sigurdson. The premier introduced Hoogland in the Legislature Assembly of Alberta’s first spring sitting.
For nearly a decade, Hoogland has been an active member of the Crestomere 4-H Multi Club, primarily in the sheep project, where she has held various executive positions. She has also been an avid participant in various club, district, regional and provincial 4-H activities.
Hoogland was also awarded the Ted Youck Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in 4-H Alberta Award. This new award was donated by long-time 4-H supporter, and former 4-H Alberta Branch Head with the GOA, Ted Youck.
4-H Alberta Ambassadors are enthusiastic Senior Members who are driven to grow 4-H in Alberta by sharing their 4-H experiences, developing opportunities for the 4-H community, and representing youth. 4-H Ambassadors will support 4-H in their region and across the province.
For more information on the McDonald’s Canada Future of Agriculture 4-H Scholarship, visit 4-h-canada.ca/scholarships.
Sean McIntosh
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