AMES, Iowa – MacKenzie Dreeszen of Johnson County received a state 4-H child development project award that includes a $100 savings bond from the Mary Jo and Glen Mente Endowment and the Iowa 4-H Foundation. Dreeszen, 17, is the daughter of Randy and Paula Dreeszen of Iowa City.

During her seven years in 4-H, Dreeszen has completed several child development projects including a dinosaur story time kit for the Iowa City Library. The kit received her county’s Outstanding Child Development award and a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair while remaining a favorite at the library.

“I am proud that I was able to raise the money for the story time kit. It is so popular that it is constantly checked out,” she said. “From the experience, I learned what books are appropriate for 3- to 6-year-old children and that kids like repetition and hands-on activities. In the future I would like to help write a children’s story.”

Dreeszen also has been involved in the citizenship, home improvement and food and nutrition project areas and has earned top 10 percent recognition in fashion revue and a seal of excellence for extemporaneous speaking, both at the state fair. A county, area and state 4-H council member, she has served as club president, a county youth committee member and a host for the 4-H exchange program while attending the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference.

“I have gained many skills through 4-H – leadership, citizenship and communication to name a few. As a home-schooled student, 4-H has enriched my education by providing hands-on experiences that coordinated with academics,” the senior said. “4-H has also influenced my decision to go into a nutrition-based career.”

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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