Abby Sandvick and Eric Keller

AMES, Iowa – Fifty Iowa 4-H members were recognized for their 2019 state 4-H project awards at the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference during the closing ceremony held on the Iowa State University campus in Ames on Thursday, June 27. A project area is a broad topic that 4-H members can explore on their own or with the mentorship of a 4-H leader or other caring adult. Project area award applicants are asked to explain how they’ve demonstrated exemplary leadership, communication and civic engagement through their exploration of a project area over a number of years. Each award recipient was granted a $100 award from Glen and Mary Jo Mente of Ames and the Iowa 4-H Foundation. 4-H projects allow members learning opportunities to strengthen their skills and knowledge in topics that interest them. 4-H is the youth development program of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Two Tama County 4-H members were honored. Eric Keller, Gladbrook, received a leadership project award. Eric Keller is the son of Ryan and Melissa Keller. As a nine-year 4-H member, Eric exhibited many livestock projects and completed projects in communications, leadership, woodworking, animal and veterinary science, food and nutrition, photography, and 4-H Shooting Sports. Eric is homeschooled and has served as both an Iowa and National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador. Highlights throughout Eric’s time in 4-H  include National 4-H Conference, representing Iowa at 4-H SESS Nationals in Nebraska, and his 4-H Leadership project — The Tama County Swine Grant. Other highlights include receiving state projects awards in communications, poultry, and veterinary science. Abby Sandvick, Toledo, received a communications project award. Abby Sandvick is the daughter of Shaya and Bryan Sorensen and A.J. and Ashley Sandvick. A four-year 4-H member, she has participated in communication, poultry, leadership, and many other project areas. She attends South Tama County High School and has been secretary and president of her 4-H Club. She has served on Tama County Council and Youth Advisory Committee. She has also had many leadership roles as an ambassador for the state of Iowa. “This recognition is a great honor and testament to the dedication these young people have invested in mastering skills in a specific project area,” said Bonnie Dalager, 4-H youth program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Each year, youth from around the state share their experience in the project area over time through a resume and written application, which is judged by volunteers from related industries around the state,” said Dalager. “The recognition process provides additional skill development opportunities that help young people prepare for future college or career processes such as submitting an application or writing a resume.”   Applications for next years’ state 4-H project area awards will open in late fall. All Iowa 4-H members who are in grades 9-12 may apply for up to two project area awards per year, with a maximum of one award per applicant. For more information on the Iowa 4-H Recognition opportunities, contact Bonnie Dalager at bdalager@iastate.edu.