Nebraska 4-H News

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. 

John Brodersen is receiving the Emerging Adult Volunteer Award for Zone 5. John volunteers with the Cedar County 4-H program and was nominated by Megan Hanefeldt, Nebraska Extension Educator in Knox and Cedar counties. 

"John is one of those volunteers who offers to help and wants only the best for all the 4-H members," wrote Hanefedlt. 

John is a certified archery instructor. Three years ago, he established the local archery program with 30 members! John also serves as the Cedar County sheep and swine assistant superintendent. During fair time, he spends countless hours at the fairgrounds, helping wherever needed.

"The way that John takes his time to educate and inform each participant makes him an outstanding leader. We are very grateful for all the time and effort John puts in to the 4-H program!" wrote Hanefeldt.

Tell us about yourself.

I live on a farm east of Hartington with my wife Tammie and children Kate, Grace, and Ethan. Agronomist for Helena Agri in Osmond, NE. In my spare time, I raise sheep and hunt with family and friends.

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

Getting to help the kids discover the same love for archery and the outdoors that I do. I can’t describe the pride I feel when it clicks for a kid, and they are just as excited to be there as I am.

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

Every kid’s first arrow in the bullseye. The flood of pride that they feel and you get to see on their face is amazing.

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

I feel we provide something for the kids that isn’t basketball, football, or volleyball. It’s a sport that everyone can excel at with enough time, no matter how tall, strong, or fast they are. I think just giving those young men and women a place where they can achieve personal growth is huge in their development.

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/.

Every year, Nebraska 4-H Month brings thousands of young people, parents, volunteers, and alumni together to celebrate all the ways in which 4-H helps youth find a place where they belong. Across the state, Nebraska 4-H invites community members to celebrate:

• 4-H Spirit Day - Tuesday, February 7, 2023
  • Wear green, the 4-H emblem, or your favorite 4-H T-shirt!
  • Share your 4-H spirit on social media using #NE4HMonth, #iBelong, and #Opportunity4All
• 4-H Weekend of Service - February 11-12, 2023
  • Coordinate your own 4-H community service project, such as picking up trash, holding a food drive, collecting items for a local shelter, or making care packages. For more inspiration, check out these 4-H civic engagement ideas. After the project is complete, be sure to submit your community service project for a chance to see it showcased by Nebraska 4-H.  
  • Contribute to other groups' community service projects.
  • Volunteer your time with a local non-profit organization.
• 4-H Volunteer Appreciation Day - Tuesday, February 14, 2023
  • Send handwritten thank-you notes or make and deliver 4-H-themed treats or goody bags to your club and project leaders.
  • Shout out your club and project leaders on social media using #NE4HMonth.
  • Nominate your favorite 4-H volunteer for a Nebraska 4-H Volunteer Recognition Award.
• 4-H Supporter Appreciation Day - Tuesday, February 21, 2023
  • Ask your local Extension office for the contact information for a 4-H donor and sponsor. Send them a handwritten thank-you note.
• 4-H Professional Appreciation Day - Tuesday, February 28, 2023
  • Send hand-written thank-you notes or make and deliver 4-H-themed treats or goody bags to your local Extension office.
  • Shout out your local 4-H educators, assistants, and staff on social media using #NE4HMonth.

Many local celebrations and events will also be hosted throughout the month of February. Contact your local Extension office for more information about local celebrations. 

In addition to celebrating, youth are invited to join 4-H and complete the annual enrollment process during February. By becoming enrolled members, youth have the opportunity to join a club, exhibit projects at the county and State Fair, participate in contests, and apply for special awards and recognition. Enroll now at 4h.unl.edu/enroll.

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.