Opportunity of a lifetime for NW Missouri 4-H’ers

This November, 20 Missouri 4-H delegates will travel to Atlanta for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at National 4-H Congress. During the event, youths will connect with peers from across the country while participating in workshops, service-learning projects and tours of Atlanta’s most notable landmarks.

Local club involvement, county programs and statewide 4-H events all play an important role in preparing teens for national opportunities like this, said Emily Bergsieker, University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth specialist in Saline County. “National Congress is a great leadership and educational experience,” Bergsieker said.

Selection as a National 4-H Congress delegate is a significant achievement, she said. Missouri 4-H members must submit applications and participate in interviews in Columbia. The top 20 applicants are chosen and announced during the closing ceremonies of the State 4-H Congress.

This year, Karlea Bolser of Saline County was selected as one of the delegates. Karlea is grateful for the opportunity and looks forward to developing leadership skills and connecting with fellow 4-H members from across the nation. Karlea is a member of the Lucky Leaf 4-H Club and is the daughter of Don and Karen Bolser.

Also selected from the Northwest Region were Alyssa Harris and Piper Payne. Alyssa is from Livingston County, Hale Happy Hustlers 4-H Club; parents are Judy and Jeremy Harris. Piper is from Dekalb County, Foundation Creation 4-H Club; parents are Romie Payne and Christy Payne.