As the new 4-H year starts here in Lassen County we would like to introduce four remarkable young people that have earned the title of County Ambassador. This rank is no easy feat to achieve. 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.
It has been years since Lassen County has had a group of Ambassadors this large. We are so very proud of them. Please read their biographies and follow along with them on their year long journey through these articles on Ambassador’s Corner.
My name is Layton Allen. I am fourteen years old, and I am a member of South County 4-H. I just started my first year of high school. My future goals are to work in the agriculture industry and learn to speak Spanish.
I am in the 4-H dog, lamb and shooting sports projects. The most important thing 4-H has taught me is public speaking and teamwork. By being an Ambassador I plan to help other 4-H members and be a good role model. A fun fact about me is that I am one of only two Lassen County 4-H members to ever attend the BLM Mustang Camp. It was a lot of fun.
Hi there! I am Paiton Hallmark. I am fifteen years old, and I am a member of Milford 4-H. I just started my sophomore year of high school. My future goals are to join the military, attend college and play softball. I am in the 4-H shooting sports project.
I think the most important thing that 4-H has taught me is that not everyone is perfect. It has shown me that people make mistakes but what it has taught me is that it is how you recover from your mistake and how you fix the problem that makes you who you are.
I hope to give Lassen County 4-H members a trustworthy and reliable resource. I want to be a helpful role-model and encourage more youth to get involved. A random fact about me is that I like the smell of wildfire.
Hi everyone, I am Russell Mallery. I am fourteen years old and a first-year student at Lassen High School. This is my eighth year in 4-H and it is a great honor to be one of four Ambassadors this year, the highest position in our county 4-H program.
I am currently the Vice President of Johnstonville 4-H club. Other Officer positions I have held in my club include President, Vice President (second year in this position), Treasurer, Reporter/Historian, Activities Officer, and Hospitality Officer.
I love 4-H because there is so much to offer. My favorite part is livestock. I showed ducks for two years as a primary member. This is my sixth year showing and selling steers at the Lassen County Fair. I have been in other non-animal projects such as outdoor adventure, shooting sports, quilting, recycled arts, photography, and woodworking.
I have done the record book every year including my primary years. I currently hold a gold star rank but will achieve my Platinum Star this year.
The state no longer requires 4H members to attend events so very few members go anymore. My fellow Ambassadors and I would like to get more members to participate in events. The events are fun, and they are a wonderful place to make new friends.
I know that there is a lot of work to be done as an ambassador, but I am looking forward to this challenge and opportunity. I am excited to work with my team to “Make the Best Better.”
Last but not least, my name is Samantha Medvin, and I am a member of Milford 4-H. I just started my sophomore year in high school. Some future goals I have in school are to get my honors cord in English, complete both of my Agriculture Pathways in FFA and have above a 4.0 GPS. I do not have a specific goal in my life except to be happy in whatever I pursue.
In 4-H my goal is to achieve as many ranks in my record book as I can. I am enrolled in the arts and crafts, dog, and beef project in 4-H. The most important thing 4-H has taught me is how to conduct myself professionally and how to be a mentor to other youth. I want to spark enthusiasm to others about what 4-H can do for them and how it can impact their lives.
What is a fun fact about me? I know how to surf. I have a six-foot foam top surfboard that I enjoy taking out on the North Coast of California. Yes, I wear a wetsuit, the water is always below 70 degrees!
Please stay tuned as we share our adventures with you here on SusanvilleStuff.com once a month and remember the 4-H year starts on September 1st so if you’d like to join our program or learn more, please call Sandy Fortin, Lassen County 4-H Representative, 1.530.251.8285.
