Pottawatomie 4-H Ambassadors
Meet your 2024-25 Team
David Blocker from the Olsburg Boosters 4-H Club
Projects: Beef, Computer Science, Food and Nutrition, Leadership, Robotics, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
Why join 4-H?
Pottawatomie 4-H is a world of opportunities with quality people and friends. There is something for everyone; it is not just agriculture. There is public speaking to make you comfortable with speaking in front of audiences, foods projects to teach you how to make delicious dishes, STEM projects to help you get an early start on programing and robotics. Do you like art? There are many projects such as photography, painting and modeling to name a few. Do you want to learn to build a desk? There's a project for that! There are opportunities to build leadership skills, mentor newer members and help guide 4-H into the future. And yeah, we also have agriculture stuff!
Favorite 4-H Experience?
Advice to other 4-H’ers?
Because of 4-H...
Michael Hermesch from the Dutch Mill 4-H Club
Projects: Foods and Nutrition, Rabbits, Poultry, Shooting Sports: Archery, BB Gun, and Shotgun
Why join 4-H?
Joining 4-H is a great experience and you get to socialize with people from all over the state.
My Favorite 4-H Experience is the state fair and seeing all of the stuff there.
Advice I would give to other 4-Her's is to not be afraid to get involved.
Because of 4-H... I have a great attitude meeting new people and not being afraid to talk to people.
Tyler Liebsch from the Olsburg Boosters 4-H Club
Projects: Building Block Creations, Foods and Nutrition, Photography, Shooting Sports: Air Rifle
Why join 4-H?
Joining 4-H leads to a whole new world of possibilities and fun! It helps you learn more about your unique set of skills and it helps to create new ones. It can also help you decide what career you would like to pursue when you grow up.
My Favorite 4-H Experience is Citizen Washington Focus. In 2025, I went on an excursion trip to Washington D.C. to learn more about leadership and to be a better citizen. This is called CWF and it was the best trip of my life. I was able to travel across the country with a fun bunch of 4-Her's that I now call my friends.
Advice I would give to other 4-Her's: Every day think to yourself, be your best self. Never be scared to try something new. No matter what, do not get mad at yourself. Instead, take your experiences and become something better.
Because of 4-H... I have a planned path for my future. This organization has helped me see what I love in life and I will take this pride with me everywhere that I go.
Joel Louderback from the Lucky 'Leven 4-H Club
Projects: Ag Mechanics: Welding, Foods and Nutrition, Leadership, Sheep, Shooting Sports, Wildlife
Why join 4-H?
Pottawatomie County 4-H is a great program! There is LOTS of participation and opportunities that families can be involved in. There are also lots of good people that are always willing to help "Make the Best Better" and do good. For instance shooting sports is one of my main projects and all of the coaches and fellow 4-H teammates over the years have helped me to be able to hit more clay targets and be a better shot.
Favorite 4-H Experience?
Advice to other 4-H’ers?
Because of 4-H...
Cody Pennington from the Shining Star 4-H Club
Projects: Citizenship, Leadership, Poultry, and Welding Fabrication
Why join 4-H?
4-H offers opportunities to meet new people, as well as life skills that will benefit you in the future.
My favorite 4-H experiencewould probably be the County Fair, where you get to meet different people and hang out with friends.
Advice to other 4-H’ers? I would recommend enjoying your youth because it goes by fast.
Because of 4-H... I have learned many life skills, as well as learning how to communicate better.
Faith Perry from the Triple V 4-H Club
Projects: Beef, Foods and Nutrition, Leadership, Meat Goat, Sewing and Textile Design, Sheep
Why join 4-H?
4-H isn't just about livestock. It's about the experiences you have with friends, family, or whoever it may be! 4-H helps prepare you for many things in life that school might not.
Favorite 4-H Experience? When I was really really little, they had karaoke at the county fair! We all got together and sang the song 'Tequila.' I found it to be one of my favorite 4-H memories in the past 9 years.
My advice to other 4-H’ers is life gets hard. It's the cold hard truth. If you have something you enjoy doing, don't let life get in the way of it. That's YOUR thing to control, not life's.
Because of 4-H... I have better public speaking skills and livestock judging abilities! I would have never gotten to where I am now without the help of my peers! Oh, and perhaps my parents as well. Hi mom and dad!
Shayne Pittenger-Reed from the Lucky 'Leven 4-H Club
Projects: Horse, Leadership, Photography
Why join 4-H?
