Allamakee County 4-H senior member Sarah Stock awarded during 2023 State 4-H Recognition Day
Sarah Stock ...
Iowa 4-H youth showcased their leadership, communications, and college and career readiness skills in the annual State 4-H Recognition Day interviews in late March. Interviews were held in person at Iowa State University in Ames, as well as virtually. This statewide event, held each spring, culminates the year’s recognition process.
Senior 4-H members in grades 9-12 apply to be selected to pursue state and national leadership opportunities, trips and awards. Iowa 4-H members selected to be State 4-H Council members, National 4-H Conference delegates, National 4-H Congress delegates, Safety and Education in Shooting Sports Ambassadors, Iowa 4-H Reporters, Iowa 4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors, and project area award recipients are selected and honored.
Among this year’s award winners is Sarah Stock, daughter of Lyle and Annette Stock of Waukon, who received the Beef State Project Award. She is a seven-year Allamakee County 4-H member of the Ludlow Future Farmers 4-H club.
The State Project awards are awarded to 4-H members who have demonstrated mastery, leadership, communication and service in a specific project area throughout their 4-H career. Winners will receive an Iowa 4-H Foundation cash award of $125 with the support of project area award sponsors Glen and Mary Jo Mente. Stock was among 50 youth who were selected around the state to win project area awards.
“Each year, youth from around the state share their experiences in and out of 4-H through a resumé and cover letter, which is judged by volunteers from 4-H and industry partners around the state,” said Bonnie Dalager, 4-H educational design and development manager. “The recognition process provides additional skill development opportunities that help young people prepare for future college or career processes such as writing a cover letter, resume or participating in a panel interview.”
The State 4-H Recognition Day coordination team worked with 4-H volunteers to review written applications and conduct panel interviews, delivering an engaging skill-building experience for 4-H participants. During State 4-H Recognition Day, they also participate in hands-on cover letter writing and interviewing activities to demonstrate their skills.
“I have been volunteering at Recognition Day for over 20 years, and each year, the 4-H members teach me something new. Whether it is a new event they organized in their county or a new way to do their projects,” said Kathy McCormick McCoy, State 4-H Recognition Day volunteer. “It’s always exciting to see what new and innovative things our 4-H youth are doing. State 4-H Recognition Day is a wonderful opportunity for members to experience the real world of applying for something and being interviewed.”
Awards are made possible by donors to the Iowa 4-H Foundation. The event ran smoothly with the support of over 100 caring adult volunteers across Iowa. They reviewed 4-H award applications and interviewed the youth participants. Approximately half the participating youth were interviewed in person, while the rest chose to be interviewed virtually using video teleconference platforms.
To find out more about 4-H opportunities in Allamakee County, 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. For more information on Iowa 4-H State Recognition Day, contact Bonnie Dalager at bdalager@iastate.edu.
