Latest Updates from Statewide 4-H

Nebraska 4-H members from across the state will showcase their designs during the 15th annual Omaha Fashion Week runway showcase.

The 4-H showcase will take place on Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. at the Omaha Design Center, 1502 Cuming St., Omaha. Nineteen youth from 11 counties will model garments they sewed as 4-H projects in 2022. Participating youth are:

• Abigail Nelson, Gordon (Sheridan County 4-H)
• Alexa Smith, Lincoln (Lancaster County 4-H)
• Alison Schimmer, Grand Island (Hall County 4-H)
• Ava Caldwell, Omaha (Douglas/Sarpy Counties 4-H)
• Chloe Jeffers, Wauneta (Hayes County 4-H)
• Clara Johnson, Walton (Lancaster County 4-H)
• Danica Romshek, Bellwood (Butler County 4-H)
• Dayton Jons, Lincoln (Lancaster County 4-H)
• Emily Barfknecht, Juniata (Adams County 4-H)
• Emily Nelson, Gordon (Sheridan County 4-H)
• Karla Herrarte, Lexington (Dawson County 4-H)
• Kate Cox, Valentine (Cherry County 4-H)
• Kylie Hansen, Lincoln (Lancaster County 4-H)
• Lora Sonderup, Fullerton (Nance County 4-H)
• Maura Tichota, Yutan (Saunders County 4-H)
• Maya Soria, Kearney (Dawson County 4-H)
• Saidi Ringenberg, Lexington (Dawson County 4-H)
• Sydni Ringenberg, Lexington (Dawson County 4-H)
• Vanessa Peterson, Lincoln (Lancaster County 4-H )

The Midwest’s largest fashion event, Omaha Fashion Week, takes place twice a year, in February and August, and showcases young and emerging designers from throughout the region. For more information on Omaha Fashion Week, visit Omahafashionweek.com. Tickets for the 4-H showcase are available online at: https://omahafashionweek.ticketleap.com/ofw-spring-2023-metro-community-college-student-night/.

Two delegates and two alternates have been selected to represent Nebraska at the 2023 National 4-H Conference. The delegates, who are receiving partial scholarships to attend National 4-H Congress, include:

• Lexi Johnson, Dawson County
• Autumn Lindsley, Butler County

The alternates, who may attend National 4-H Conference at their own expense, include:

• Sarah Treffer, Dawson County
• Miya Carey, Holt County

National 4-H Conference is the premier national civic engagement opportunity for 4-H members across the country. Delegates not only learn while at the conference but also have the opportunity to practice and apply in a real-world setting their newly developed and refined skills. The National 4-H Conference is held annually in the Washington D.C. area. For more information about National 4-H Conference, please visit 4h.unl.edu/conference.

Fifteen delegates and five alternates have been selected to represent Nebraska at the 2023 National 4-H Congress. The delegates, who are receiving partial scholarships to attend National 4-H Congress, include:

• Miya Carey, Holt County
• Taylor Kramer, Dawson County
• Austin Kamm, Cuming County
• Emily Miller, Cheyenne County
• Alexa Tollman, Dawes County
• Claire Gangwish, Buffalo County
• Libby Mackin, Webster County
• Lauren Dick, Thayer County
• Andrew Kreuscher, Dawson County
• Morgan Schommers, Dawes County
• Kaylee Powell, Merrick & Hall Counties
• Hunter Blume, Red Willow County
• Autumn Lindsley, Butler County
• Micah Pracheil, Lancaster County
• Sara Thomsen, Pierce County

The alternates, who may attend National 4-H Congress at their own expense, include:

• Cadde Beeby, Red Willow County
• Rylie Carter, Butler County
• Emily Brhel, Clay County
• Jaden Hunke, Dawson County
• Mahayla Allred, Dawes County
• Emily Barfknecht, Adams County

National 4-H Congress is the premier leadership event for 4-H members ages 15 to 19. The event brings together youth from across the country and provides educational and cross-cultural experiences. The goal is to inspire youth to take on leadership roles and make meaningful impacts within their communities. The event is held each fall in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information about National 4-H Congress, please visit 4h.unl.edu/congress.

