Written by Hailie Stuck under the direction and review of Hilary Risner.
Ryan Sell is a senior 4-H member in Tripp County. He is 17 years old and will be a junior at Winner High School this fall. For Ryan, the name of the game is community service. He is an active participant in both 4-H service projects as well as helping other organizations. “We did a clothing drive a couple years ago, and my brother and I won (with the most donations). This year we are doing Teens for Jeans,” explains Sell. In addition to clothing drives, he is actively involved in his community, “For the last five years, we have helped the American Legion Auxiliary put flags out for Memorial Day. We also care for the Elderly Nutrition Center yard. I have sanded and painted display boards for our Mid Dakota Fair with a money match from Modern Woodman.”
Leader Debbie Steinke nominated Ryan Sell for an article highlighting special 4-H youth around South Dakota. She mentioned Sell’s desire to help out is a major part of who this young leader is and strives to be. “He is not in 4-H to win a lot of ribbons, he is in 4-H to help people in any way he can, but most of the time he prefers to not be noticed. Ryan has a very big heart, hence liking to do all the Community Service Projects,” said Steinke.
“Ryan's accomplishments are felt around our community more than the awards that he has won. You can always count on him to help you with anything that needs to be done.” This is exemplified by Sell’s accomplishment of winning the 2016 Margaret Novotny Memorial Learning by Doing Community Service Award and the 2019 Modern Woodman Hometown Hero Award.
When Ryan is not volunteering, one may find him participating in Shooting Sports. The shooting sports project area is Sell’s favorite, and he has earned a spot at the State Shoot almost every year. He is really hoping for the Mid Dakota Fair to continue this summer so he can spend those fair days with his friends and fellow 4-H’ers.
“4-H is teaching me to be a good friend and neighbor, and to be a leader.”
Ryan is an excellent example of a true 4-H spirit. He succeeds in his favorite project area, he reaches out to find ways to better his community, and he does not seek accolade or attention for what he does. When asked what he has gained from being a 4-H member, he stated, “4-H is teaching me to be a good friend and neighbor, and to be a leader.”
