Youth

Five 4-H youth from Buffalo County, including Jaylea Pope, of Shelton, attended the first ever 4-H Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) at the Nebraska 4-H Camp in Halsey, July 1 through 3. Youth ages 14 to 18 from across the state joined together at YLC to develop and practice their leadership skills, all while exploring traditional camp activities. The conference was planned with youth in mind by selecting nine youth ambassadors to assist 4-H professionals in planning the conference over the span of eight months. The conference included workshops focused on community service, public speaking, college and careers, leadership styles, and more. The keynote speaker of the conference was Demoine Adams, a former Husker Blackshirt defensive end. Adams is a motivational speaker and artist who inspires others to be greater, to be leaders, and to be winners in the game of life. The Buffalo County 4-H members who attended were, left to right, Kameran Ulferts, Buffalo County 4-H Extension Assistant, Austin Smith, of Kearney, Claire Gangwish, of Kearney, Keri Smith, of Lexington, and Jaylea Pope, of Shelton. Not pictured is Sadie Ringlein, of Kearney. (– courtesy photo)