Utah Student Selected Out of Hundreds for National 4-H Award\Scholarship

The National 4-H Council recently announced that Cassandra Ivie, 17, of West Jordan is the winner of the 2018 4-H Youth in Action Pillar Award for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Ivie will be recognized nationally for her work as youth advocate and organizer for STEM education.

Ivie, a Utah State University Extension 4-H State Ambassador, is the founder and creator of Incredible Machine, a curriculum and supply kit used to teach civil, software, chemical, mechanical and electrical engineering to 4-H students in her community.

“It has been a privilege to lead these activities with local students to show them that STEM is accessible for everyone and that it is also a lot of fun,” said Ivie.

She will receive a $5,000 scholarship for higher education and will serve as an advocate and spokesperson for 4-H STEM programming. She will be officially recognized as the 2018 4-H Youth in Action Pillar Winner for STEM, sponsored by HughesNet, at the 4-H Legacy Awards in Washington, D.C. on March 20, 2018.

The high school senior joined 4-H in kindergarten as a Clover Bud. As the third of seven children, she joined with an interest in photography and soon developed a love for robotics. Her family saw the benefit of 4-H and started a community club with more than 60 students the first year. 

“4-H is family – a family filled with people who are passionate and determined to make a significant difference in society,” she said. 

That family atmosphere boosted Ivie’s confidence and developed her leadership skills in STEM.

“STEM teaches critical thinking, and I’m excited when I see girls in STEM because both genders in the field helps to produce more creativity,” she said.

Not only is Ivie a former 4-H State Ambassador, she works as an afterschool club leader and serves as a County Teen Council president.  

“Cassie has made a large impact on local and state 4-H programs,” said Vernon Parent, USU Extension 4-H associate professor in Salt Lake County. “She is an amazing youth leader who has learned how to balance creativity, hard work and leadership.”

Ivie is joined by three other 2018 Youth in Action Pillar Winners, Serena Woodard of Oklahoma (Agriculture Pillar Winner); Sophia Rodriguez of Georgia (Healthy Living Pillar Winner); and Kyra-Lee Harry of New York (Citizenship Pillar Winner).  

The 4-H Youth in Action Awards, sponsored in part by HughesNet, began in 2010 to recognize 4-H members who have overcome challenges and used the knowledge they gained in 4-H to create a lasting impact in their community.

“Cassandra’s creativity, innovative spirit and dedication to serving others have inspired an entire community and helped spark student’s interest in STEM,” said Peter Gulla, senior vice president at Hughes Network. “We look forward to seeing how she continues to inspire the next generation of leaders across the country as this year’s STEM ambassador.” 

To learn more about 4-H Youth in Action and to view the other pillar winners from around the country, please visit: www.4-h.org/youthinaction.

National Contact:  Tenisha Bell  tbell@fourhcouncil.edu, (678) 429-4254
Local Contact:  Vernon Parent vernon.parent@usu.edu (385) 468-4832