OREGON, Ill. - Six Ogle County 4-H members have been selected as Ogle County 4-H Ambassadors for the 2023-2024 4-H year.  They are Immanuel Arellano, Mount Morris; Trent Heller, Dixon; Grant Johnson, Forreston; Lydia Sherburne, Byron; Katy Snow, Oregon; and Molly Ziegler, Oregon. All six have been chosen as the result of a rigorous application and interview process that screened candidates for leadership abilities, 4-H expertise, and communication skills.  As 4-H Ambassadors, this team will represent the county 4-H program at various events and activities in Ogle County throughout the 4-H year.

Immanuel Arellano is a first-year 4-H Ambassador and a seven-year member of the Blackhawk Crossing 4-H Club. Immanuel’s major project area has been Visual Arts. Immanuel has helped his club by serving as an officer, where he is the treasurer, and serving on various committees. Immanuel also helps coach the middle school bowling team, volunteering at the 4th of July Festival, VBS at his church, and setting up at the fairgrounds. Immanuel shared that his “major accomplishments are mostly just becoming a leader in both my club and the community.”

Trent Heller is a second-year 4-H Ambassador and a nine-year member of the Grand Detour Greens 4-H Club. Trent’s major project area is poultry and woodworking. He currently serves as the Federation Vice President. He is also Key Club President, on Student Council, and choir, and participates in his school's basketball, volleyball, soccer, and trap shooting teams. He has been selected as a LEAD representative, National Honor Society Member, and FCS Key Club most service hours. Trent shared “The connection to people through the years, the ability to serve and help people, and an overall development”. have helped him develop and work towards his future goals!

Grant Johnson is a second-year 4-H Ambassador and a twelve-year member of the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club. Grant’s main project area is poultry and welding. He is the reporter of his 4-H Club and serves as the chairman of the Leaf River Christmas Light Parade committee. He has participated in the Ogle County 4-H Horse Bowl and Hippology Team. At school, Grant is on the servant leader organization, academic team, and plays basketball, football, and participates on the trapshooting team. He has volunteered at the Children’s Farm at the Ogle County Fair and helped set up, tear down, and work the farm each day during the fair. He has earned many awards with 4-H including Grand Champion welding and qualified for judging at the Illinois State Fair. Grant shared that, “I have learned how to have confidence in doing all things. I have gained friends as a 4-H member and learned to work together as a team.”

Lydia Sherburne is a first-year 4-H Ambassador and an eight-year member of the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club. Lydia’s major project area is Robotics. Lydia has been her club Sentinel and helps with Cloverbuds (4-H clubs for youth ages 5-7 years old). She has served on numerous committees with her club as well. She is also a part of the Federation, where she is currently the Sentinel. She has helped at a variety of county events such as Penny Carnival, Day of Dabbling, and more. At school, Lydia is an active member of the student council, her school's soccer captain, on the robotics team, and on the volleyball, golf, basketball, soccer, and softball teams. She has participated in numerous community service projects that show how willing she is to give back to her community. Lydia shared that her “major accomplishment is everything I have learned and been able to share through my projects. I have had great experiences through the program… They have helped me plan for the future.”

Katy Snow is a first-year 4-H Ambassador and a nine-year member of the Blackhawk Crossing 4-H Club. Katy’s major projects are in Food and Nutrition. Katy has served as her club secretary for several years as well as a junior leader, and mentor for new members, and served on several committees. She has also served as the Federation Secretary and on several county committees to plan county events. Katy volunteers a lot for her church. Katy shared “I was excited to receive the I Dare You award. I appreciate how 4-H has given me more confidence in speaking and ways to be more involved in the community.”

Molly Ziegler is a second-year 4-H Ambassador and a nine-year member of the Carefree 4-H Club. Molly’s major project area is Dogs and Horses. Molly has served as her club reporter for two years. She participates in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and serves on the building communities committee. Molly has participated in lots of community service such as volunteering at Pegasus Special Riders, Kids and K9s 4-H Club, and the FFA Christmas tree sales. He has earned the Miss Mal Award, which was awarded to a student with notable leadership skills. Molly says that “4-H has opened the door to opportunities in dog and horse training that has led to successes in both areas. It has allowed me to grow in my leadership and education and has allowed me opportunities to share my knowledge with other young people.”

Immanuel, Trent, Grant, Lydia, Katy, and Molly began their Ambassador work for 4-H in late September. All are looking forward to a busy year that will include promoting 4-H in local parades, conducting classroom presentations, and staffing displays at community events. 

4-H is the Positive Youth Development program of University of Illinois Extension.  For information about membership and volunteer opportunities, contact the Ogle County Extension office at 815/732-2191 or visit online at https://extension.illinois.edu/bdo. The 4-H year is starting now!  If you have been thinking about getting involved, now is the perfect time to do so!

PHOTO: Ogle County Ambassadors participated in the Oregon Autumn On parade this year. (L to R) Katy Snow, Lydia Sherburne, Trent Heller, and Immanuel Arellano.