Nebraska 4-H recently recognized Kamryn Wanser, Kennedy Powell, and Brooklynn Nelsen with a Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award. After seeing their peers struggle with food insecurity, the three Lancaster County 4-H members began working on plans to establish a new Little Free Pantry in their community.

“We are so proud of this team of 4-H’ers who saw a local problem and creatively found a way to a solution,” said Dr. Kathleen Lodl, Nebraska State 4-H Program Administrator. “It’s this kind of leadership and passion that is critical to their future and the future of Nebraska.”

Together, the youth recruited a local business, Healthy Heads, to house the public pantry and worked with a craftsman to design and build the pantry box. They gathered food donations and support from a local HOA, White Electric, Old Glory Farms Boutique, Rotary Club 14, VFW, FoodNet, Little Free Pantries, Lancaster County 4-H Council, and The Fantastic 4 4-H Club. The youth collected $319 and over 1,700 food items to establish their Little Free Pantry.

“We believe the pantry will serve the neighbors, those that work in the area as well as our customers,” wrote Healthy Heads staff. “We couldn’t be happier to support this great cause.”

“Food insecurity is an issue many Lincoln, Nebraska residents experience,” said Tracy Anderson, Lancaster County 4-H Extension Educator. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Kamryn, Kennedy, and Brooklynn, there is one Lincoln neighborhood that is experiencing less of it.”

Over the first 28 weeks, a weekly average of 46 items were taken from the pantry located in the Indian Village neighborhood. Community members continue to take more items continue each week, and the teens continue to collect donations to keep the pantry stocked for those in need.

"We have learned that working together we can solve a problem in our community," the teens shared. "We feel confident that this will serve a need in the community for a long time to come.”

The Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award celebrates the spirit of service learning. The program recognizes youth who have made significant and lasting impacts in their community. 4-H members create, coordinate, and implement a service-learning project of lasting impact and significant size or scope.

“We invite youth to submit project proposals that showcase the application of their time and talents in service to their community,” says Dr. Jill Lingard, Nebraska 4-H Gives Back program coordinator.

For more information about the Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Awards program, please visit 4h.unl.edu/ne4h-gives-back.

Nebraska 4-H has appointed four members as 2023 4-H Youth Leadership Conference Ambassadors, including:

• Joshua Eisenmann, Colfax County
• Autumn Lindsley, Butler County
• Hannah Beel, Brown County
• Isabella Benne, Burt County

Youth Leadership Conference Ambassadors serve as the planning committee for the 4-H Youth Leadership Conference. Ambassadors meet monthly to plan and prepare for the conference while developing their leadership skills. By serving as an Ambassador, members will have the opportunity to build connections with one another, learn from adult mentors, and gain real-world leadership experience on a statewide level. To learn more about the leadership program or the 2023 Ambassadors, visit 4h.unl.edu/leadership-conference-ambassadors. 

The Nebraska 4-H Youth Leadership Conference is an opportunity for all youth ages 14-18 to build connections with peers across the state, learn from adult mentors, and develop and practice leadership skills. Youth do not need to be enrolled in 4-H to attend the conference. The date and location for the 2023 Conference are yet to be determined. Please stay tuned to 4h.unl.edu/leadership-conference for updates. 

Nebraska 4-H, in collaboration with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Animal Science, offered the fifth year of the Nebraska 4-H Fed Steer Challenge in 2022.

The Fed Steer Challenge cultivates the next generation of leaders in the Nebraska cattle industry by providing youth with real-world opportunities in the beef sector. This challenge enhances the educational value of traditional 4-H beef projects and provides affordable options to reward production merit and market animal carcass value; accurate and complete record-keeping practices; industry and research knowledge; and producer engagement with the 4-H member.

The youth selected, purchased, exhibited, harvested, and analyzed carcass data on a steer while networking with industry professionals. Additionally, working as a learning cohort, they participated in monthly educational opportunities led by industry professionals and Animal Science faculty.

