BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension 4-H professionals were recognized for their contributions to South Dakota youth at the 2023 National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals conference.
SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Advisors Sonia Mack, Brookings County; Jodi Loehrer, Codington County; Erin McGlumphy, Custer and Fall River counties; Jennifer Ringkob, Day and Marshall counties; and Sara Koepke, Grant County, were among the approximately 800 4-H youth development professionals from across the nation to participate in the association’s 77th annual conference on Oct. 10-12 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Each year, award submissions are judged at the state, regional and national levels, and winners are announced at the conference. The following SDSU Extension individuals and teams received recognition:
- North Central Region Award Winner in Excellence in Teamwork – 4-H DASH: Koepke, Loehrer, Mack, Ringkob, Deuel County 4-H Youth Program Advisor Debra Lessman and Roberts County 4-H Youth Program Advisor Lauren Sankey.
- North Central Region Award Winner and National Award Winner in Greg Yost Memorial Youth in Leadership – 4-H Bike Rodeo and Safety: Koepke.
- Achievement in Service Award: Davison and Hanson Counties 4-H Youth Program Advisor Caroline Hansen. The award is given to a youth development professional who has served more than two but fewer than seven years and is actively engaged in extension youth programs.
- Distinguished Service Award: Ringkob. The award is given to a youth development professional who has served more than seven years and is actively engaged in extension youth programs.
This year’s conference theme was “Building Foundations: Stronger Than Steel.” Koepke and Mack were selected as session presenters and shared the SDSU Extension 4-H Workforce Outcome Team online courses, “Career Conversations: Exploring My Future in the 605” and “Operation Occupation: Unlock Your Potential.”
The National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals is a globally recognized network for 4-H youth development professionals. The conference gives professionals the opportunity to learn innovative educational information and methods, exchange ideas and collaborate with other Extension personnel.
“South Dakota 4-H professionals are leading the way through their creative modes of youth engagement,” shared Tim Tanner, SDSU Extension 4-H Program Director. “It is a real privilege to see their achievements recognized nationally by the professional association.”
