AMES, Iowa – Grant Bargfrede of Polk County has been selected to represent Iowa at the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 28 – Dec. 2.  He is sponsored by the Iowa 4-H Foundation National 4-H Congress Endowment.  Bargfrede, 16, is the son of Craig and Diane Bargfrede of Ankeny.

Bargfrede is one of 22 youth from Iowa attending the leadership conference, entitled “Accept the Challenge.”  Iowa’s Congress delegates are selected through interviews and evaluation of support materials. Bargfrede, a junior at Ankeny High School, was chosen for his citizenship, leadership and overall achievement in the 4-H program.

During his eight years in 4-H, Bargfrede has completed several major projects including citizenship, swine, photography and home improvement.  He has received citizenship and leadership awards at the county level and was on the Polk County Fair Board.  He has served as vice-president, secretary, treasurer and historian of his 4-H club. He also has participated on the county 4-H council, state 4-H council, National 4-H Congress and the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“Through 4-H, I have improved my leadership, citizenship and communication skills,” Bargfrede said. “Developing these skills are the key to a successful career.”

For more information about 4-H, contact the Polk County office of Iowa State University 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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