BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension 4-H is pleased to announce the youth chosen as State 4-H Ambassadors for the coming year.
The State 4-H Ambassador program provides leadership and mentoring opportunities as participants support 4-H and serve as positive role models. Through their service, State 4-H Ambassadors develop skills that can prepare them for future career opportunities, including public speaking, event planning and public relations.
State 4-H Ambassadors for the 2024-2025 year are:
- Kelsey Fischer, Day County, serving on the SkillsX by 4-H committee
- Carley Crist, Union County, 4-H Gala committee
- Katie Spatz, Roberts County, SkillsX by 4-H
- Mercedes Jones, Jerauld County, 4-H Gala
- Julia Tinker, Minnehaha County, SkillsX by 4-H
- Abbie Chase, McCook County, 4-H Gala
- Caleb Gaikowski, Day County, SkillsX by 4-H
- Oliver Moeckly, Marshall County, SkillX by 4-H
- William Kreth, Davison County, 4-H Gala
During their terms, State 4-H Ambassadors create action plans and must facilitate an educational program for youth. They can also serve on committees, including the newly created 4-H Gala committee. The first 4-H Gala will be held in 2025.
Tinker, a junior at Brandon Valley High School, is serving her third term as a State 4-H Ambassador. As in prior years, she will serve on the SkillsX by 4-H committee, which also served as the inspiration for the educational engagement part of her action plan.
“I have learned so much about leadership, and life skills,” Tinker said. “Through the ups and downs, these ambassadors are some of the closest people in my life and I cherish time spent with my fellow ambassadors.”
Chase, a senior at McCook Central High School, is serving her first term as an ambassador. She loves planning, organizing, and marketing events, so the 4-H Gala committee was a natural fit. Chase noted it will be a lot of work to launch a new event, but she is excited to get started.
“The end goal is to have a great event for the 4-H alumni, current members and sponsors to celebrate 4-H and network,” she said. “Being an ambassador has already opened up a whole door of opportunities, and I regret not applying to be one earlier.”
For more information, contact Hilary Kroupa, SDSU Extension Program Manager, Regional Youth Educator.
