AMES, Iowa – Local 4-H’ers Allie Ford and Daniel VanSant, Malvern, were selected to serve on the 2006-2007 State 4-H Council, a group of 40 teen leaders who serve as 4-H ambassadors. They will represent the southwest Iowa area.

Ford and VanSant were inducted to the State 4-H Council at the closing ceremonies of the 2006 Iowa 4-H Youth Conference June 29. They will serve as 4-H ambassadors within Mills County, southwest Iowa and will participate in various statewide functions.

“The 2006-2007 State 4-H Council is made up of an outstanding group of young people from across the state,” Brenda Allen, state 4-H youth development program specialist, said. “After spending three days at ambassador training, where they practiced sharing their 4-H stories, learned about specifics in the state 4-H program and learned about one another, I have confidence they are prepared to represent the Iowa 4-H program with enthusiasm and grace. It is a pleasure to work with such accomplished and motivated youth and I’m looking forward to the year ahead.”

Other responsibilities of the State 4-H Council members include working at the Iowa State Fair, planning the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and serving on the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

“The State 4-H Council gives youth an opportunity to develop important life skills,” Chuck Morris, Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program Leader, said.  “Youth learn to become better leaders through interaction with adults and peers.”

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. In Iowa, 4-H is made available through Iowa State University Extension.

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Photo Caption

The 2006-2007 State 4-H Council members from southwest Iowa are (from left): Jon Kempf, Guthrie County; Allie Ford, Mills County; Liz Larson, Shelby County; Chuck Morris, Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program Leader; Alisha King, Harrison County; Daniel VanSant, Mills County; and Natalie Bohling, Adair County. Not pictured are Beth Baudler, Adair County and Diane Jurchen, Cass County.