Local youth chosen for national 4-H congress

Robert Hoadley, son of Roxanne Stephens and Scott Hoadley of La Grande, has been chosen to represent Union County at the National 4-H Congress this month in Atlanta.

"I'm really excited. This is going to be very cool," he said.

Hoadley was a member of the Pleasure Riders 4-H horse club for six years, until he graduated from La Grande High School last spring. Currently, he is a freshman enrolled in Oregon State University's ag program at Eastern Oregon University.

Going to Congress is often the highlight of a 4-H member's career, and being chosen from among the many applicants is a huge honor, said Union County 4-H Extension Agent Carole Smith. Hoadley is the only local 4-H member to be chosen, she said. However, 4-H leader Ken Patterson was chosen to be a chaperone, which is also a rare honor, she said.

Congressional delegates are chosen by the State 4-H Recognition Committee based on the member's overall achievement in 4-H projects, leadership, communication, citizenship, community service and readiness to benefit from Congress.

All 4-H youth in grades 10 through 12 at the time of application, and who meet the National 4-H Congress eligibility requirements, are invited to apply via a resume.

Finalists from that process were chosen for a formal interview during the State 4-H Summer Conference held last June.

Announcement of the delegation was made at the awards banquet during the conference.

In addition, Hoadley was notified by mail this week he has also been chosen as flag bearer for the Oregon delegation.

"So during all the ceremonies, I'll be bearing the Oregon state flag, too," he said.

When asked if he was disappointed to miss Thanksgiving dinner with family, Hoadley said he didn't mind.

"Actually, it's going to be really cool because there are over 1,300 4-H members from all 50 states," he said, "and we'll all sit down together for one big Thanksgiving dinner."