Written by Danika Gordon under the direction and review of Hilary Risner.
4-H has allowed Ellie Wagner of Yankton, S.D. to explore different aspects of life that she wouldn't normally. Project areas that Wagner is a part of include fashion revue, child development and showing swine.
Wagner has been actively involved with her county’s Junior Leaders program and helping plan events for the Yankton County Fair. She is also a participant of her county’s “Thousand Hour Challenge,” which encourages 4-H members to volunteer. Wagner logged 210 volunteer hours during the first challenge and continues to give back to her community through other volunteer opportunities.
Even though Wagner lives in town, her club leader helped her become involved with showing livestock. Wagner did not think she would enjoy working with livestock and showing at the fair, but the project has now become a passion of hers.
“I have a special appreciation for showing swine. I’ve shown a few different animals since being in 4-H, but working with swine has been my favorite,” says Wagner. “I find myself connected when working with swine and truly enjoy showing them.”
Wagner hopes that people realize that 4-H is not only for farm kids and there is so much more to the organization than working with livestock.
“The friends and families you will meet through 4-H will help you create memories for a lifetime.”
“You can live in town or in the country to be a part of 4-H,” says Wagner. “The friends and families you will meet through 4-H will help you create memories for a lifetime.”
Wagner is a 4-H member of the Mission Hill Hillers in Yankton County, S.D. She is currently a freshman at Yankton High School and is the daughter of Travis and Robin Wagner.
