4-H Senior Feature: Leah Evans and Samantha Mellinger

4-H Senior Feature

Leah Evans

Hometown: Washington

Parents: Tom & Julie Evans

School: Washington High School

4-H Club: Washington Go-Getters

Projects: Breeding Beef, Market Beef, Bucket Bottle, Swine, Goats, Sheep, photography, wood working, sewing & needle arts, Home Improvement, and welding.

4-H Activities: I have been part of County Council for three years, camp counselor for the junior 4-H camp, and participated in Livestock Judging. I also served as Washington Go-Getters president and treasurer, and was a Leadership Development member.

Special 4-H memory/highlight: Last year at the county fair when I caught about every calf that got loose.

Why join 4-H: 'A good reason to join 4-H is to be able to gain lifelong skills that you won't gain anywhere else,” Leah says.

Other Activities: FFA, Iowa Junior Breeding Beef Association (IJBBA) board member, Washington County Cattlemen's Association, Iowa Red Angus Association Junior board member, American Red Angus Association, Iowa Cattlemen, Washington County Beef Queen, Simmental Association, Charolais Association, Impact youth group, and Warrior Trap.

Future plans: 'I plan to attend Kirkwood Community College and study Animal Science and minor in ag business. Who knows though, it will probably change by the time I graduate.”

4-H Senior Feature

Samantha Mellinger

Hometown: Washington

Parents: Cindy and Scott Mellinger

School: Washington High School

4-H Club: Green Acres 4-H Club

Projects: Chickens and Breeding Beef

4-H Activities: I have helped with miscellaneous community service projects, 4-H camps, pancake breakfast, fair clean-up, and food stands/activity stands at fair.

Special 4-H memory/highlight: My favorite memory/highlight from 4-H is when I got champion for my rooster in the rooster crowing contest.

What I learned in 4-H: 'The top thing that I have learned in 4-H is how to properly take care of animals, says Samantha. 'If it wasn't for 4-H, I wouldn't have all the different animals I have today. 4-H has also helped me be more confident in front of people. I have had to do many presentations and with each one I become more confident. Others should join 4-H because it will give them experiences they won't want to miss in life.”

Other Activities: Other activities I'm involved in include Archery, FFA, United Methodist Youth Group, Pheasants Forever member, and Iowa Corn member.

Future plans: I plan to attend a 4-year private college majoring in accounting.