Pair of Allamakee County 4-H members awarded during State 4-H Recognition Day

State 4-H Recognition is the process in which 4-H members in grades 9-12 can apply to be selected for opportunities such as State 4-H Project Awards, State 4-H Council, Shooting Sports Ambassadors and Iowa 4-H Reporters, and to attend National 4-H Congress and National 4-H Conference. Participating 4-H youth complete written applications and participate in interviews with a panel of adult evaluators.

Video teleconferencing was used for this year’s Recognition Day because of social distancing recommendations from Iowa State University due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 125 youth took part in 230 interviews for special statewide opportunities. Allamakee County 4-H’ers Diana Davison and Faith Palmer applied, interviewed and received recognition at this year’s event.

Faith Palmer, daughter of John and Meghan Palmer of Waukon, received the Dairy Cattle State Project Award. State Project Awards are awarded to 4-H members who have demonstrated leadership, communication and service through activities, events and self-directed learning in a specific project area. Recipients will be provided with a $100 prize (dependent on funding). Up to 50 project area awards were presented to Iowa 4-H members in grades 9-12.

“I am thankful my dairy experience led me to be a part of the State Recognition Day. This experience has brought me a great feeling of accomplishment for the work I have put in. I have learned so much from my 4-H mentors and peers which helped me in achieving this goal,” shared Palmer, who is a Ludlow Future Farmer 4-H member.

Diana Davison, daughter of Cindy Shogren of Waukon, was chosen to serve on the State 4-H Council for Allamakee County. The State 4-H Council is a group of young people who serve as ambassadors for the Iowa 4-H program. This group of high school students works directly with Iowa 4-H Youth Development staff to represent 4-H across the state. They speak to local 4-H groups, present ideas to staff and work in committees to plan the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and 4-H members for 4-H campaign. Forty delegates in grades 10-11 were selected from across the state.

“4-H has taught me to make The Best Better. When I attended my first 4-H State Conference I had a dream to be on the 4-H State Council. In the end I am now representing Allamakee County on the 2020-2021 Iowa 4-H State Council. Without the help from the Extension staff, my family and friends, my success wouldn’t be possible,” shared Davison, who is a Clover Chasers 4-H member.

For more information on 4-H opportunities, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Allamakee County office at 563-568-6345, or visit the Iowa 4-H website at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h.