By John Ammon and Abigail Hemphill
2025-2026 Lassen 4H Ambassadors
Last year we followed the journey of our four Ambassadors, Layton Allen, Paiton Hallmark, Samantha Medvin, and Russell Mallery, as they kept you informed about Lassen County 4-H activities.
This year we would like to introduce the 2025-26 County Ambassadors – John Ammon and Abigail Hemphill.
The rank of 4-H Ambassador is quite an achievement. It requires that they be at least fourteen years old and hold the rank of a Gold Star in the program.
Gold star requirements are completion of eight projects (repeated years of the same projects counts), fifteen project skill activities, attending forty 4-H events, completing thirty leadership development activities and holding at least two significant leadership roles, participating in thirty community service activities, completing thirty six communication skills (which includes giving at least 10 presentations), receiving fifteen honors or awards and an optional requirement of having thirty healthy lifestyle activities.
It can take members their entire 4-H career to earn a Gold Star.
The application process to become an ambassador requires letters of reference, essay questions and an in-person interview. The goal is that the members will develop skills needed to interview for future scholarships and job opportunities.
We are excited to have these two 4-H members represent the Lassen County 4-H program. Please read their biographies and stay tuned to monthly updates about the 4-H program through their articles on the 4-H Ambassador’s Corner.
My name is John Ammon, and I am fifteen years old. I am a part of Richmond 4-H, and I have been in 4-H for eleven years. I am starting my sophomore year at Lassen High School. My future goals include graduating from Lassen High with at least a 4.0 GPA and meeting new people through being an ambassador.
I am currently the Vice President of Richmond 4-H, but my past officer positions include Reporter, Sargent of Arms, and Activities Director. Through 4-H I have shown chickens for nine years and I have shown market lambs for five years. I have also been a member of the outdoor adventure, cooking, and theater projects.
I love 4-H because it brings so many new opportunities into my life. I can meet new people through going to club meetings and attending events. I have made so many long-lasting friendships through 4-H and I also get to join fun clubs and show animals at the Lassen County Fair.
A fun fact about myself is I like to go on hikes with my family.
I hope that through being an ambassador, I can connect with the community and help others as much as possible. I also hope that I can go to all the events to assist with anything needed!
Hi! My name is Abbie Hemphill. I am 17 years old and a senior at Lassen High School! After high school I plan to attend Lassen Community College and Chico State to major in Agriculture Business and receive a minor in Animal Science.
I have been in the Lake 4-H Club for twelve years and have held every officer position except Treasurer. Throughout my twelve years of being in 4-H, I have shown chickens, pigs, and steers at the Lassen County Fair. I have been in the arts and crafts, cooking, baking, sewing, community service, photography, and outdoor adventure projects.
I currently work at Idaho’s Butcher Shoppe and at my family’s ranch.
4-H has taught me many skills but the two most valuable skills I have learned are public speaking and leadership.
Last year I had the opportunity to serve as the Lassen County 4-H Council Youth Vice President, and this year I have the privilege to serve as one of your Lassen County 4-H Ambassadors!
My favorite 4-H memory is from last spring. We held 4-H camp for the first time in over fifteen years, and I served as a 4-H Camp Counselor. I loved serving as a counselor because I was able to meet so many new 4-Hers and grow closer to the 4-Hers I have known.
A few fun facts about me are that in my free time I love hanging out with my friends and family and I am a fourth-generation rancher and third generation 4-H Ambassador!
I am extremely excited to serve as one of your 4-H Ambassadors this year and one of my goals is to visit each club and to hopefully meet all the Lassen County 4-H members.
