Ashley Bohannon Selected to Participate in National 4-H Congress

By Mary Loftis, Extension Associate

Ashley Bohannon of Tekamah will traveled to Atlanta, Ga., with other Nebraska 4-Hers to participate in the 2017 National 4-H Congress November 24 – 28, 2017.

National 4-H Congress is the flagship event of the 4-H program. For over 80 years, youth from the United States and its territories have participated in the youth leadership development conference. Congress provides youth, ages 15-19 a quality educational and cross-cultural experience. It is designed to address the needs and issues of youth while helping to develop capable, competent and caring citizens.

Nebraska youth are selected for this honor based on their leadership, community service and educational activities through 4-H. Ashley received her award by winning the Leadership and Citizenship curriculum area through her 4-H Career Portfolio application.

Congress delegates experienced an awesome educational program including a variety of fun and exciting recreational and networking opportunities. The workshop presenters and speakers motivate as well as shared the most current information in their area of expertise. A cultural evening exposes the youth to a variety of forms of fine arts. The conference emphasizes leadership, youth empowerment, and cultural diversity. Delegates visit venues in the city including the Centennial Olympic Park, The World of Coca-Cola, CNN Center, the Carter Presidential Center, and the Martin Luther King Center.

All youth ages 5 to 19 can explore their interests and enhance their potential through 4-H.  This University of Nebraska-Lincoln­ Extension youth development program offers projects for nearly every interest, ranging from Web design to rockets, genealogy, animals large and small, woodworking, fashion, photography, and much, much more.

Other Burt County 4-H members applying for this award this year in various curriculum areas were: Cody Bachtell, of Tekamah; Faith Roscoe and Amelia Schlichting both of Lyons.