AMES, Iowa – Kristine Gleason of Johnson County received a state 4-H leadership project award that includes a $100 savings bond from the Iowa 4-H Foundation and the Mary Jo and Glen Mente Endowment. Gleason, 17, is the daughter of Michael and Renee Gleason of Solon.

During her nine years in 4-H, Gleason has completed several major projects including leadership, communication, photography, swine and home improvement. She has received many 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 many honors at the county level such as 2006 fair princess, 2006 Pork Queen, and the UP Award. She also 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.”

Gleason is a senior at Solon High School.

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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