Alabama 4-H ambasssador president receives Barbara D. Thorne 4-H Scholarship

AUBURN UNIVERSITY — Alabama 4-H goes beyond extracurricular clubs and trips to summer camp. It equips students with skills and resources to take the next step in life. This year, the Alabama 4-H Foundation awarded more than $38,000 in scholarships to high school seniors seeking higher education. Ana Kathrine Whisnant, of Marion County 4-H, is the recipient of this year’s Barbara D. Thorne 4-H Scholarship.
Barbara D. Thorne, a former 4-H Foundation board member, was dedicated to the growth and development of Alabama’s youth. Upon her death, she left a gift to Alabama 4-H. To honor their mother’s memory and ensure her legacy lives on, Thorne’s children established a scholarship in her name. Her gift also supports curriculum development and program innovation grants that in turn inspire the spark of 4-H members across the state.
Whisnant has been an active 4-H member for eight years. Her dedication to serving 4-H ultimately led to earning the title of 4-H state ambassador president, a role that instilled in her the characteristics Thorne valued. She plans to attend the University of North Alabama to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration and professional marketing.
“Ana Kathrine embodies the very spirit of 4-H that Barbara cherished as a 4-H Foundation board member: curiosity, compassion and a commitment to serving others,” said Nancy Alexander, 4-H Youth Development Extension specialist. “It has been a privilege to work alongside Barbara’s children — Beth, Becky, Larry and Babs — to help steward this scholarship and support 4-H projects that reflect the values she held dear. Seeing Ana Kathrine thrive is a beautiful reminder of Barbara’s lasting legacy and the lives she continues to inspire.”

Whisnant’s 4-H Spark
Whisnant joined Marion County 4-H in fifth grade after learning about 4-H in class. Eager to be part of something great, Whisnant took on the role of 4-H class president at her first meeting. In the eight years since, she has made the most of every opportunity. Participating in county roundups, community service projects and youth council ultimately led to finding her spark in public speaking. Whisnant’s first speech won her school’s Speak Up Alabama contest, and the rest was history.
“Because of 4-H, I have learned the power in using our voices to share valuable research, information and ideas with those around us,” Whisnant said.
Her natural knack for leadership and professionalism made Whisnant an ideal candidate to serve as a 4-H state ambassador. This allowed her to meet youth from all over the country at National 4-H Congress and National 4-H Conference. During her third term as a state ambassador, her peers elected her president. In that role, she worked with board members and Extension staff and represented Alabama 4-H at the national level. Whisnant did not take her responsibilities lightly and used her platform to encourage her peers to contribute to 4-H’s success.
“The ambassador president has to have a heart for the organization and understand the impact that every decision has on the youth in Alabama in 4-H,” Whisnant said.

Commitment to
Alabama 4-H
Any new experience comes with challenges, and Whisnant faced those head-on. As she stepped into new roles, her dedication to learning new skills proved essential to her success. Whisnant credits her achievements in 4-H to 4-H Extension Agent Rebecca Danley. As the 4-H Thrive Model states, a high-quality 4-H program creates a sense of belonging for youth to discover their spark. Danley has created an environment that fosters personal growth for youth like Whisnant.
“Mrs. Rebecca made all the difference in my life when she took a young fifth grader from a small town and made her aware of all the life-changing opportunities in 4-H,” Whisnant said.
As part of her legacy, Thorne wanted her contribution to provide 4-H staff the necessary resources to build strong and inspiring 4-H programs. Whisnant and Danley reflect her same values of dedication to Alabama 4-H.
“As the recipient of the Barbara D. Thorne 4-H Scholarship recipient, Ana Kathrine stands as a beautiful reflection of the values my mother held dear,” said Becky Carroll, daughter of Barbara Thorne. “Her dedication, compassion, love of 4-H and quiet strength embody the kind of character and leadership that would have made my mom so proud.”
Whisnant’s 4-H spark provided life changing opportunities. Like those before her, she plans to continue the legacy of investing back into Alabama 4-H.
“I am truly so honored to be selected to receive a scholarship in memory of someone who left a legacy that continues to pour into the lives of youth in Alabama 4-H,” Whisnant said.
Whisnant is a senior at Hackleburg High School and will graduate in a couple of weeks.