BROOKINGS South Dakota State University Extension 4-H is pleased to announce the youth chosen as State 4-H ambassadors for the coming year.
The State 4-H Ambassador program provides leadership and mentoring opportunities as participants support 4-H and serve as positive role models. Through their service, State 4-H ambassadors develop skills that can prepare them for future career opportunities, including public speaking, event planning and public relations.
State 4-H ambassadors for the 2024-25 year are:
- Kelsey Fischer, Day County, serving on the SkillsX by 4-H committee
- Carley Crist, Union County, 4-H Gala committee
- Katie Spatz, Roberts County, SkillsX by 4-H
- Mercedes Jones, Jerauld County, 4-H Gala
- Julia Tinker, Minnehaha County, SkillsX by 4-H
- Abbie Chase, McCook County, 4-H Gala
- Caleb Gaikowski, Day County, SkillsX by 4-H
- Oliver Moeckly, Marshall County, SkillX by 4-H
- William Kreth, Davison County, 4-H Gala
During their terms, State 4-H ambassadors create action plans and must facilitate an educational program for youth. They can also serve on committees, including the newly created 4-H Gala committee. The first 4-H Gala will be in 2025.
Tinker, a junior at Brandon Valley High School, is serving her third term as a State 4-H ambassador. As in prior years, she will serve on the SkillsX by 4-H committee, which also served as the inspiration for the educational engagement part of her action plan.
I have learned so much about leadership, and life skills, Tinker said. Through the ups and downs, these ambassadors are some of the closest people in my life and I cherish time spent with my fellow ambassadors.
Chase, a senior at McCook Central High School, is serving her first term as an ambassador. She loves planning, organizing, and marketing events, so the 4-H Gala committee was a natural fit. Chase noted it will be a lot of work to launch a new event, but she is excited to get started.
The end goal is to have a great event for the 4-H alumni, current members and sponsors to celebrate 4-H and network, she said. Being an ambassador has already opened up a whole door of opportunities, and I regret not applying to be one earlier.
For more information, contact Hilary Kroupa, SDSU Extension program manager and regional youth educator, at 605-688-4167 or [email protected].
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