OGLE COUNTY 4-H AMBASSADORS NAMED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2009

Five Ogle County 4-Hers have been selected as county Ambassadors for the 2009-2010 4-H year. They include: Linda Zack, Rockford; Jessica Sweeney, Monroe Center; Megan Wolfe, Oregon; David Shuman, Polo; and Jordyn Strohman, Chana. All five were chosen as the result of a stringent application and interview process that screened candidates for leadership abilities, 4-H expertise, and communication skills. As 4-H Ambassadors, this team will represent the county 4-H program at various events and activities in Ogle County and at the state level throughout the 4-H year.

Linda Zack is an eight year member of the Ogle Jolly 4-H Club in Stillman Valley. She has had many club and county 4-H leadership experiences, has been a 4-H Camp counselor for two years, and is presently serving as the county 4-H Federation's Vice-president. Linda's major project area over the years has been journalism. She says she has gained so much through 4-H: friendships, life skills, life lessons, responsibility, and leadership. In her words, "4-H has really helped me grow as a person. It teaches you more than you think."

Jessica Sweeney is a twelve year member of the Mighty Clovers 4-H Club in Monroe Center. She is in her fifth year as 4-H Club president and has been involved with numerous committees at the club and county levels. Jessica has been actively engaged in the work of the county 4-H Federation and has already completed one year as a 4-H Ambassador. Jessica's major project area has been photography. She says that one of the greatest gifts 4-H has given her over the years is an increased confidence in herself and her ability to speak publicly. She says 4-H has taught her to "work well with anyone involved in the program (children, adults, or peers), and has helped me come out of my comfort zone to become the person I am today."

Megan Wolfe is in her first year as a 4-H Ambassador. She has been a member of Carefree 4-H Club in Oregon for seven years, with her major project area being sewing and textiles. Megan has served her club as recreation chairman, junior leader, and Cloverbud Aide. She has also served on club committees, and is presently serving as the county 4-H Federation secretary. Megan says, "4-H has given me a sense of responsibility and leadership. I have also gained courage through 4-H and have more confidence in myself."

David Shuman is a second year 4-H Ambassador. He is a nine year member of the Pine Creek Valley 4-H Club, Polo, and has enjoyed his work in the woodworking project area very much. David has served his club as president, assisted with numerous county programs, and is presently carrying out a term as the county 4-H Federation president. Additionally, he has been a 4-H Camp Counselor for three years. David credits 4-H with teaching him leadership skills and connecting him to some of his closest friends.

Jordyn Strohman is a second year 4-H Ambassador, as well. She is a ten year member of the Ogle Jolly 4-H Club in Stillman Valley and has spent a lot of her 4-H career working on a beef project. Jordyn has served her club in numerous offices and on many committees. Additionally, she has been active at the county level assisting as a counselor at special events and on 4-H Federation committees. Jordyn says, "I have gained many qualities and skills from being a 4-H member, including more responsibility, a healthy work ethic, confidence, and valuable social and communication skills.

Linda, Jessica, Megan, David, and Jordyn began their work for the 4-H year in early September. They will be formally honored at the county 4-H Achievement Celebration on November 22 in Oregon. All are looking forward to a busy year that will include promoting 4-H in local parades, conducting classroom presentations, and manning displays at community events.

4-H is the Positive Youth Development program of University of Illinois Extension. For information about membership and volunteer opportunities, contact the Ogle County Extension office at 815/732-2191 or visit online at www.extension.uiuc.edu/ogle. The 4-H year is starting now! If you've been thinking about getting involved, now is the perfect time to do so!