Alongside these youth, large crowds at the Nebraska State Fair receive expert instruction from a commercial cattle buyer about sorting and evaluating steers. This exemplifies real-world industry standards of carcass merit, grade ability, and finish. Unanimously, the youth participants agree the Fed Steer Challenge helped them gain valuable knowledge regarding the beef industry - namely, how to feed a market animal more efficiently. Because of their program involvement, participants plan to stay in the cattle industry to become future beef industry advocates.

The 2022 Nebraska participants and award winners included:

• Claire Ahrens, Sherman County – Third Place Overall, Third Place Growth Performance, Third Place Record Book
• Leah Christen, Pawnee County
• Abigail Gorecki, Buffalo County
• Nathan Gorecki, Buffalo County
• Eldon Haack, Franklin County – Second Place Carcass Merit
• Jaleigh Hallsted, Cuming County – Second Place Overall, First Place Record Book, Second Place Industry Interview
• Madison Hirschman, Howard County – Fourth Place Overall, Second Place Growth Performance, First Place Industry Interview
• Cassidy Maricle, Boone County
• Klaira Rasmussen, Howard County
• Nickolas Rohr, Frontier County
• Conner Snyder, Frontier County – First Place Overall, First Place Growth Performance, First Place Carcass Merit, Second Place Record Book, Third Place Industry Interview
• Treygan Srajhans, Fillmore County
• Noah Summers, Buffalo County – Third Place Carcass Merit
• Skyler Summers, Buffalo County – Fifth Place Overall, Second Place Industry Interview

The winners of each category receive cash prizes, and the overall winners will receive an additional $500 scholarship to the Nebraska College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Nearly 200 4-H members from across the state participated in the 4-H Fashion Shows at the 2022 Nebraska State Fair. The contest, including three different shows held in Raising Nebraska, allowed 4-H members to model for a panel of judges and an estimated crowd of 700.

Saidi Ringenberg of Dawson County, Isabelle Barkoudah of Gage County, Clare Bauman of Lancaster County, Chloe Jeffers of Hayes County, and Zane Schneidereit of Blaine County received Best of Show awards for their constructed garments. Their projects were also exhibited in the 4-H Design Gallery in the 4-H & FFA Exhibition Building during the Fair. Winners received cash awards from sponsors, including Andrea Nisley, Extension Educator, and Sarah Purcell, Emeritus Extension Educator.

Saidi Ringenberg of Dawson County received the Make It With Wool Award presented by Andrea Nisley, Make it with Wool Nebraska State Director, given in memory of Alice Doane, past Nebraska State Director.

Ellie Pagel of Adams County and Emily Kircher of Red Willow County were inaugural recipients of the Shopping in Style Best of Show Awards. Youth received cash prizes sponsored by Megan Burda of Brick Road Boutique.

Youth from across Nebraska put their agronomy knowledge to the test at the annual Nebraska Youth Crop Scouting Competition. The contest, held on August 3, 2022, at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, allowed youth to work as teams and gain hands-on experience scouting actual plots. 

Receiving first place and a cash prize of $500 was Kornhusker Kids team coached by Chris Schiller. Team members were James Rolf, Logan Consbruck, Isaac Wooldrik, Levi Schiller and Ian Schiller. Second place went to Colfax Co. 4-H Team #1 coached by Steve Nelson. Team members were Josh Eisennman, Mic Sayers, Rylan Nelson, & Hayden Bailey and they received $250. Third place with a $100 cash award was Colfax County 4-H #2 team also coached by Steve Nelson. Team members were Callen Jedlicka, Cody Jedlicka, Daphne Jedlicka and Justin Eisennman.

Also participating were two teams from Johnson County 4-H coached by Jon Schmid. Team members from Johnson County #1 included Wesley Schmid, Sophia Schmid, Bo McCoy, and Elliot Werner. Johnson Co. #2 team consisted of Levi Othmer and Cameron Werner. Arlington FFA also competed with Kali Agler as the coach and Aaron Fuchs, Braden Monke and Ethan Hilgenkamp competing.

An in-person regional competition will be held among Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Missouri teams at the Beck Agricultural Center near West Lafayette, Indiana on September 15 hosted by Purdue Extension. Participants from Kornhusker Kids 4-H and Colfax County #1 are able to compete representing the state of Nebraska.

