An Acme native has already made his mark on the world by winning 4H Canada's Leadership Excellence Award of Distinction (L.E.A.D) earning him a $20,000 scholarship and much more.

"It's worth $20,000 and what they do if you win is you get $5,000 annually for your post-secondary education, and it is up to four years. And then they will also give you a mentorship that will last four years with an expert in the field of study you are interested in," explained Acme L.E.A.D. recipient Emmett Sawyer. "In the coming months, I will be paired with a mentor to help me in agriculture because that is the field I am interested in."

Sawyer applied for the award by writing an essay about sustainable agriculture and food security, one of four leadership development pillars chosen by 4H Canada. He used his nine years of 4H market beef project knowledge to help him write the essay, and has big plans for his future.

"Currently I am at the University of Lethbridge, and I am taking a Bachelor of Arts in Agricultural Studies. I don't think I am going to go back to the farm straight away. I am really interested in the corporate side of agriculture. By interacting with elected officials, because most of them aren't really connected to the farm, and going to tell them what agriculture as an industry is feeling and what we need to do to move forward," continued Sawyer.

As for now, Sawyer is diving deep into his studies in Lethbridge to allow him to best serve the agricultural society. He is still in disbelief about the award.

"I am absolutely, completely, and utterly over the moon. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I was going to be selected for this scholarship. So even now I am so, so excited. It is certainly a fantastic opportunity and truly, truly, such an honor to receive an award like this, especially one that is so coveted and especially one that is from 4H Canada," expressed Sawyer.

 

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