State Youth Leadership
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 4-H Officers Elected at State Conference
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.
2012-2013 State 4-H Officers
Left to Right:
Jami Maestas, Stephanie Swope, Grace Vickers, Jorday Spindle, Kaleb Cleckler, Kyle Miller and Jacob Grant.
President - Jacob Grant
Jacob Grant, who served on the New Mexico state officer team, last year, is a senior at Early College Academy in Albuquerque. Through his 4-H career he has held many leadership offices including Bernalillo County Council president and various offices in his local club. After serving one term on the state officer team I learned how much I love helping to promote youth development in our state, Jacob said of why he ran for president this year. I really enjoy meeting new people from throughout the state.
Vice President - Kyle Miller
Kyle Miller is a New Mexico State University freshman from Clovis. During his 4-H career he has represented New Mexico at National 4-H Congress, was Best of Show at the Curry County Fair for his wool projects; and received the high individual award for archery at the district level. As a state officer I want to provide people with information about 4-H and show them what our organization is about and what they can get out of participating in 4-H, Kyle said. My most memorable 4-H moment was going to the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Ga. I was able to meet more members from across the country and I learned more about other states. The different sections I attended expanded my leadership skills.
Secretary - Kaleb Cleckler
Kaleb Cleckler is a junior at Capitan High School. During his 4-H career he has held many offices at the local and county level, including current president of the Lincoln County 4-H Council. He has also served at his high school as an FFA officer, Student Senate officer and class officer. He is a member of the National Honor Society. I wanted to be a state officer so I can give back to 4-H, which has helped me be the person I am today, Kaleb said. I have grown so much through my involvement with 4-H and I want to help younger members learn and grow.
Treasurer - Jordan Spindle
Jordan Spindle is a sophomore at Moriarty High School. During her 4-H career she has served as treasurer of the Santa Fe County 4-H Council and president of her local 4-H club. I wanted to be a 4-H state officer because I want to improve others experiences in 4-H, as well as my own, Jordan said. Also as an officer it will allow me to meet more people from around the state.
Reporter - Grace Vickers
Grace Vickers is a senior at Valencia High School in Los Lunas. During her 4-H career she has served in several positions including as a 4-H State Ambassador in 2011, as the vice president of the Valencia County 4-H Council and president of her local club. She has also served as president and vice president of her FFA chapter and captain of her school's cross country team. As a state officer I want to give back to the 4-H program as well as use the leadership skills I have acquired, Grace said. I also want to meet new people and learn more about being a leader.
Parliamentarian - Stephanie Swope
Stephanie Swope is a junior at Deming High School. During her 4-H career she had served in many leadership roles and as the vice president of the Deming FFA chapter. As a state officer I want to help the youth of New Mexico to see their potential and to further develop my leadership skills, Stephanie said.
Song and Rec - Jami Maestas
Jami Maestas is a sophomore home schooled student in Santa Rosa. During her 4-H career she has served in many leadership roles, including current president of her local 4-H club, has received her county's Outstanding 4-H Member and Overall Achievement awards. She has served as a counselor for the 4-H Youth Get- Away Camp. As a state officer I want to promote the 4-H program throughout the state by involving the youth and the public, Jami said. I want to be able to help 4-H members achieve their goals and have fun making memories and lasting friendships.
Ambassadors
Left to Right:
Brian Roberts - Taos County, Allison Wilton - De Baca County, Kelsey Dobesh - Santa Fe County, Wade Stearns - Lincoln County
Diplomats
Left to Right:
Sullivan Woodall - Dona Ana County, Brooke Baca - Santa Fe County, Makayla Richardson - Dona Ana County, Wade Roberts - Taos County