Nebraska 4-H'ers attend 89th National 4-H Conference

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 their 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.