Allamakee County 4-H’er Alaina Gebel selected for State Recognition Awards

Alaina Gebel ...
Alaina Gebel ...

Alaina Gebel, a senior Allamakee County 4-H’er and a sophomore at Waukon High School, was recognized for her accomplishments during the State 4-H Recognition Day, March 29 on the Iowa State University campus in Ames. All events this year were held virtually due to the ongoing pandemic. This statewide event, held each spring, is the culmination of the year’s recognition process.

The Iowa 4-H State Recognition process invites 4-H’ers from across the state to pursue state and national leadership opportunities and awards. Iowa 4-H members selected to be State 4-H Council members, National 4-H Conference delegates, National 4-H Congress delegates, Shooting Sports Ambassadors, Iowa 4-H Reporters and project area award recipients are selected and honored.

Gebel will represent Allamakee County at National 4-H Congress this fall in November. Youth selected to be a delegate for National 4-H Congress will take part in a week-long trip to Atlanta, GA which promotes leadership, community service, team building and cultural issues.

Gebel will also represent Allamakee County on the Iowa 4-H Reporters program. The Iowa 4-H Reporters receive hands-on training in video production, radio and journalism by Iowa 4-H partner organizations, and then work in teams covering events at the Iowa State Fair.

The Iowa 4-H recognition process begins locally in each county and concludes each year with State 4-H Recognition Day. All Iowa 4-H’ers are welcome and encouraged to participate in recognition events, whether at the local, state or national level. To apply, each member must determine their eligibility for the various state opportunities available; summarize their personal and project area goals, and their experiences in and out of 4-H events and programs.

A three-member statewide award evaluation committee then reviews each application. Most of the award opportunities culminate in an interview round, which is hosted as a full day event in Ames, where each member is interviewed by his or her evaluation committee.

The Iowa 4-H Youth Development program values recognition as an important part of positive youth development. The 4-H recognition process has been designed to motivate young people to excel, foster self-appraisal skills, encourage individualized learning, and encourage engagement into increasingly difficult challenges.

For more information on the Iowa 4-H program or Allamakee County 4-H, contact the Allamakee County ISU Extension and Outreach office at foelsm@iastate.edu or 563-568-6345.