Nebraska 4-H News

Three Nebraska 4-H members shared their voices with federal officials at the 96th annual National 4-H Conference, held April 14-19 in Arlington, Virginia. Nebraska's delegation included Lexi Johnson from Dawson County, Autumn Lindsley from Butler County, and Sarah Treffer from Dawson County.

During the Conference, federal partners presented Challenge Questions to delegates which were designed to provoke critical thinking about current issues. In roundtable groups, youth investigated and discussed the agency's current efforts and generated new ideas to bring about positive change. After working together for two days, the teams presented their recommendations to federal partners during 45-minute Youth Perspective Briefings. 

"My favorite part of the Conference was the roundtable discussions where my group worked with the Smithsonian Institution," shared Autumn Lindsley. Lindsley and her team develop ideas for teaching more accurate and inclusive history education in classrooms and community settings. "I hope the suggestions my group made are able to help many people in the future," said Lindsley.

Lexi Johnson's group developed and presented recommendations for the 4-H program to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee of Agriculture, and Sarah Treffer's team presented a campaign against food waste to the Environmental Protection Agency. "[T]hey were very intrigued by the ideas that we presented to them and even talked about implementing some of our ideas as soon as they could," shared Treffer. 

The experience empowers delegates to apply their learning and create positive change in their local communities. Treffer has already begun by informing her peers about food waste issues and challenging them to reduce waste. "Even though informing people about the issue will make a difference, I want to create a composting system at my school and do what I can to help prevent food waste," said Treffer.

"They have a unique opportunity to truly see how their voice matters, and even as young people, they can make a difference from their local club and community to our country and our world," said Dawn Lindsley, Nebraska Extension Educator who accompanied this year's delegation.

While at the National 4-H Conference, youth also made an impact through community service projects. Nebraska Delegates worked with the U.S Forest Service to plant over 400 native trees at the Woodend Sanctuary. 

Nebraska Delegates had the opportunity to meet, listen, and speak with the Nebraska Congressional delegation during the Nebraska Breakfast and at the National 4-H Council Congressional Breakfast hosted on Capitol Hill. They also explored volunteer, internship, fellowship, and career opportunities across the federal government at the first-ever 4-H Youth Career Fair held in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution.

National 4-H Conference is the USDA's flagship youth development opportunity to develop the next generation of leaders. Each year, the event brings together over 300 young people, volunteer leaders, country and state Extension staff, Land-grant University faculty and administrators, and state and federal government officials from across the United States and its Territories. 

The Conference serves as the premier civic engagement event for Nebraska 4-H members between the ages of 15 and 19. Nebraska delegates are selected 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.

In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.

Kristina Woods is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 10. Kristina volunteers with the Fillmore County 4-H program and was nominated by Alexis Schmidt, Nebraska Extension Assistant in Fillmore County.

Kristina has spent countless hours guiding youth through the FIRST LEGO League experience. She even graciously opens her schedule to allow youth to work outside of meeting times. Kristina strives to provide excellent opportunities for members and is now implementing rocketing and other STEM activities into meetings. 

Tell us about yourself.

My significant other and I have a Lawn Service in Geneva. Our daughter, who is ten, showed interest in the FIRST LEGO League robotics program after completing her yearly 4-H static projects. So that embarked us on a great adventure. We went to the Rebel Robotics camp at the Extension Office in Omaha. Their generosity, as well as the Busy Bee team being gracious and allowing her to join in with their team during camp, is what sparked our journey. From there, we grew the teams, and with the help of so many people, parents, local people donating, and the generosity of the Fillmore County Foundation and Earl and Jessie Wilkins Fund, we are embarking into new phases, including rocketry and FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics. Without our parents, we wouldn't have achieved what we have done. I was very ill for a couple of years, and during that time, so many people reached out and helped my family in so many ways. So my hope is the Fillmore County Steam Punks Club will be my contribution back to the community. Hoping that every kid that participates in our club or joins us in an activity has fun and feels that they belong while learning a science-based concept. That they will be able to build friendships and concepts that will further their lives in a positive way. I get so much back personally from the youth that I sometimes wonder who is getting more. Seeing the variety of disabilities such as autism, ADHD, depression, and children without all working together and realizing the value of the relationships has been so heartwarming to see and has motivated me to try and provide as many opportunities as I can to them. 

