Arthur O. Davis 4-H Horse & Pony Scholarship Awards $7,250 to Outstanding Youth Members Porter County, IN – July 21, 2025 – The Arthur O. Davis 4-H Horse & Pony Scholarship has proudly announced its 2025 recipients, awarding a total of $8,000 in scholarships to four outstanding 4-H members. This includes a $5,000 scholarship to the top recipient and $750 each to four runners-up, thanks to the generous support of donors and successful fundraising efforts.
Established in memory of Arthur O. Davis—beloved former Porter County 4-H Horse & Pony Superintendent who passed away unexpectedly in March 2022—the scholarship honors Art’s lifelong dedication to youth development through 4-H. His legacy lives on through this annual award, managed by the Porter County Community Foundation.
Art Davis believed deeply in the transformative power of 4-H. His passion for mentoring young people and instilling leadership, responsibility, and community values continues to inspire the mission of this scholarship. Applicants are evaluated based on their leadership, involvement in the 4-H Horse & Pony project, and embodiment of 4-H’s core values: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.
Congratulations to the 2025 Scholarship Recipients:
Megan Hadenfelt – $5,000 Scholarship Winner
“I am most excited to take business-related classes since they lay the groundwork for many different fields. After graduation, I envision taking over my family farm and creating opportunities for young people to become involved in caring for horses. My time in 4-H has prepared me with life lessons that will help me succeed in school and beyond. Your support of this scholarship means a lot to me—it’s helping make my dreams a reality.”
Mackenzie Wassermann – $750 Scholarship Runner-Up
“This fall, I’ll be attending Valparaiso University’s five-year Physician Assistant Program. I plan to work in a healthcare facility throughout college to gain hands-on experience. After graduating, I aspire to specialize in trauma and emergency medicine.”
Hannah Nichols – $750 Scholarship Runner-Up
“I will be attending Indiana University Northwest to major in Business with plans to pursue a career in management. This scholarship is a huge support on my academic journey and brings me one step closer to achieving my professional goals.”
Mattie O’Keefe – $750 Scholarship Runner-Up
“I will be attending Olivet Nazarene University, double majoring in Writing and Business with a minor in Political Science. I hope to become a literary editor and published author. During college, I plan to help out on my family’s farm and one day own my own, where I can raise livestock and grow food.”
The Davis family is sincerely grateful to the many generous donors whose contributions have made this scholarship—and its growth—possible. Continued donations are helping to build a permanent endowment fund that will support future recipients and expand opportunities for 4-H youth.
For more information or to contribute to the Arthur O. Davis Scholarship Fund, please contact the Porter County Community Foundation.
Porter County 4-H Hub 