AMES, Iowa – Local 4-H’er Zachary Wenke, Douds, was selected to serve on the 2006-2007 State 4-H Council, a group of 40 teen leaders who serve as 4-H ambassadors. He will represent the southeast Iowa area.

Wenke was inducted to the State 4-H Council at the closing ceremonies of the 2006 Iowa 4-H Youth Conference June 29. He will serve as a 4-H ambassador within Van Buren County, southeast 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 southeast Iowa are (from left): Zachary Wenke, Van Buren County; Kala Barre, Wapello County; Kaytlin Moeller, Henry County; Anna Grimley, Linn County; Chuck Morris, Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program Leader; Heather Sinclair, Henry County; Heidi Welsh, Iowa County; and J.C. Cornelius, Jackson County. Not pictured is Dustin Draisey, Keokuk County.