By John Ammon and Abigail Hemphill
2025-2026 Lassen County 4H Ambassadors
The Lassen County 4-H ambassadors, John Ammon and Abbie Hemphill, hosted the annual Achievement Night gathering on Sunday, October 5th at Smith Family Farms.
There was a huge gathering with more people than we had expected, and it was an amazing experience.
At this gathering, we inducted the newest members of the 4-H Hall of Fame: David Lile, Terry and Ranielle Mallery, and Julie Kirack.
For our special recognitions, last year’s ambassadors, camp counselors, Postal Shoot winners, and the All Around 4-Her of the Year member were all recognized.
We cannot forget to mention that the Lassen County Fair Clean Stall Awards were also announced. Finally, leaders and 4-H members were recognized with their stars, pins, and stripes.
At the end of the event, we recognized the members and clubs who participated in the poster and window display contests to promote 4-H. Congratulations to all for a great year!
Hall of Fame Inductee – David Lile by John Ammon
David Lile is one of the new Lassen County 4-H Hall of Fame inductees. David is the UC Cooperative Extension Director and Farm Advisor in the 4-H office and has worked there for 25 years. His specialty is Natural Resources and Livestock, and he is a certified Rangeland Manager.
He consults individually with farmers and ranchers needing advice and he carries out research on local problems. He has trained both 4-H and FFA members in the YQCA (Youth for the Quality Care of Animals) program.
He also helps organize and implement the 4-H Mustang Camp.
Every year you will find David helping at the Junior Livestock Auction. As a kid, David was in 4-H from 1974-1976 and was a part of the Cloverdale 4-H club. As a kid, he also showed lambs in 4-H and it was his favorite project.
Some of his favorite parts about 4-H are the Lassen County Fair and demonstration days.
He said, “Kids should join 4-H because of all the life skills that it will teach you that you will not learn anywhere else in life, like leadership and responsibility.” We are honored to induct David Lile into the 4-H Hall of Fame. Congratulations!
Hall of Fame Inductees -Terry and Ranielle Mallery by Abbie Hemphill
Mr. Mallery is a Lassen County native who was in the 4-H program from 1972-1982 where he was a Junior Leader and was involved in the sheep, beef, swine, goat, woodworking, gardening, and possibly more projects.
He married Ranielle and they had three sons: Jack, Grant, and Brad. The boys followed suit and joined 4-H when they became of age.
When their eldest son Jack joined 4-H in 2011, Mrs. Mallery’s 4-H career began. She was the club leader for the Richmond 4-H club and was the beef and sheep leader as well. Mr. Mallery’s favorite 4-H memory was hands down 4-H Camp at Eagle Lake.
Mrs. Mallery’s favorite memory from 4-H was helping set up the Cowboy themed Achievement Night when Jack was a Lassen County 4-H All-Star.
They both believe that the best part of 4-H is the lifelong friendships made and the learning opportunities. They say the reason you should join 4-H is for the friendships and learning how to communicate with adults properly.
Mr. and Mrs. Mallery have always helped 4-H and the Lassen County Fair and have sponsored events for many years.
Mr. Mallery runs the gate for the Junior Livestock Auction every year and Mrs. Mallery ensures that the shows run smoothly and is always there to help a showman. She served as the treasurer of the Lassen County 4-H Council for many years.
We are honored to induct Terry and Ranielle Mallery into the 4-H Hall of Fame. Congratulations!
Hall of Fame Inductee – Julie Kirack by Abbie Hemphill
Mrs. Kirack is a Lassen County native who married her high school sweetheart Mr. Darren Kirack on May 20, 2000. They have three kids: Keegan, Cody, and Katelyn.
Mrs. Kirack was a co-club leader with Mrs. Ranielle Mallery for the Richmond 4-H club and the sheep leader for numerous years. Her favorite 4-H memory was watching John Ammon learn and gain confidence in showmanship with his lambs.
She believes everyone should join 4-H because it teaches responsibility and life skills. “4-H is what you make of it and is a whole family activity.”
Mrs. Kirack served on the Lassen County 4-H Council for five years as the secretary. She was the committee chair for our 4-H fair awards and is a dedicated fair award sponsor.
When she was not working at Town and Country Real Estate or Kirack Construction, you would see Mrs. Kirack doing something for 4-H like running kids around on Promotion Day.
Even though her daughter is no longer in 4-H, Mrs. Kirack continues to show her support and helps at many 4-H events and continues to volunteer for the fair to ensure that the fair runs smoothly.
We are honored to induct Mrs. Julie Kirack into the 4-H Hall of Fame. Congratulations!
