November 21, 2001

Celebrate the Possibilities

Five 4-H members from North Dakota are attending the 80th National 4-H Congress in Atlanta. The five are Angela Klubberud from Fargo, Evan Meiers from Ross, Valerie Johnson from Hamberg, Elizabeth Horner who lives in Grahams Island State Park, and Brian Walsh from Harvey.

"Celebrate the Possibilities" is the theme for this year’s Congress. About 1,300 4-H delegates from the United States and its territories will participate in a variety of educational, cultural and recreational opportunities focusing on leadership, youth empowerment and cultural diversity. They also are participating in a community service project. This year, delegates are bringing books to deliver to an area children’s hospital.

"Delegates had to go through an application process demonstrating their community service work, leadership abilities as well as their regular 4-H program experience," according to Dean Aakre, North Dakota State University Extension Service 4-H youth specialist. "They will have a lot of opportunities at the Congress for personal growth which can be shared with others when they return."

Klubberud is a freshman attending the University of Mary majoring in accounting and business administration. She is a member of the forensics team and Circle K. She says her greatest 4-H experiences include being a state 4-H ambassador, hosting exchange students and being involved in Intercultural Camp.

Meiers is a junior at Severson High in Stanley. He is involved in many activities including

4-H, Luther League, football and basketball. He hopes to some day teach in the field of music education.

Johnson is a senior at Maddock Public School. She is a 9-year 4-H member and also a 4-H ambassador. She is also involved in many extracurricular activities in school.

Horner is a junior at Devils Lake High School. She has been a 4-H member for ten years participating in Communication Arts, dress revue, Consumer Choices, Project Expo, crop judging, interstate exchange program, clothing and textiles, pets, foods and home living. Horner is the North Dakota representative to the National 4-H Youth Directions Council, which works to ensure youth-adult partnerships.

Walsh is a senior at Harvey High School. He is a 4-H ambassador and has participated in the beef project, and 4-H exchange, traveling to upstate New York. He also participates in many extracurricular activities.

Traveling with the group as the adult advisor is Tom McSparron, North Dakota 4-H Foundation development director. The 4-H Foundation is sponsoring the trip. It receives support from individuals, 4-H clubs, businesses, and organizations that believe youth and the 4-H program is a valuable youth development organization.

Keynote speakers for the Congress include U.S. Senator; Max Cleland, motivational speakers Dan Thurmon and Dan Clark; Miss America 2002, Angie Harmon; and Robbie Melton, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Tennessee Board of Regents.

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Source: Dean Aakre (701) 231-8595, deaakre@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu