LOCAL 4-HERS CHOSEN FOR STATE TEAM

STATE 4-H AMBASSADOR TEAM members Kellie Jo McKee, Lena McClelland and Tom Stratton. (SUBMITTED PHOTO).

Representing Union County, Kellie Jo McKee from Imbler, Lena McClelland from Cove and Tom Stratton from Union were recently selected to serve on the Oregon State 4-H Ambassador Team.

The group interviewed for the team at the 4-H Summer Conference held in June at Corvallis.

McKee, a junior at Imbler High School, is the daughter of Rod and Georgia McKee, Imbler. McClelland, a junior at Cove High School, is the daughter of Steve and Patty McClelland of Cove. Stratton is a junior at Union High School and the son of Mark and Teresa Stratton of Union.

Oregon's 4-H Ambassadors are young people who are authorized 4-H representatives of the highest rank.

Being a 4-H Ambassador in Oregon is an honor bestowed upon 4-H members who have proven to be enthusiastic leaders and promoters of 4-H in their club and county.

The three Union County 4-H members were among 23 county ambassadors interviewing for nine open positions on a 15-member team.

Potential state ambassadors must apply through their county program, be in the ninth grade or older, be recommended by their local 4-H agent, and attend a three-day training session.

Once these requirements are met, candidates participate in a series of competitive interviews and are selected based on their enthusiasm for the 4-H program, their leadership qualities and ability to serve as positive role models for the 4-H program.

Once appointed to the Statewide Ambassador Team, youth will remain active state ambassadors throughout the remainder of their career as a

4-H member.

The 2005 Statewide Ambassador Team will be working with the State 4-H Office and the 4-H Foundation to promote 4-H in Oregon, and will be the primary face of 4-H youth for the state.