State 4-H Leadership Team
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.
Meet the Leadership Team
State Officers
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.
State 4-H Officers Elected at State Conference
by Margaret Kovar
The 2009-10 State 4-H Council Officers were elected during the 86th Annual State 4-H Conference held July 13-17 in Las Cruces at New Mexico State University.
The five 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 - Kassandra (Kassi) Grooms
The 2008-09 president is Kassi Grooms, 17, of Las Cruces. Grooms was the 2008-09 state secretary. She participates in the crops and wildlife contests in 4-H.
Vice President - Georgia Mitchell
Georgia Mitchell, 16, of Tucumcari, was elected vice-president. She is a former state 4-H ambassador and competes in the livestock judging and livestock skillathon contests.
"I firmly believe that 4-H is an exceptional organization with unlimited opportunities, and I wanted to help 'make the best better,'"
Secretary - Augusta Ahlm
Augusta Ahlm, 16, of Raton was elected secretary. Ahlm's 4-H projects have included horses, rifle and swine.
"4-H has taught me so much through the years and has made me into the person I am today. I feel the next step in my 4-H career would be to give back to other 4-H'ers by helping lead them."
Treasurer - Danielle Lowry
The 2009-10 treasurer is Danielle Lowry, 16, of Albuquerque. Lowry raises and shows livestock and enjoys baking and cake decorating.
Song/Recreation Leader - Garrett Schmidt
The song and recreation leader is Garrett Schmidt, 17, of Corrales. Schmidt is a former state 4-H ambassador and is involved with the organization at both the club and county levels.
The advisor to the 2009-10 State 4-H Council Officer Team is Robyn Kelley, of Albuquerque.
"I couldn't be more excited about the upcoming year. I'm driven by seeing young people come into 'their own' and it thrills me to be in the midst of 4-H's creme de la creme. Aside from having a craaaazy amount of fun, my hope is that we, as a team, will bring 4-H to the next level--making the best better!!"
back to topAmbassadors
A State 4-H Ambassador serves on a team of four senior 4-H members. Ambassadors' responsibilities include assisting with the parade and tours at the New Mexico State Fair, planning and conducting Senior Leadership Retreat in conjunction with Diplomats. Ambassadors also represent New Mexico at National 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C., provide training and support to county ambassadors, State 4-H Conference responsibilities, and assist the New Mexico 4-H Youth Foundation in donor contacts and public relations.
NM Ambassadors Chosen
by Jane Moorman
Laynee Kuenstler
Laynee Kuenstler, a junior at Hot Springs High School, was inducted at a 4-H State Ambassador during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque on Jan. 17. The daughter of Shawna Kuenstler of Caballo has been a 4-H member for eight years and participates in showing and judging lamb shows. Outside of 4-H she participates in her church youth group and FFA.
Anne Meyer-Miner
Anne Meyer-Miner of Placitas was inducted as a 4-H State Ambassador during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque on Jan. 17. The daughter of Mary Meyer is a junior at Early College Academy in Albuquerque. She has been a 4-H member for eight years during which time she has participated in projects ranging from archery, baking and photography, to welding, dog obedience and sewing. She is the president of the Starbucks 4-H Club and has helped organize the spring horse show. Outside of 4-H she participates in the math club, astronomy club and yearbook staff, as well as enjoys biking, caving and kayaking.
Jalayna Roberts
Jalayne Roberts of Portales was inducted as a 4-H State Ambassador during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque on Jan. 17. The daughter of Alan and Jana Roberts is a sophomore at Dora High School. She has been a 4-H member for eight years during which time she has participated in projects ranging from food and nutrition, to breeding beef heifers, market lambs, market goats and replacement dairy heifers. Outside of 4-H she participates in the Portales United Methodist Church youth group.
"I wanted to be an ambassador so I could be with a team and further my experience in 4-H," Roberts said.
Charlie Woodall
Charles Woodall of Las Cruces was inducted as a 4-H State Ambassador during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque on Jan. 17. The son of Melissa and Christopher Woodall is a home schooled high school junior. He has been a 4-H member for seven years during which time he has participated in most of the state 4-H events including the senior leadership retreat, state conference and youth get-away. His major project areas are meat goat and shooting sports. Outside of 4-H he is a lector at his church.
"I wanted to become an ambassador to have the leadership experience and to bring 4-H to all New Mexico youth," Woodall said.
Diplomats
Ellen Bardwell
Ellen Bardwell of Edgewood was inducted as a 4-H State Diplomat during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque on Jan. 17. The daughter of Karen Bardwell is a sophomore at Moriarty High School. She has been a 4-H member for eight years during which time she has served as a county council officer and participated in showing pigs and steers. Outside of 4-H she participates in FFA. "I want to be a role model and to expand my leadership skills," Bardwell said of why she wanted to be on the diplomat team.
Hannah Kate Bradshaw
Hannah Kate Bradshaw of Hillsboro was inducted as a 4-H State Diplomat during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque on Jan. 17. The daughter of Mary and Ike Wilton is a senior at Hot Spring High School. She has been a 4-H member for eight years during which time she has participated in public speaking and showing horses in the pleasure classes. Outside of 4-H she participates in National Honor Society, FFA, Juniorettes Club and Hot Springs Horse Club. "I want to be a leader in a team that represents 4-H state-wide. I want to travel and meet new people and attend all leadership activities that I can," Bradshaw said of why she wanted to be on the diplomat team.
Shane Bramblett
Shane Bramblett of Grenville was inducted as a 4-H State Diplomat during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque on Jan. 17. The son of Phillip and Kati Bramblett is a junior at Des Moines High School. He has been a 4-H member for nine years during which time he has participated a variety of projects including archery, braiding, rocketry, woodwork, leather craft and photography and has attended novice camp, teen get-away and senior leadership retreat. Outside of 4-H he participates in basketball and track, is active in his church and works on the family ranch. "I want a chance to help people out through 4-H and it sounded like a great opportunity," Bramblett said of why he wanted to be on the diplomat team.
Wil Hodnett
Wil Hodnett of Portales was inducted as a 4-H State Diplomat during the annual 4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in Albuquerque on Jan. 17. The son of Frank and Dalene Hodnett and Sheila Hodnett is a sophomore at Portales High School. He has been a 4-H member for six years during which time he has participated in market goat projects and livestock judging. Outside of 4-H he participates in FFA, track and soccer. "I want to be a role model to all the younger members in my county," Hodnett said of why he wanted to be on the diplomat team. The senior 4-H members will share the diplomat responsibilities, which include assisting with the parade and tours at the New Mexico State Fair, planning and conducting Senior Leadership Retreat in conjunction with the 4-H State Ambassadors, and assisting with the State 4-H State Conference. They will also attend a 4-H youth camp in Arizona.