Lesser Fund

The Carl Lesser 4-H Ag Scholarship Fund was established by the Lesser family and from gifts in memory of Carl Lesser, a 4-H volunteer in Washtenaw County for many decades.

A Washtenaw County 4-H alumnus himself, Lesser graduated from Dexter High School as the valedictorian of his class in 1942. He attended MSU, where he honed his passion for agriculture and community service. Carl was active in farming and the Dexter community. He served on many committees and boards, including many years as a Washtenaw County 4-H volunteer leader and board member of the Washtenaw County Farm Council, which helped purchase the land where the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds/Saline Fairgrounds are located. Additionally, he was a Michigan Milk Producers Association member, Dexter Township trustee, Chelsea Fire Authority board member and Michigan Farm Bureau member. Lesser died Nov. 23 at age 98. He had lived in Dexter most of his life and was married to Elizabeth “Betty” Lesser for nearly 68 years until her death in 2018. They had two children, John and Susan, and two grandsons.

The fund remembers and honors Lesser’s 4-H legacy and will provide post-secondary scholarships to Michigan 4-H members who have been a 4-H member for at least one year and demonstrates:

• Outstanding achievement in 4-H.
• Exceptional character, shown through positive attitude and behavior.
• A broad range of 4-H experiences and project involvement.
• Leadership and citizenship contributions within and outside of 4-H.

Preference will be given to applicants who are pursuing post-secondary education in agricultural-related fields.

Help grow the Carl Lesser 4-H Ag Scholarship fund with a gift today!