For more information on the Youth Crop Scouting Competition, contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu or visit cropwatch.unl.edu/youth.

Nebraska 4-H awarded fifty-two youth with the Members of Excellence distinction at the 2022 Nebraska State Fair. 4-H members earned the award for engaging in livestock-related learning experiences throughout the year in addition to caring for and exhibiting their 4-H livestock projects. Nebraska 4-H recognized Members of Excellence across all 4-H livestock project areas.

4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the beef project area included:

• Kaisha Alber, Webster County
• Cooper Elsen, Buffalo County
• Troy Linquist, Douglas/Sarpy County
• Ava Myers, Hamilton County
• Brayden Griess, Clay County
• AJ Pospichal, Holt County
• Mattie Brown, Scotts Bluff County
• Nathan Griess, Clay County
• Lilee Chevalier, Lancaster County
• Bryn Boitnott, Otoe County
• Ava Stewart, Cedar County
• Logan Schmidt, Thayer County
• Bo Pospichal, Holt County
• Maysa Jones, Custer County 
• Tatum Wright, Douglas/Sarpy County
• Tristian Wright, Douglas/Sarpy County
• Mahaya Jones, Custer County 
• Olivia Beel, Brown County 
• Trapper Wilcox, Antelope County 

Members of Excellence in the dairy project areas include:

• Kaitlyn Hanson, Saunders County
• Lilee Chevalier, Lancaster County

Youth who received the Member of Excellence distinction in the meat goat project area included:

• Randy Koke, Douglas/Sarpy County
• Arabella Rolfsmeyer, Buffalo County 
• Autumn Hoppe, Holt County
• Maysa Jones, Custer County
• JayLynn Hoppe, Holt County
• Brooke Carey, Holt County
• Miya Carey, Holt County
• Tatum Wright, Douglas/Sarpy County 
• Tristian Wright, Douglas/Sarpy County 
• Mahaya Jones, Custer County 

Youth recognized as Members of Excellence in the poultry project area included: /p>

• Franklin Polacek, Madison County
• Charles Cawley, Cass County
• Marcus Schultz, Madison County
• Katelyn Turek, Hall County
• Aiden Powers, Saunders
• Anne Nygren, Saunders County
• Mallory Beethe, Douglas/Sarpy County

Members of Excellence in the rabbit project area included:

• Grand Meister, Douglas/Sarpy County
• Tenley Bauman, Lancaster County
• Elisa Oberg, Frontier County
• Andrew Frain, Lancaster County

4-H members who received the Members of Excellence award in the sheep project area included:

• Grand Musil, Douglas/Sarpy County
• Addy Stanwick, Dixon County
• Cora Roth, Boyd County
• Lauren Brehm, Otoe County
• Katelyn Dorsey, Valley County
• Abigail Engelhardt, Webster County
• Trapper Wilcox, Antelope County 
• Arabella Rolfsmeyer, Buffalo County 

4-H members recognized as Members of Excellence in the swine project area included:

• Dierck White, Pierce County
• Kirsten Knake, Otoe County
• Kaden Knake, Otoe County
• Justus Kreifels, Otoe County
• Jolie Kreifels, Otoe County
• Hunter Creech, Scotts Bluff County
• Diego Velazco, Otoe County
• Olivia Beel, Brown County 
• Mollie Lambert, Cass County

Youth received the Member of Excellence distinction through the Livestock Achievement Program, which launched in 2021. Youth applied to participate in the program at the beginning of the year. Accepted participants set goals for their 4-H project experience and reported on their accomplishments. Participants were also required to complete quality assurance requirements and project record books. To learn more about the Livestock Achievement Program, visit 4h.unl.edu/livestock-achievement.

Twenty-two 4-H members will represent Nebraska at the 2022 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships held at the Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island, Nebraska from June 26 to July 1. The event will bring together 4-H members from across the nation. Approximately 685 competitors from 39 states will convene in Grand Island to compete. The event features competitions across nine shooting sports disciplines including compound archery, recurve archery, air rifle, air pistol, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading, and hunting skills. 

