Hanover Scholarship Programs

In 2000, Bill Weimer and his wife Kathie established an endowed scholarship in his mother's name to invest in the future of Hanover County youth involved in 4-H . The purpose of the Incentive Program is to broaden participation and quality in 4-H communication arts contests that enhance communication skills resulting in youth who are well-spoken, articulate, and poised.   Bill grew up in 4-H and knows first hand how full participation positively affected his life and consequently the lives of those around him.  For the scholarship, the Weimer's chose to focus on the life skill of communication arts, which he found invaluable in his work as a career educator and very successful businessman. Any member who meets the criteria to become a Weimer Scholar and continues to do the work until they graduate, will receive a scholarship for any continuing education program. Youth will compete against themselves, not each other, in a minimm of 4 contests per year.  Scholarship money may be the reason members get started in the program, but the growth in communication skills is the real benefit. Through this program Kathie and Bill Weimer hope to create a legacy of growth and success and help the youth of Hanover County build professional skills that will benefit them throughout their lifetime.

• To build the confidence to be themselves,
• To unlock their courage and independence to try something new,
• To master the skills, they need to handle what life throws their way.

Youth participate in communication contests to enhance their graphic art, presentation, public speaking, and writing skills. 4-H programming with youth is guided by an experiential learning process that includes goal setting, cognition, practice, and performance. The performance stage is where members demonstrate what they have learned through various 4-H activities and events, including competitions.  When planned and conducted appropriately, competition experiences enhance positive youth development and prepare youth with positive competitive knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aspirations that can lead to success through life. Team competitions provide opportunities for youth to develop the interpersonal, leadership and cooperative skills necessary to be successful in the interdependent, global society of the 21st century.

This opportunity takes work, but any worthwhile endeavor requires you to invest time and effort. It is not a "winner takes all" scholarship, but everyone who does the work reaps the rewards.  Parents and club leaders must committ to the program ensuring they support, encourage and promote participation of their children and club members. Prior to the beginning of the contest year, the scholarship application below is to be completed and submitted to the Hanover office  stating the member, parent and club leader understand the program and contest guidelines. At the end of  the contest year, contest scores are added to the form and sent for verification and signatures.  The application and guidlines are below: