O’Brien County is home to eleven 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.
Abby Boardman: “My favorite memory would just be getting the chance to hang out with people and meet people I normally wouldn’t talk to. And that would be my advice as well to go and meet new people because 4-H and FFA give you the perfect experience to meet new people.”
Kaeley Einck: “[One of my favorite memories is] Monday night after coronation, practicing leading her cattle around in the ring.”
Jack Farqhuar: “Don’t be afraid to try new things.”
Olivia Grooters: “[Some of my favorite memories are] water fights in the wash rack after a long show day. [My advice for younger 4-H members is] don’t forget to have fun after a long day.”
Jamie Hunt: “[My advice for younger 4-H members is] practice with your show stick so you don’t accidentally hit the person next to you.”
Emily Kellen: “Enjoy it while you can! The number of fairs you get to participate in are numbered.”
Eric Mars: “Younger members should try out as many activities or events that they can because they will never know what they enjoy unless they try.”
Bryce Rasmussen: “[One of my favorite memories is] competing at the National Meats Competition.”
Kim Sauer: “I have been in 4-H for 8 years and I have listened to and learned a lot from advice from others as they graduate. The one thing that I would love to share with others is: Take every chance you can get because one day that chance won’t be there and you’ll wish that you would have taken it at the time.”
Andrea Westra: “[One of my favorite memories is] when I hit my head on the trimming chute while getting my cow ready for fair. I didn’t think much of it and the next day I showed my animals and I was very dizzy, was sensitive to sound and had a horrible headache. Right after I was done showing my mom took me to the ER and I had a concussion.”
Jason Wittrock: “My favorite 4-H memory is hanging out at my camper with friends in between livestock shows.”
It is evident that the memories made and lessons learned in 4-H will remain with these graduates for years to come.
Congratulations O’Brien County 4-H Graduating Seniors!