Local Youth Selected for National 4-H Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2009

4-H delegates from across the nation will gather in Atlanta, Georgia for National 4-H Congress, "Accept the Challenge – Be the Best Person You Can Be" from November 27 – December 1, 2009. Illinois will be represented by teens including Kristin DeSutter of Woodhull from Knox County 4-H.

Kristin is an 11 year 4-H member from the Walnut Grove Progressors 4-H Club. She is the daughter of Randy and Susie DeSutter, Woodhull.

National 4-H Congress is the flagship event of the 4-H program. Since 1922, youth from the United States and its territories have participated in this youth leadership development conference. The Congress provides youth, ages 14-19, a quality, educational, and cross-cultural experience that exceeds what any state independently provides. It is designed to address the needs and issues of youth while helping to develop capable, competent, and caring citizens.

Throughout the year, Illinois 4-H'ers can receive recognition for their work at the local, county and state level. County nominations for curriculum area winners are sent to the state selection process in January to begin an intense selection process that includes application judging, 4-H story judging and interviews. The process helps judges select the top 4-H members in various curriculum areas. Knox County's nomination of Kristin DeSutter was selected as an Illinois winner earlier this summer in Achievement.

The curriculum area of Achievement means Kristin has a broad knowledge of 4-H projects and activities and their overall contribution to improving the member's family and community. This award area focuses on the entire career of the 4-H member and included all project areas, leadership shown, knowledge and skills gained, community service, and outside 4-H activities of her career.