BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension 4-H is pleased to announce the youth chosen as State 4-H Ambassadors for the coming year.
The State 4-H Ambassador program provides leadership and mentoring opportunities as participants support 4-H and serve as positive role models. Through their service, State 4-H Ambassadors develop skills that can prepare them for future career opportunities, including public speaking, event planning and public relations.
State 4-H Ambassadors for the 2025-2026 year are:
- Landon Berg, Hanson County, serving on the 4-H Gala committee
- Ian Torsney, Bon Homme County, SkillsX by 4-H committee
- Julia Tinker, Minnehaha County, SkillsX by 4-H committee
- Madelyn Lund, Turner County, 4-H Gala committee
- Ella Oxford, Stanley County, SkillsX by 4-H committee
- Baylee Bender, Marshall County, SkillsX by 4-H committee
- Adaline Larson, Day County, SkillsX by 4-H committee
- Gayle Foster, Brookings County, SkillsX by 4-H committee
- Jackson Cammack, Meade County, SkillsX by 4-H committee
- Natalie Yates, Butte/Lawrence counties, SkillsX by 4-H committee
- Kelsey Fischer, Day County, SkillsX by 4-H committee
- Carley Crist, Union County, 4-H Gala committee
- Mercedes Jones, Jerauld County, 4-H Gala committee
During their terms, State 4-H Ambassadors create action plans and facilitate an educational program for youth. Each ambassador is assigned a priority area that helps them learn more about their areas of interest, which include agriculture, health and wellness, leadership and science.
Julia Tinker is serving her fourth term as a State 4-H Ambassador and said it provides an opportunity to lead and leave a positive impact. As in prior years, she will serve on the SkillsX by 4-H committee to help plan the event for 2026. In the coming year, Tinker said she hopes to create more one-on-one connections with other ambassadors and 4-H members across South Dakota.
“The State 4-H Ambassador program has taught me to go and talk to other people outside of my comfort area. I have more confidence to go up to anyone in the community and have conversations with them,” Tinker said. “It has grown my communication skills and my willingness to stand up in front of a crowd and not be as nervous.”
New to the ambassador program this year is Baylee Bender, who has been in 4-H for eight years and is active in the shooting sports and livestock project areas. She wanted to become a State 4-H Ambassador because it provides leadership opportunities and a chance to advocate for her peers.
“I would like to bring light to the empowerment of young people,” she said. “We can do more than we think and make our voices heard.”
Landon Berg, who has been a 4-H member for 10 years, said he decided to join the State 4-H Ambassador program because he believes it is important to advocate for 4-H to the legislators and politicians in South Dakota. While serving, he hopes to promote fair competition for everyone participating in livestock projects.
“Being involved in the South Dakota 4-H Ambassador program will help individuals grow and become better leaders for the youth, and will help build confidence and their ability to speak to others,” Berg said.
For more information, visit the State 4-H Ambassador program page.
