AMES, Iowa -- Four youth delegates and two adult delegates will represent Iowa at the 2005 National 4-H Conference in Chevy Chase, Md.

The theme for the 75th annual National 4-H Conference is "Build the Future--Tag, You're It!" Delegates will take part in round table discussions about the Eight Essential Elements of the 4-H program. They also will create "hero packs" for families of people deployed in the military.

" National 4-H Conference provides youth and adults from across the nation with an opportunity to discuss important issues in the 4-H program and shape its direction," Brenda Allen, Iowa State University Extension 4-H specialist, said. "Participants also meet with their legislators to share priorities of the national 4-H program."

The delegates are:

DeEtta Bohling, 17, Greenfield. The daughter of Lynn and Elaine Bohling, she is a nine-year 4-H member who has attended National 4-H Congress, served on the county and state 4-H councils and received a state 4-H communication project award.

Karla McKilligan, 18, Ames. The daughter of Dennis and Karen McKilligan, she is an eight-year 4-H member who has served on the county and state 4-H councils and served her local club as vice president and secretary.

Danielle Rogers, 18, Fort Dodge. The daughter of Dan and Camille Rogers, she is a nine-year 4-H member who has attended National 4-H Congress and received state 4-H project awards for citizenship and leadership.

Lee Schoof, 18, Primghar. The son of Doug and Sandy Schoof, he is a 10-year 4-H member who has served on the county and state 4-H councils, attended National 4-H Congress and received a state dairy project award. He also has served as a trustee for the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

Rozanne King, Mondamin, is an adult delegate. She is a member of the Iowa 4-H Foundation Board. King was nominated to serve as a delegate because of her extensive volunteer work within her own county.

Ann Lohman, Spencer, also is an adult delegate. She is a 20-year employee of Iowa State University (ISU) Extension in Clay County. Since 1992 she has served as the ISU extension education director. She previously was a trustee for the Iowa 4-H Foundation Board.

The Des Moines Register and Monsanto sponsor the youth delegates. The adult delegates' trips are sponsored by Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Foundation.

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