AMES, Iowa – Forty Iowa youth are beginning terms as State 4-H Council members. The State 4-H Council induction was held during the closing ceremonies of the 2017 Iowa 4-H Youth Conference June 29.
“These young leaders will serve as ambassadors for the 4-H Youth Development program throughout the state and in their local counties,” said Brenda Allen, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H youth program specialist.
To be considered for the State 4-H Council, each member submitted a written application and participated in face-to-face interviews with a panel of 4-H mentors. This selective process focuses on how candidates communicate their leadership and communication skills, as well as their potential to contribute as a part of a large group.
“The members gain experience in a wide variety of valuable life skills, including leadership and communication," Allen said. "Through State 4-H Council, 4-Hers have the opportunity to participate in training, serve in committee leadership roles, and work as ambassadors for the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program at county and statewide events."
As a part of the council, members are responsible for organizing and implementing the annual Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, which brings over 700 high school students to Iowa State University’s campus for three days in June. Council members also serve at the Iowa State Fair and other Iowa 4-H events, and visit counties to share with 4-H'ers how to get involved with state and national 4-H opportunities. The council members also coordinate, promote and oversee the 4-H’ers for 4-H fundraising campaign.
“The State 4-H Council strengthens the 4-H Youth Development program by advocating with young people around the state some of the exciting programs, experiences and information relevant to today’s teens,” Allen said. “The 4-H program provides young people with leadership roles at the state and county level to engage them as full participants, giving them an opportunity to partner with staff and volunteers in the planning and implementation of their projects and programs.”
Council members attend multiple retreats throughout the year that focus on developing leadership, citizenship and communication and personal life skills, while also providing opportunities to work as a team and to make friends.
Kendall Snyder of Buena Vista County is looking forward to the opportunity to meet 4-Hers from around the state.
"4-H gives us so many great opportunities to make friends," she said. "Some of my 4-H friends from across the state are even closer to me than most of my high school classmates that I have known since kindergarten!”
Brooklin Border of Webster County is getting ready to serve her second year on the State 4-H Council. “I’m happy that I get to be a spokesperson and a role model for others," Border said. "This experience has helped shape me into the person I am today, and I will always be grateful for it!”
This year the State 4-H Council will be working with Haley Jones, ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H youth specialist for leadership and civic engagement. “Through my new role with Iowa 4-H Youth Development I look forward to supporting these young people as they strive for their goals and gain an increased understanding of the positive impact they can have in their communities and beyond," Jones said.
The State 4-H Council members represent all parts of Iowa. They work to give back to their communities and help 4-H Youth Development best serve the youth of Iowa.
[Photo] State 4-H Council members
[Photo] Council members from Southwest Area
Front, L-R: Cameryn Schafer-Harrison County, Miranda Fickbohm-Polk County, Lauren Hadley-Union County Back, L-R: Skyler Rawlings-Adair County, Rakenzy Pryor-Union County, Jacob Al-Mazroa-Madison County, Taylor Sorrells-Union County Not Pictured: Laurel McGonegle-Polk County
[Photo] Council Members from Northeast Area
Front, L-R: Lexi Mohlis-Bremer County, Grace Pisarik-Linn County, Hope Dohlman-Howard County Back, L-R: Julia Quisley-Worth County, Cora Fecht-Black Hawk County, Patrick Hansen-Delaware County, Hanna Schmitt-Winneshiek County Not Pictured: Sean Hamilton-Linn County
[Photo] Council Members from Northwest Area
Front, L-R: Kara Betts-Greene County, Patrick McGowan-Woodbury County, Abigail Hoffman-Palo Alto County Back, L-R: Allison Bermel-Woodbury County, Kendall Snyder-Buena Vista County, Jacy McAlexander-Calhoun County, Alec Schoof-O’Brien County Not Pictured: Tess Lord-Woodbury County, McKenna Nielsen-Audubon County
[Photo] Council Members from Central Area
Front, L-R: Katie Greenfield-Hamilton County, Claire Whalen-Boone County, Brooklin Border-Webster County Back, L-R: Haley Ledford-Webster County, McKenna Mitchell-Hamilton County, Karrigan Mentzer-Webster County Not Pictured: Dana Edleman-Story County, Josie Noland-Boone County
[Photo] Council Members from Southeast Area
Front, L-R: Hallie Sandeen-Henry County, Lexi DeJong-Mahaska County, Rebecca Crawford-Poweshiek County Back, L-R: Audra Weber-Keokuk County, Cole Moeller-Lee County, Joy Westercamp-Van Buren County, Kristen Flathers-Clinton County