The Nebraska 4-H shotgun team, coached by John Lilly, includes: 

• Syras Boston, York County
• Sheyenne Morgan, Rock County
• Andrew Koehlmoos, Holt County
• Michael Day, Sarpy County

Members of the Nebraska 4-H air rifle team, coached by Darin Gruenke, include: 

• Keiziah Connell, Dixon County
  
• Rachael Thomas, Stanton County
  
• Dylan Glendy, Custer County

Youth on .22 rifle team, coached by Todd Knutson, include:

• Kurissa Mizner, Holt county
  
• Risken Dawson, Holt County
  
• Kyle Rote, Garden County
  
• Maya Knutson, Cedar County

The compound archery team, coached by Matt Carmin, consists of: 

• Taylor Rath, Douglas County
• Lilly Hanley, Lancaster County
  
• Bo Behlen, Platte County
  
• Sam Bissell, Buffalo County

The recurve archery team, coached by Jeff Goble, includes:

• Parker Walahoski, Dawson County
  
• Dylan Naslund, Cherry County
  
• Isaac Olsen, Banner County

Members of the muzzleloading team, coached by Mike Erickson, include: 

• Matt Koehlmoos, Holt County
  
• Kelsey Howard, Holt County
• Kylee Howard, Holt County
• Justin Warembourg, Hayes County

The 2022 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships are hosted by Nebraska 4-H and the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee. For more information, visit 4h.unl.edu/shooting-sports/national. 

Fifteen delegates and five alternates have been selected to represent Nebraska at the 2022 National 4-H Congress. The delegates, who are receiving partial scholarships to attend National 4-H Congress, include:

• Jacie Wolfinger, Dawson County
• Matthew Bruns, Lincoln County
• Jaelin Wolfinger, Dawson County
• Carter Behnken, Washington County
• Lexi Johnson, Dawson County
• Paige Bunn, Dodge County
• Alexia Dick, Thayer County
• Ashley Abrahams, Dodge County
• Kylie Hansen, Lancaster County
• Madison Enstrom, Burt County
• Addison Luther, Dawson County
• Chelsea Potts, Cedar County
• Elizabeth Blume, Red Willow County
• Clare Bauman, Lancaster County

The alternates, who may attend National 4-H Congress at their own expense, include:

• Madison Hirshman, Howard County
• Adriana Hernandez, Washington County
• Aubree Siffring, Butler County
• Casey Wahlgren, Dawson County
• Jaden Russell, Adams County

National 4-H Congress is the premier leadership event for 4-H members ages 15 to 19. The event brings together youth from across the country and provides educational and cross-cultural experiences. The goal is to inspire youth to take on leadership roles and make meaningful impacts within their communities. The event is held each fall in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information about National 4-H Congress, please visit 4h.unl.edu/congress. 

Twenty-two adult volunteers, one 4-H member, and a family of volunteers are being recognized with Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Awards.

The Kristy and Dave Hattan Family from Lancaster County is receiving the Multi-Generation Family of Volunteers Award.  Additional family members include:

• Jill Hattan
• Tyler Hattan
• Tammy Wollen
• Brandy Brock

This award recognizes a family with at least three generations of active 4-H volunteers.

Marlie Mundt, 4-H member in Lancaster County is receiving the Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award. This award recognizes a 4-H member, ages 14-18, who has made a meaningful impact on their local 4-H community.

Eleven individuals are receiving Emerging Adult Volunteer Awards. These awards recognize current volunteers who have served less than three years in their local 4-H community. One individual is recognized for each Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone. Recipients include:

• Wendy Scheenan, Sheridan County 
• Krista Thoene, Garfield County
• Matt Weideman, Lincoln County
• Mary Ann Whitebear, Phelps County
• Mercedes Barg, Madison County
• Joy Harris, Nance County
• Cathy Hill-Klein, Platte County
• Hunter Purcell, Dodge County
• Sadie Hammond, Lancaster County
• Lisa Paul, Jefferson County
• Natasha Vavra, Cass County

Eleven individuals are receiving Outstanding Adult Volunteer Awards. These awards recognize current volunteers who have served more than four years in their local 4-H community. One individual is recognized for each Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone. Recipients include:

• Bill Riggs, Dawes County
• Jolene Dunbar, Loup County
• Dean Battie, Buffalo County
• Jo Teter, Red Willow County
• Doug McKibbon, Madison County
• Kathy Gorecki, Howard County
• Brigen Kinnison, Platte County
• Kim Jackson, Burt County
• Kath Conroy, Lancaster County
• Michael Scholz, Saline County
• Kim Cawley, Cass County

The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Awards honor individuals who are making meaningful and lasting contributions to their local 4-H communities. 

