AMES, Iowa – Lauren Severson of Worth County has been selected to represent Iowa at the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 28 – Dec. 2.  She is sponsored by the Iowa 4-H Foundation National 4-H Congress Endowment. Severson, 16, is the daughter of Scott and Tammy Sevenson of Northwood.

Severson 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. Severson, a junior at Northwood-Kensett High School, was chosen for her leadership, citizenship and overall achievement in the 4-H program.

During her eight years in 4-H, Severson has completed several major projects including beef, sheep, leadership, clothing, citizenship and communication. She served as a state leadership delegate and been awarded purple ribbons at the Iowa State Fair for both beef and sheep projects. At the local level, Severson has received leadership area awards, intermediate beef showmanship honors and grand champion ewe and market lamb awards. The county 4-H council and Iowa 4-H Technology Team member has attended the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and served as her chapter’s reporter, treasurer and secretary.

“4-H has changed my life in many ways,” Severson said. “I have learned so many skills that I will use throughout my life. I have become a leader through 4-H and developed in communication and public speaking through the many opportunities it has provided me. I believe 4-H makes you a well-rounded person.”

For more information about 4-H, contact the Worth 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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