Missouri 4-H youths take the lead at State Capitol

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – On April 28, more than 500 Missouri 4-H members, staff and volunteers gathered in Jefferson City for 4-H Day at the Capitol, focused on civic engagement, leadership and advocacy.

To kick off the day, the 4-H Civic Engagement Ambassadors met with Lt. Gov. David Wasinger to share their 4-H experiences. During the opening ceremony, State Rep. John Martin presented a resolution celebrating “the incredible contributions of Missouri 4-H youth, volunteers, and the University of Missouri Extension in shaping the future of our state and nation, ensuring young Missourians are Beyond Ready to succeed.”

A second resolution by State Sen. Sandy Crawford recognized the history, mission and impact of 4-H, highlighting its focus on Head, Heart, Hands and Health while expressing the Missouri Senate’s support and best wishes for its continued success.

Throughout the day, 4-H members met with state representatives and senators, sharing their experiences and highlighting the value of University of Missouri Extension 4-H programs. Youths often shared how 4-H is preparing them for future success.

Kelsey Carter, president of the State 4-H Council, reminded 4-H’ers, “You do not have to wait to be a leader. 4-H helps you become a confident speaker, a problem solver, a helper, a teammate, and someone who cares. In a world that sometimes tells young people to wait their turn, 4-H invites you to step forward.”

Youths also engaged in hands-on educational activities led by the Missouri 4-H Civic Engagement Ambassadors. These peer-led experiences helped youths explore government processes, practice leadership skills and better understand their role as active citizens. In addition, attendees observed legislators in action, gaining real-world insight into how decisions are made at the state level.

“This experience allows young people to see firsthand how their voices can make a difference,” said Tim Tanner, Missouri 4-H senior director. “Through opportunities like 4-H Day at the Capitol, Missouri 4-H youth are building the skills and confidence to be ‘Beyond Ready’—ready to lead, ready to serve and ready to shape the future of their communities and our state.”

A program of University of Missouri Extension, Missouri 4-H equips youths with the tools and experiences needed to thrive in agriculture, STEM, civic engagement and more. Through hands-on learning and mentorship from dedicated volunteers, Missouri 4-H continues to prepare young people to lead with confidence and purpose.

Missouri 4-H thanks the Missouri 4-H Foundation for its support of this event.

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world.

About the Missouri 4-H Foundation

The Missouri 4-H Foundation is the independent philanthropic partner of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development. For 75 years, the foundation has secured and managed funds for Missouri 4-H, providing higher education scholarships, recognizing 4-H volunteers and supporting the work of MU Extension 4-H.

Photos

On April 28, 2026, more than 500 Missouri 4-H members, along with staff, parents and volunteers, gathered in Jefferson City for 4-H Day at the Capitol.

State Rep. John Martin presents Missouri 4-H Civic Engagement Ambassador Alana Kimmons a resolution during opening ceremonies in the rotunda of the Missouri Capitol.