New Mexico 4-H ambassadors, diplomats take on new leadership roles

New Mexico 4-H ambassadors, diplomats take on new leadership roles DATE: 03/16/2018 WRITER: Jane Moorman, 505-249-0527, jmoorman@nmsu.edu CONTACT: Amy Zemler, 575-646-5204, azemler@nmsu.edu Local, state and national leaders of tomorrow are being formed today through the 4-H Youth Development program in New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Besides developing life skills through 4-H club activities and personal projects, the youth learn leadership skills, such as communication, cooperation, organization and teamwork. Each year, 4-H members, ages 14-18, have the opportunity to apply for a state diplomat or ambassador position. Along with a team activity, the candidates participate in interviews that ask them about their mastery of teamwork and leadership skills through 4-H and how they would possibly apply them in promoting and educating people about 4-H. During the 2018 Senior Leadership Retreat a judging committee selected this year’s ambassadors and diplomats. The 2018 ambassadors are Annick Ambrose of Sandoval County, Kaitlyn Kircher of Roosevelt County, Evan Webster of Union County and Jeremiah Woodall of Dona Ana County. The 2018 diplomats are Leah Elsey of Lincoln County, Randy Halvorsen of Dona Ana County, Alyssa McAlister of Roosevelt County and Hallie Vigil of Rio Arriba County. The new ambassadors and diplomas also serve as 4-H club officers and county officers. With the new roles of ambassador and diplomat come new responsibilities. “They present leadership workshops to counties and assist the state officers with responsibilities for the State 4-H Conference,” said Amy Zemler, 4-H youth activities specialist. Other responsibilities will include putting on workshops at “Journey: Opportunities for Leaders of Tomorrow” in Arizona, and assisting with events at the New Mexico State Fair that include the livestock shows, McDonalds Farm, which involves educating young children about agriculture, and at the NMDA building. At the end of their term, they will plan and host the 2019 Senior Leadership Retreat, a leadership and personal growth event for 4-H senior-age youth.