AMES, Iowa—Two months ago he was named a National Youth Leader, but Jeremy Weiss is not one to spend time arranging his trophies.
The nine-year 4-H’er sees work to be done and volunteers, often leading the way. Currently Weiss, a Manson Northwest Webster High School senior, heads up a project to help five families through a local outreach center.
“We are helping the families have a Christmas filled with presents for all, something they would not have otherwise, he said.
Weiss brought the idea to his high school student council, which decided to spearhead the effort, with Weiss serving as leader. The council decorated a tree with ornaments that list needs of the family members. Council members spoke to each class in school, encouraging them to donate through buying presents, providing gift-wrapping supplies or making monetary donations.
Collections for the project will continue until holiday break, but Weiss said, “we are doing well and it has just been great to see the kids purchasing the gifts with their own money. The community outpouring is great, and it overwhelms me to see that we are all willing to help out whenever we can.”
Weiss is quick to share honors with others who have helped him set and work toward goals. He credits the Iowa State University Extension 4-H program, which he said “has helped me come out of my shy self to be a more outgoing person and a better communicator.”
He also gained leadership opportunities as a two-year member of the Iowa 4-H State Council, a group of 40 youth who plan and conduct the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and assist 4-H at the Iowa State Fair. In addition, he currently serves as the youth member of the Iowa 4-H Foundation Board.
Weiss lauds 4-H youth/adult partnerships. “Caring adults are what the 4-H program is all about. They have helped me to complete projects, meet new people and learn skills such as leadership and citizenship that I probably could not have gained elsewhere.”
Four of those caring adults who helped Weiss include 4-H leaders Jeff and Jodie Burke, Jeni Burke and Webster County 4-H youth coordinator Linda Cline. “They have inspired me because of their personal encouragement, positive attitude and support.”
Weiss urges other young people to join 4-H. He joined “because I saw all the fun that older members had and all the friends they made. You don’t need livestock to join; a 4-H project can be pretty much any hobby or interest you can think of.”
But it is 4-H community service that has pointed Weiss toward a career in human resource management. He learned that he “loves working with people” for the good of all through such activities as organizing a school blood drive and partnering with the United Way of Greater Fort Dodge to plan a can drive for Hurricane Katrina victims.
Weiss, who will foot most of his college costs, has applied to several schools. Iowa State is a top choice, partly because he could continue his 4-H involvement through Collegiate 4-H and seek work with the state 4-H office on campus.
Weiss received a $1,000 scholarship from the National Council on Youth Leadership (NCYL), part of the National Youth Leader award he received in October 2006.
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