"All across the state, Nebraska 4-H volunteers do incredible work to provide opportunities for our youth," says Jill Goedeken, 4-H Professional Development and Volunteer Extension Educator. "These volunteers generously give their time, energy, and creativity to help develop the next generation of leaders, and we are thrilled to be able to recognize their contributions." 

Recipients will be celebrated during a recognition ceremony at the 2022 Nebraska State Fair.

For more information about Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Awards, please visit 4h.unl.edu/volunteer-recognition. 

Five 4-H members from across the state represented Nebraska at the 89th National 4-H Conference, held March 19-24 in the Washington, D.C. area. Nebraska delegates included:

• Helen Keiser, Dawson County
• Abigail Owens, Dawson County
• Parker Walahoski, Dawson County
• Spencer Walahoski, Dawson County
• Paige Wood, Nance County

Held annually, the National 4-H Conference serves to develop the next generation of leaders. The conference provides an opportunity to engage 4-H youth in personal development experiences that will increase knowledge, resources, and skills. The program aims to empower and mobilize 4-H youth to create positive social change in the communities in a meaningful and genuine way. National 4-H Conference provides the opportunity for young people to connect, learn, engage, lead, and impact their communities, their nation, and their world.

Alongside youth delegates from across the nation, Nebraska delegates attended training workshops, became acquainted with the government, and met with state leaders. Highlights from the conference included meeting the Director of USDA's National Institute of Food & Agriculture, Dr. Carrie Castillo and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. 

Delegates were accompanied by Tracy Anderson, Lancaster County 4-H Extension Educator, and Brett Kreifels, Douglas-Sarpy County 4-H Extension Educator.

National 4-H Conference is the premier civic engagement event for 4-H members between the ages of 15 and 19. Nebraska delegates are selected each year through state-level Senior Achievement Applications and a thorough interview process. Delegates also receive funding for trip expenses through the Nebraska 4-H Foundation. For more information about National 4-H Conference, please visit 4h.unl.edu/conference.

Allison Walbrecht, Lancaster County 4-H member, has been recognized with a Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award for giving youth with disabilities the opportunity to show livestock at the county fair.

“Providing a “sense of belonging” is one important part of the 4-H program. Allison’s willingness to ensure that all youth have this opportunity showcases her willingness to give back to youth, the 4-H Program, and the future of Nebraska,” said Dr. Kathleen Lodl, Nebraska State 4-H Program Administrator. “Allison truly is an amazing role model.”

Having grown up on a beef cattle operation, Allison observed a gap between agriculture and people with disabilities. She started the Unified Showing program to bridge this gap. The program provides youth with disabilities the opportunity to show a lamb at the county fair. Showmen are paired with a "Buddy" who helps them practice and prepare for the showing throughout the summer. 

“Allison is making a positive difference,” said Tracy Anderson, Lancaster County 4-H Extension Educator. “She is giving young people with disabilities and their buddy a sense of belonging as they learn about and show livestock as members of her Unified Showing 4-H Club.”

Following success in Lancaster County, a new Unified Showing 4-H Club has already been established in Otoe County. Allison hopes to one day expand the program to the Nebraska State Fair.

"Unified Showing's future is very bright," said Allison. "I am excited to continue Unified Showing in the upcoming years."

The Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award celebrates the spirit of service-learning. The program recognizes youth who have made significant and lasting impacts in their community. 4-H members create, coordinate, and implement a service-learning project of lasting impact and significant size or scope.