When people think of 4-H, most people think of livestock, but 4-H is more than that. It gives you the opportunity to learn new skills like art, baking, sewing and research. 4-H is serving your community to give back to the greater good. It let's you make connections with others. 4-H is "Making the Best Better" for yourself, your club, your community, your country and your world!
Favorite 4-H Experience? When I was younger, I went to 4-H camp at Rock Springs and had the best time. I enjoyed singing everywhere we went, participating in new activities, and swimming in the pool with new friends.
My advice to other 4-H’ers would be getting involved in projects and activities allows you to create new friendships.
Because of 4-H... I have learned leadership skills and have gotten out of my comfort zone. I have connected with groups of people all different ages and have lots of fun!
Kaden SinghDhillon from the Jayhawkers 4-H Club
Projects: Building Block Engineering, Civic Engagement, Foods and Nutrition, Horticulture and Landscape Design, Leadership, Photography, Poultry, Rabbits, Visual Arts, Wildlife, Woodworking
Why join 4-H?
Are you looking for fun, friends and new skills? Then you should join 4-H! In 4-H, you are able to participate in hands on projects in many areas such as animal care, cooking, science, STEM, photography and so much more! There is something for everyone in 4-H! You will build confidence, leadership and skills that last a lifetime. 4-H is open to anyone ages 7-18. Join today and change your life!
My Favorite 4-H Experience was going to 4-H camp at Rock Springs because there were so many fun things to do. My favorite activity was fishing because we caught a lot of fish. While at camp, I made new friends and created great memories.
My advice for other 4-Her's is to stick with 4-H. I know that at times you may want to quit it, but it's absolutely worth it to stay in. 4-H teaches you skills, helps you grow as a person, and gives you chances to meet new people and make memories. The more you put into 4-H the more you'll get out of it!
Because of 4-H I have gained leadership skills and the confidence to try new things that I would have never tried before. I have learned to work with others, take responsibility, and step out of my comfort zone. I have developed skills like public speaking, problem solving, and teamwork. 4-H has opened doors to new experiences that have helped me grow.
Kassidy Smith from the Lucky 'Leven 4-H Club
Projects: Foods and Nutrition, Horse, Photography, Shopping in Style, Swine, Visual Arts
Why join 4-H?
4-H is a good way to try a variety of activities. If you can dream it, it can be a 4-H project. Animals and a farm are not required. Kids learn life skills in this organization. I joined 4-H to work with animals and people, learn about leadership and responsibility, and bring out my creativity.
My Favorite 4-H Experience is working with my swine project and learning how to bake with my mom and grandma.
My advice to other 4-H’ers is do not be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. It is okay to ask.
Because of 4-H I have learned leadership and responsibilities. I have learned to use advice and my voice to help others in the 4-H community.
Elsie Stutzman from the Jayhawkers 4-H Club
Projects: Beef, Foods and Nutrition, Horticulture & Landscape Design, Sheep and Swine
Why join 4-H?
4-H is a fantastic program to be apart of. It helps you in so many ways such as public speaking, presentation skills, and many many more. 4-H will help you meet people and life-long friends.
My Favorite 4-H Experience is when I received my first purple ribbon. I was so excited and so proud of myself for working hard.
My advice to other 4-H’ers is to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. You never know if you will like it if you don't at least try it. Also always ask questions if you don't know. Older members would love to hear from you and provide you with the help you need.
Because of 4-H I have gained many skills such as public speaking and confidence. I have made life-long friends and built new friendships every year.
Eric Timm from the Blackjack 4-H Club
Projects: Foods and Nutrition, Horticulture & Landscape Design, Leadership, Photography, Self-Determined
Why join 4-H?
4-H is a great way to try new things, meet new people, and have fun doing it! In my ten years in 4-H, I have learned so many new skills, even as a younger member in my club. The qualities it has taken to become a leader in my school and surrounding community, I learned from 4-H. Giving project talks to my club has taught me presentation skills that I still use today. I have met many awesome people within my club and at 4-H activities like 4-H days and the fair.
My Favorite 4-H Experience is having great role models to look up to when I was younger, and how they taught me to be the role model that I am today.
My advice to other 4-H’ers is to be involved. Try new things. Take a step outside of your comfort zone. Take advantage of the opportunities that 4-H provides. The skills you'll develop, the lessons you'll learn, and the memories you'll make will definitely pay off in the long run.
Because of 4-H, I have been elected as a class officer, elected into the National Honor Society, became more involved in my church community, and found other opportunities for servant leadership and helping others.
Kate West, Program Assistant
Email: katewest@ksu.edu
Phone: (785)-457-3319