Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
3/19/03
Contacts:
Brenda Allen, 4-H Youth Development, (515) 294-1567, bsallen@iastate.edu
Carol Ouverson, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515)
294-9640, couverso@iastate.edu
Tracy S. Petersen, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515)
294-9915
Iowa 4-H Members to Attend National Conference
AMES, Iowa -- Six Iowa 4-H members will attend the 2003 National 4-H Conference March 30 through April 5, at the National 4-H Council in Chevy Chase, Md. Three hundred youth and adults from the country are expected to attend.
This year's theme is Leading the Way: The Next Century of 4-H.
"Delegates at National 4-H Conference shape the direction of the 4-H program in their discussion groups," Brenda Allen, Iowa State University Extension 4-H specialist, said. "Involvement in state 4-H activities, communication and leadership skills allow them to share input from their counties."
At the 73rd annual conference, delegates will discuss involvement of diverse groups in 4-H. The youth will recommend how the national 4-H program can incorporate technology and new ways to meet the changing needs of youth and adults in the 4-H program.
The delegates also will spend a day on Capitol Hill, meeting with members of the U.S. Congress about topics relating to National 4-H Conference and issues in their counties.
The youth delegates are:
Aaron Armbrecht, 18, a nine-year 4-H member from Rockwell City in Calhoun County. Armbrecht, who has served on the county, area, and state 4-H councils and has attended the Citizen Washington Focus, said 4-H has given him many unique opportunities. He has completed a number of projects including communications, clothing, and horticulture. A senior at Rockwell City-Lytton High School, he is the son of Paul and Arlene Armbrecht.
Michael Cooley, 17, a seven-year 4-H member from Orient in Adair County. Cooley, a member of his county, area and state 4-H councils and a delegate at the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, said 4-H has improved his self-confidence and taught him responsibility. He has completed several major projects including clothing selection, welding and extemporaneous speaking. The son of Mike and Dawn Cooley, he is a junior at Orient-Macksburg High School.
Thomas Foell, 17, a ten-year 4-H member from Schaller in Sac County. A member of his county, area and state 4-H councils, Foell said that by giving of himself, he is gaining confidence in his ability to think and communicate with others. He has completed projects in swine, crop production and leadership. A senior at Schaller-Crestland High School, he is the son of Bill and Laura Foell.
Emily Stephens, 18, a nine-year 4-H member from Clarinda in Page County. A member of the county, area and state 4-H councils and an interstate exchange student with Michigan, Stephens said 4-H has given her numerous life skills that make her a leader. She has completed several projects including rabbits, visual arts and citizenship. The daughter of Howard and Janelle Stephens, she is a senior at Clarinda Community High School.
Jennifer Vincent and Kurt Roberts will attend as adult delegates. Vincent, from Council Bluffs, is the Iowa State University Extension youth coordinator for West Pottawattamie County. Roberts, from Ames, works for the Educational Talent Search at Iowa State University.
Youth trips are sponsored by The Des Moines Register and adult trips are sponsored by Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Foundation. For more information about 4-H contact your local Iowa State University Extension county office.
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