“Nebraska 4-H Gives Back is an awesome opportunity to celebrate the spirit of service-learning, a pillar of the 4-H experience. We invite youth to submit project proposals that showcase the application of their time and talents in service to their community,” shared Dr. Jill Lingard, Nebraska 4-H Gives Back program coordinator.

For more information about the Nebraska 4-H Gives back Awards program, please visit 4h.unl.edu/ne4h-gives-back.

John Sump, Lancaster County 4-H member, has been recognized with a Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award for coordinating clean-up efforts at eight local NRD lakes. 

"John not only gave of his personal time and resources but also helped others see the importance of being a good steward of the land," said Dr. Kathleen Lodl, Nebraska State 4-H Program Administrator.

During the pandemic, John noticed an increased use of local NRD lakes. He also observed a corresponding increase in trash and litter around the recreation areas. With support from representatives at the Lower Platte South NRD and Nebraska Game and Parks SE District Fisheries, John coordinated trash pickups at all eight NRD lakes in Lancaster County. He recruited help from Catfish Crazy Nebraska, Nebraska Kayak Club, Boy Scouts Troop 22, family, and friends.

"I learned how to lead a big event, which involved the organization of several volunteers and the collection of donations," said John. 

While coordinating the lake clean-ups, John discovered that most local NRD lakes did not have fishing line recycling receptacles. After securing donations from local sponsors, John made and installed sixteen fishing line recycling tubes, two at each location. Follow-up visits revealed that the recycling tubes were being used at almost every location. 

“Through his homemade recycling tubes and lake clean-up at all lakes, he is helping provide a better space for all,” said Tracy Anderson, Lancaster County 4-H Extension Educator.

The Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Award celebrates the spirit of service learning. The program recognizes youth who have made significant and lasting impacts in their community. 4-H members create, coordinate, and implement a service-learning project of lasting impact and significant size or scope.

“We invite youth to submit project proposals that showcase the application of their time and talents in service to their community,” says Dr. Jill Lingard, Nebraska 4-H Gives Back program coordinator.

For more information about the Nebraska 4-H Gives Back Awards program, please visit 4h.unl.edu/ne4h-gives-back.

Hometown: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Major: Textile Science

Expected Graduation: 2025

Why did you decide to join the +YD intern program?

As a third generation, Pennsylvania 4-H'er I had the opportunity to do many projects such as Poultry, Rabbits, fiber arts projects, sewing, gardening, woodworking, exchange club, and many other projects. I also had the priveledge of serving as a Pennsylvania 4-H State officer as well. 4-H blessed me with ten amazing years that planted me as a leader and prepared me for my future. I wanted to give back and help out with this program in any way I can, so naturally I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to apply and be a YD intern.

What is your favorite thing about the +YD internship?

I love being able to work on projects and work with my fellow interns. Collaborating and creating even better ideas that 4-H'ers are going to love is fun to see.

What are your plans post-graduation?

My plan after graduation is to hopefully work for a company creating and testing fabrics. Even more specifically, I would love to work developing more sustainable fabrics. I could also see myself potentially starting my own fabric line as well.

What's life like outside work and school?

Outside of work and school, I am probably back in Pennsylvania working in the garden, four wheeling, helping with the animals volunteering, volunteering with my County's fair or 4-H program, hiking, weaving, or hanging with friends and family. I especially love being outside with my two sisters and hunting with my dad. My sisters and I have grown in 4-H together which has made us especially close.

The +YD (Positive Youth Development) Interns develop and deliver educational programs for youth across the state in both in-person and online settings. +YD Interns are guided by Nebraska 4-H Youth Development professionals and participate in training and professional development to ensure a quality educational experience for youth participants. Educational programs delivered by interns focus upon topics related to STEM, leadership, career development, and entrepreneurship.

Hometown: Gresham, Nebraska

Major: Secondary Family and Consumer Sciences Education-Minors in Leadership and Communication, International Studies, Textiles, Merchandizing, and Fashion Design (TMFD)

Expected Graduation: May 2023

Why did you decide to join the +YD intern program?

