O’Brien County is home to 14 graduating senior 4-H members. As they graduate and enter their post-high school endeavors, these graduates remind us what 4-H – and life – are all about.
Seniors took a minute to reflect on a beloved memory or share advice for younger 4-H members as they round out their time in O’Brien County 4-H.
Joseph Billings: “My favorite 4-H memory is winning beef of merit with my steer off of my first heifer. My favorite part of 4-H is watching new members get involved and work with livestock. Some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is don’t be afraid to ask questions and be involved. Find a good mentor; it can be a family member, a friend, or a neighbor.”
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Kourtney Dekker: “My favorite 4-H memory is showing my Grand Champion steer at the Governor’s Charity Steer Show at the Iowa State Fair in 2022. My favorite part of 4-H is showing livestock and meeting a lot of new friends throughout the years. Some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is to have fun, get involved with your 4-H club, and try new projects.”
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Bryce Dodge: “My favorite 4-H memory is bringing in a couch table for a woods project to the county fair and it went on to the State Fair. My favorite part of 4-H is making friends with new people and learning new skills, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is to try everything you can. New experiences aren’t always bad. They will lead to new memories and possibly unlock new skills.”
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Whitney Einck: “My favorite 4-H memory is when I modeled on stage for fashion review in fourth grade for the first time with my best friend and we couldn’t stop laughing. My favorite part of 4-H is getting to show off you hard work that you’ve spent with your animals and projects at the fair and spending the week with your friends. Some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is to try everything before you count yourself out.”
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Payton Farquhar: “My favorite 4-H memory is when Bob Steinkamp gave me a hug after selling my 4H pigs for the first time. My favorite part of 4-H has been showing my pigs, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers, try all different kinds of projects to find your interests.”
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Morgan Grooters: “My favorite 4-H memory is staying at the fairgrounds during fair. My favorite part of 4-H is doing good in the ring and seeing the little 4-H kids showing for the first time. Some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is don’t be afraid to try a new animal to show.”
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Dante Johnson: “My favorite 4-H memory is going to the Plunge [into 4-H] camp all three years with my friends. My favorite part of 4-H is spending time at the fair with friends, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is to never be afraid to try new things in different project areas. Trying new things helps you grow as a person and 4-Her.”
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Brayden Meyer: “My favorite 4-H memory is hanging out with friends and family in the beef barn and having water fights. My favorite part of 4-H is showing cattle and having a great 4-H leader, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is don’t be afraid to try new things and have fun.”
Dain Moermond: “My favorite 4-H memory is having water fights in the wash rack and representing the O’Brien County Fair as 2022 Fair King. My favorite part of 4-H is showing swine, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is don’t be afraid to try out lots of different project areas. You never will know if you will like something unless you try it.”
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Leo Sells: “My favorite 4-H memory was competing at the Western National Roundup 4-H Meats contest back in January. We got fifth as a team and I got 16 individually. My favorite part of 4-H is it’s a good time with all the people, animals, and activities going on, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is to work hard and make sure to take good care of your animals.”
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Abby Stout: “My favorite 4-H memory is showing sheep and rabbits with my brother. My favorite part of 4-H is showing projects and hanging out with my friends at the fair, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is don’t be afraid to try something new and pick a project outside of your comfort zone.”
Colton Vande Brake: “My favorite 4-H memory is helping my sister show her first year. My favorite part of 4-H – I enjoyed being treasurer. The last year we have had several high school-age kids and it is fun to connect with everyone on a different level. I love my goats and am excited to show them. Some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is don’t think you can’t come back if you take a year off. Don’t be scared to try something new, show a new animal or run for leadership. You will enjoy it and be successful and surprised in the end!”
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Grant Wagner: “My favorite 4-H memory is my calf escaping during the fair. My favorite part of 4-H is meeting new people, and some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is to get involved with many different opportunities. You will learn many things and be a better person because of it.”
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Samantha Wilbur: “My favorite 4-H memory is participating in the clothing event at the state fair. My favorite part of 4-H is getting to be a mentor for younger kids and helping them in their 4-H journey. Some advice I have for younger 4-Hers is don’t be afraid to try something new. It might turn out to be one of your favorite things to participate in!”
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It is evident that the memories made, fun had, and lessons learned in 4-H will remain with these graduates for years to come.
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Congratulations O’Brien County 4-H Graduating Seniors!
