State Youth Leadership

The leadership team consists of senior 4-H members that are officers, diplomats, and ambassadors. Certification and/or applications for State Officer positions are sent out by the State 4-H Office in late spring and must be returned to the State 4-H Office by mid June. Certification and/or applications for State Ambassador and Diplomat positions are sent out by the State 4-H Office in August and must be returned to the State 4-H Office by mid November.

State 4-H Officers Elected at State Conference

A state 4-H officer serves as a member of a seven-person team in representing New Mexico at statewide functions. These functions include, but are not limited to: New Mexico State Fair responsibilities, planning and conducting Youth Get-Away, State 4-H Conference responsibilities, providing county or multi-county leadership workshops, and contacting public offices on 4-H related matters. State 4-H officers are permitted to participate in one competitive event during State 4-H Conference if it does not conflict with any other responsibilities. Officers are expected to place the highest priority on their job as an officer. While family and school come first, state officer's responsibilities are to be placed over other organizations and athletics when conflicts exist.

2011-2012 State 4-H Officers

President - Jeremy Witte

Jeremy Witte, President, looks forward to this next year and the experiences he is going to gain as president. "I want to be a 4-H officer so that I can do my part to enhance our program and New Mexico agriculture," Jeremy said. "I want to be in a position where I can help and encourage others." Among his desire to serve in this leadership role he has demonstrated his skills by winning the Dona Ana County 4-H Honor Award, the Dona Ana County Leadership Award and was a New Mexico 4-H state record book winner.

Vice President - Jacob Grant

Jacob Grant, Vice President, is ready to serve in this leadership role to help share his experience with younger 4-H members. "I want to be a 4-H officer because it is a great opportunity to work with kids from other counties and learn from each others experiences in 4-H," Jacob said. "As a leader, I also hope to get across the idea that 4-H isn't just for country kids." Jacob wants to use his role to show what other projects and opportunities the
4-H program has to offer.

Secretary - J'Nae Wood

J'Nae Wood, Secretary, credits the projects including archery, wildlife, photography, sewing and baking to leading her to serve in a state role. "Each project has helped me in different ways to reach goals, mature and learn about taking responsibility and about leadership skills," J'Nae said. They have enabled her to apply herself in school and work as a result of things she has learned in 4-H. J'Nae said she looks forward to her state officer position so that she can help 4-H'ers around the stae and hone her own leadership skills in the process.

Treasurer - Brad Cosper

Brad Cosper, Treasurer, feel his "most memorable experience in 4-H was when I got the chance to go to a Youth-Get-Away and be a camp counselor. I got a chance to help younger 4-H'ers and teach them to expand their leadership abilities". He feels he will be able to take this experience and use it while working with youth around the state. "4-H is a great place to develop leadership skills as well as an opportunity to make great friends and create great memories," Brad said.

Reporter - Savannah Arrey

"Whether it's working with animals, public speaking, cooking or leadership, 4-H offers many opportunities for kids including myself that would otherwise not be available," is how Savannahy Arrey, Reporter, feels the progrm has benefitted her. Savannah has used those opportunities to help strengthen her leadership skills and set the goal to serve on the State 4-H Leadership team. Savannah is looking forward to the new opportunities and skills serving as Reporter will bring her.

Parliamentarian - Jacob Lowry

Jacob Lowry, Parliamentarian, is working towards many goals while serving in a state leadership position. "After graduating high school I plan to expand my sheep breeding operation so I can help more kids be able to show," Jacob said. He looks forward to taking the teamwork and leadership skills he learns during his term to serve as a good instructor while working with youth.

2010-2011 State 4-H Officers

by Margaret Kovar

The 2010-11 State 4-H Council Officer Team was elected during the 87th Annual State 4-H Conference in Las Cruces, N.M., at New Mexico State University in July.

The seven officers campaigned throughout the week-long event with posters, business cards and speeches. Delegates representing counties from across the state voted for the candidates during the conference.

President - Augusta Ahlm

The 2010-11 president is Augusta Ahlm, 17. A senior from Raton, N.M., Augusta was the 2009-10 state secretary. Her 4-H projects have included horse, rifle and swine. She feels that "4-H is one of the best youth leadership organizations I know and it is an honor to serve them as they have served me".

Vice President - Jaylah Dow

Jaylah Dow, 16, of Truth or Consequences, N.M., was elected state vice-president. Jaylah is an active member of her 4-H club and enjoys singing, photography and horses.

Secretary - Talon Choate

Talon Choate, 17, also of Truth or Consequences, N.M., was elected secretary. Talon competes in wildlife habitat evaluation and is a member of FFA. He also plays football and basketball and runs track.

Treasurer - Wil Hodnett

Wil Hodnett, 17, of Texico, N.M., was elected treasurer. Wil competes in livestock judging, along with showing sheep and beef and dairy heifers. He also runs track and participates in FFA and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Reporter - Sara Ballard

Fort Sumner, N.M., native Sara Ballard, 17, was elected reporter. Sara competes in horse shows and 4-H rodeos. She also is a member of FFA and the National Honor Society. "Out of all my extracurricular activities, 4-H has been the most rewarding and has helped me gain the most leadership experience," Ballard said.

Parlimentarian - Jenna Cleckler

The parliamentarian is Jenna Cleckler, 18, of Capitan, N.M. Jenna shows goats and sheep and competes in public speaking.

Song and Recreation Leader - Kylie Gaines

Kylie Gaines, 17, of Carrizozo, N.M., was elected song and recreation leader. Kylie is active in her county's 4-H council and competes in meats and crops judging.

Ambassadors

Congratulation to the five new 2011 State 4-H Ambassadors, Holly Franzoy, Dona Ana, Randy Woddall, Dona Ana, Jessica Yates, Dona Ana, Grace Vickers, Valencia, and Kaleb Cleckler, Lincoln County.

Through their year of service they will take on responsibilities including designing a float and assisting with livestock shows at the New Mexico State Fair, fulfilling State Conference responsibilities, and planning and conduction Senior Leadership Retreat. The team will also attend Journey: Opportunities for Leaders of Tomorrow hosted by the Arizona 4-H Design Team were they will present a workshop. The team will also assist the New Mexico 4-H Foundation in sponsorships and conducting fundraisers.