What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?

Seeing the kids be truly excited to be there.

What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?

I have to say that during a competition, one of our teams chose to let each team member participate in the competition and risk not getting their maximum points. To see them choose to be kind was amazing, and when they did that, they actually did better than in the previous round. Parents/mentors gave them their options then they sat in a circle and decided it was wonderful to see.

How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?

For our club, I really try to take the science-based projects that they provide and pair that with as many experts and future mentors as I can. I'm more of a conduit to see what's out in the world. So that, as they grow, they dream big. And I've heard from other volunteers that they provide pizza, so all of us parents provide food on club meeting nights. That seems to spark something too!

In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.

Micah Scholl is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 11. Micah volunteers with the Pawnee County 4-H program and was nominated by Mary Moser, Nebraska Extension Educator in Pawnee County.

"Micah is very passionate and is very willing to share his experiences with the youth in our county, so his enthusiasm is contagious," said Moser.

Micah is passionate about showing swine and wants to help every Pawnee County 4-H member learn to show swine with competency and confidence. He started by hosting a clinic to teach youth how to select, train, feed, and show their project animals. He then volunteered at the county swine show. Micah is stepping up to serve as the county fair swine superintendent this year. He plans to offer more clinics to help exhibitors in this new role. 

"The youth that he has helped definitely feel pride when they can exhibit their animal at a higher level and not only does the judge comment but members of the community notice the time and effort put into the project," said Moser. "Changes would not have been made without Micah’s help."

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Micah Scholl. I am 26 years old. I Grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska but currently reside in Pawnee City, Nebraska, where I am currently working on becoming a licensed electrician through an apprenticeship program and own and Operate Ignite Genetics. In my "free time," I enjoy going to every stock show I can and meeting new people.

What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?

Helping others achieve stuff that they never have before or never imagined

What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?

Well, first, I hope the memories are not over, but right now, the one that's at the top is successfully getting somebody on the dirt at the NSF and for them to have their name recognized for their hard work in front of people.

How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?

By hopefully whoever I deal with, giving them confidence in whatever they do.

In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.

Nancy Lashley is receiving the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 3. Nancy volunteers with the Logan County 4-H program and was nominated by Caitlyn Jacobson, Nebraska Extension Educator in Lincoln, Logan, and McPherson Counties.

Nancy, as well as her husband Bart, has been a pillar in the Logan County 4-H community for over 30 years. Their involvement began when their children were members, and now, they maintain their involvement through various volunteer roles. Nancy has been integral in establishing and maintaining the county shooting sports program. Currently, she is serving as the 4-H Council president. She has even assisted in recruiting volunteers to support the program. As a mentor for new 4-H families, Nancy takes time to build relationships, establish open lines of communication, and ensure everyone is informed about 4-H events.

"Her creativity allows her to support families in finding more economic ways of doing a project," wrote Caitlyn. "This has allowed more families to get involved and complete projects they otherwise would not have."

Nancy goes above and beyond to support youth. As a retired teacher, she understands how to engage youth and create excitement. She uses this in her volunteer role to help connect youth with projects and activities that fit their interests and organize workshops and showmanship clinics. Nancy takes extra steps to ensure environments are inclusive and appropriate for youth with unique needs. 

"I have witnessed her coach youth through their frustrations and offer alternative solutions," wrote Caitlyn. "She also celebrates the small and big victories with them."

Tell us about yourself.

I have been involved with 4-H for almost 60 years. First as a member, then as a leader. My main focus as a member was in home environment. When my kids were in 4-H, we branched out into the livestock- horse, sheep, dog, cat, and companion animals. Currently, I help with Shooting Sports and serve on the Logan County 4-H Council.

What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?

Helping kids.

What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?

The year my daughter won the overall small animal (dog, cat, chickens, rabbits & companion animals) trophy for her salamander.

How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?

I’ve led many sewing workshops and hope that my love of sewing has rubbed off on some of them.

In observance of the Week of the Volunteer, Nebraska 4-H is proud to celebrate some of the 2023 Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Award Winners.

The Ray and Betty Vrbka family is receiving the Multi-Generation Family of Volunteers Award. The family, including four generations who volunteer with the Polk County 4-H program, was nominated by Colleen Pallas, Nebraska Extension Assistant in Polk County.

"The Late Ray and Betty Vrbka family has been an integral part of the Polk County 4-H program since I started 30 years ago," wrote Pallas. "But their service to Polk County started way before then!"

Ray was a Polk County 4-H member growing up showing dairy cattle in the 1930s. Betty started leading the Rainbow 4-H Club in 1961 and continued serving as the club leader for over ten years. Into the late 2000s, she also led workshops teaching local youth how to make her famous cinnamon twists, Kolaches and Kuchens.

The Late Susan Ott, their daughter, served as the Young Shelby Pioneers 4-H Club leader for many years, a 4-H Council member for nine years, and the Ag Engineering fair superintendent for over 25 years.

Angie King, another daughter, served on the 4-H Council for ten years and is the current 4-H Snack Shack manager. Angie also volunteers as a 4-H superintendent for Ag Engineering and Horticulture, serving over 25 years.

Ray and Betty’s grandchildren continue to be active and volunteer for the Polk County 4-H program serving as fair superintendents and workshop leaders. Stacy Ott Stewart is now a club leader, fair superintendent, and 4-H Council member. Chase King, Ashley King Robbins, Helen King Bender, Haley King Teten, and Cecelia King have helped lead workshops, sharing their skills and talents learned through their 4-H projects. The King kids continue to serve as fair superintendents and volunteer whenever asked.

Ray and Betty Vrbka now have great-grandchildren in the Polk County 4-H program. McKenna and Alexa Stewart volunteer to help with the 4-H Snack Shack and help with the Clover Kids program.

"Volunteering to serve in the Polk County 4-H program is a deep-rooted part of the Vrbka legacy," wrote Pallas. "The Polk County 4-H program is so thankful for all that this family has done throughout the years for our 4-H program."

Tell us about yourselves.

Angie King: I am a second-generation 4-H member. I have been volunteering as a superintendent for 25 years. My kids Chase, Ashley, Helen, Haley, and Cecelia all were members of 4-H in Polk County, where my parents and I were members. My kids have volunteered or currently volunteering at the fair. We are proud bakers, crafters, photographers, hog farmers, and sewers. I am looking forward to seeing my grandchildren be a part of 4-H in the near future.

Stacy Stewart: My brothers and I were raised as Polk County 4-H members in the Young Shelby Pioneers 4-H Club. Our mom Susan Ott was our leader. We showed sheep, pigs, and lots of other exhibits. I continue to live in Polk County and am currently on the Polk County 4-H Council and am the leader of the Blossomfield 4-H Club that my 3 girls are members of. My girls' favorite projects are Quilts of Valor.

What do you look forward to when you step into your volunteer role?

Angie King: I look forward to helping the kids. 4-H is based on giving others skills to become better people, and we are lucky to share our talents and knowledge to others. Not many people are able to share with others, but 4-H has given us the opportunity to help others while improving our community.

Stacy Stewart: I love seeing the excitement in the youth of our county.

What is your favorite memory as a 4-H volunteer?

Angie King: Many memories consist of working with my sister and kids on check-in day. As the superintendent of Ag Engineering, we are able to help kids check-in projects and then convince them to speak with the judge. Watching scared kids face their fears and talk about their projects is fun for us. Watching a kid be scared and turn into a kid that is proud of their project is always one of my favorites.

Stacy Stewart: My favorite memory is serving alongside my mom during the fair experience.

How have you helped youth find their spark through 4-H?

Angie King: Our family showed hogs at the fair also. We were able to help kids gain skills and techniques to improve their showmanship. We were able to watch the excitement of working together and the community being built while teaching each other to become better people.

Stacey Stewart: I have loved helping youth learn new concepts and making projects to take to the fair.