Member Spotlights

Zoey, Siskiyou County

Zoey, River Valley 4-H Club, Siskiyou County

Recognizing and appreciating diversity and community is a trait that Zoey exemplifies in all that she does. Through the 4-H Youth Development Program, Zoey has gotten involved and taken on leadership roles in many club- and county-wide programs that allow her to learn about new cultures, appreciate people from different backgrounds, and give back to the community.

For the past four years, Zoey has been an active part of providing a Senior Citizen Ball for the elderly population of Siskiyou County. This ball is an important point of contact between youth and the aging population, allowing opportunities for each group to learn from one another. The 4-H members who participate in this ball learn about the wisdom and experiences of the elderly population, and the seniors get to attend a night specifically to honor them.

Zoey participated in an exchange program with Humboldt County and Oklahoma 4-Hers. The group toured historical landmarks, cultural heritage sites, local marine facilities, and agriculture programs. Through this experience, she developed an appreciation of the history of her own community, as well as others' cultures.

Zoey demonstrates civic participation outside of the 4-H program; for five years, she has been active in the Natural Conservation Service, selling trees and promoting their use as protection for soil and a barrier to wind erosion. She has put over 2,500 trees and shrubs in the hands of Siskiyou county residents for planting. Furthering her interest in environmental issues, Zoey has also joined the Klamath River Firefighter Explorer Program to educate the public about fire hazards and fire safety.

Community service and citizenship are important characteristics that Zoey exemplifies on a daily basis. She contributes to the local Shoebox Christmas program, has participated in a domestic violence awareness program, presented at the County Agriculture Awareness day, and worked with children in an Afterschool Science Program. Her participation in the 4-H Program is just one example of how she gives back to her community.

Author: Annalee Sanborn, Student Assistant, State 4-H Office