AMES, Iowa -- Rachel Dermody of Iowa County received a state 4-H leadership project award that includes a $100 savings bond from the Mary Jo and Glen Mente Endowment. Dermody, 18, is the daughter of Patrick and Sheryl Dermody of Parnell. 

During her nine years of 4-H involvement, Dermody has completed several major projects including leadership, communications, citizenship, swine, visual art and home improvement. She has served her local 4-H club as president, vice president, secretary, reporter, recreation officer and photographer. Dermody has served on her County, Area and the Iowa State 4-H Councils and her County Youth Committee. She has participated in the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference/Animal Science Roundup in Ames, Iowa, the Citizenship Washington Focus trip to Washington D.C. and the 4-H Exchange program where she was a visitor to the state of Colorado. Dermody has received the State 4-H Goering Communication Scholarship, her county leadership award for three years, her county citizenship award and the Southeast Area Communication and Leadership award. 

"I can't say enough how much 4-H has helped me become the person I am today," said Dermody. "It has provided me with endless opportunities that I never would've received in school. Throughout my 4-H career, I have strived to help other kids learn the skills I've acquired because that's what 4-H is all about, communicating to others what you've learned so others can be better leaders and citizens in society. I think 4-H has helped me understand that character counts more than ribbons and trophies."

Dermody is a freshman at Iowa State University. 

For more information on how to get involved in 4-H contact your county's Iowa State University Extension office.

-30-