AMES, Iowa – Kristine Gleason of Johnson County has been selected to represent Iowa at the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Ga. Nov. 24-28. She is sponsored by the Iowa Farm Bureau Life Charitable Trust and Iowa Pork Producers. Gleason, 17, is the daughter of Michael and Renee Gleason of Solon.

Gleason will join 22 other youth from Iowa at the leadership conference, entitled "Lead, Learn, Grow." Iowa's Congress delegates are selected through interviews and evaluation of support materials. Gleason, a senior at Solon High School, was chosen for her leadership, citizenship and overall achievement in the 4-H program. 

During her nine years in 4-H, Gleason has completed major projects including leadership, communication, photography, swine and home improvement. She has received state 4-H honors such as the excellence award for an educational presentation, junior reserve champion in swine showmanship and a merit award. Along with these, Gleason has received honors at the county level such as 2006 fair princess, 2006 Pork Queen, and the UP Award. She also has served as president, vice president and secretary of her 4-H club. She has served on her county 4-H council and participated in the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“4-H has helped me become a stronger leader and a better communicator,” said Gleason. “It has helped me to be more involved and meet many new friends. 4-H is definitely one of the best programs to be involved in.”

For more information about 4-H, contact the Johnson County office of Iowa State University (ISU) Extension. 4-H in Iowa is administered through the ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development program and headquartered on the ISU campus in Ames.

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