I have been an active 4-H member since my clover kid days and I have had a lot of opportunities to work with youth in different counties across the state through internships in counties. I enjoy seeing students grow and thrive through different programming and opportunities that they get through 4-H.

What is your favorite thing about the +YD internship?

My favorite thing about my +YD is getting to be involved with different experiences where I can meet and directly engage with youth, whether in virtual STEM Mentoring or at events like FIRST Lego Robotics Competitions.

What are your plans post-graduation?

My plans after graduation are to get into the classroom and teach students the life skills that they need through my FCS classroom.

What's life like outside work and school?

I'm trying to make the most of my college experience so most of my time outside of work and school, I spend hanging out around campus or exploring the city of Lincoln!

The +YD (Positive Youth Development) Interns develop and deliver educational programs for youth across the state in both in-person and online settings. +YD Interns are guided by Nebraska 4-H Youth Development professionals and participate in training and professional development to ensure a quality educational experience for youth participants. Educational programs delivered by interns focus upon topics related to STEM, leadership, career development, and entrepreneurship.

Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska

Major: Biochemistry

Expected Graduation: May 2025

Why did you decide to join the +YD intern program?

I am very passionate about working with children and STEM, so I thought it would be a cool way to combine those two passions. I also have participated in a variety of mentorship opportunities and have enjoyed them, so this opportunity really caught my eye for that reason as well.

What is your favorite thing about the +YD internship?

I love being able to participate in a wide variety of projects around the office and getting to interact with a wide variety of people who are involved in different things. I also have loved being able to apply my creative thinking skills to develop different ideas.

What are your plans post-graduation?

I plan to go to medical school in hopes of becoming a pediatric gastroenterologist.

What's life like outside work and school?

I love doing yoga and being outside as much as possible. I also am in Gamma Phi Beta, a sorority on campus along with NHRI. I am a volunteer for LAUNCH leadership as well, which has been a large part of my life for a long time.

The +YD (Positive Youth Development) Interns develop and deliver educational programs for youth across the state in both in-person and online settings. +YD Interns are guided by Nebraska 4-H Youth Development professionals and participate in training and professional development to ensure a quality educational experience for youth participants. Educational programs delivered by interns focus upon topics related to STEM, leadership, career development, and entrepreneurship.

The Nebraska 4-H Foundation is accepting applications for 2022 Governor's Agriculture Excellence Awards through April 1. This program recognizes 4-H Clubs with $500 grants. This grant is intended to provide funding for projects that will have a lasting impact on communities. Projects should be intentional and impactful, growing club members as leaders and fulfilling a need in their community. 

Examples of fundable programs include mentorship programs, intergenerational programs, attending educational experiences, hosting workshops/educational events, and service-learning opportunities. Priority consideration will be given to clubs that integrate community engagement and educational components into their projects while furthering the mission of Nebraska 4-H to empower youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults.

Nebraska 4-H is now accepting state-level volunteer award nominations. The Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Recognition Awards honors adult and youth volunteers, as well as multi-generational families, who have provided meaningful contributions to the 4-H program. One Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award and One Emerging Adult Volunteer Award winner will be chosen for each of the state’s 11 Nebraska Extension Engagement zones. One statewide winner will be named in each of the youth volunteer and multi-generational family categories.

“Our 4-H volunteers go above and beyond to serve Nebraska’s youth every year,” said Jill Goedeken, 4-H Youth Development Extension educator. “This volunteer recognition opportunity debuted in 2021 and we were thrilled at the number of outstanding 4-H volunteers nominated statewide. We are looking forward to another opportunity to recognize 4-H volunteers for their contributions to youth in Nebraska.”

The nomination period runs through March 15. Nominations can be submitted by any 4-H member, family, supporter, or Extension staff member. Nominees must fit the award categories and can be a volunteer for any Nebraska 4-H experience. Some examples may include 4-H club leader, project leader, junior leader, county or State Fair volunteer, special interest volunteer, such as robotics or shooting sports, afterschool club volunteer, or 4-H camp volunteer. 

Winners will be announced virtually the week of April 18, in which Nebraska 4-H will be celebrating the Week of the Volunteer. A special awards presentation will take place at the 2022 Nebraska State Fair.