Local 4-H’er named to state council

Houghton-Keweenaw County 4-H member Micaela Geborkoff has been named to the statewide Youth Leadership Council. The body consists of only 12 members and any appointment requires a multi-stage application process. Geborkoff had to submit at least one reference and pass through a group interview session to get the nod. The council consists of 15-19 year olds.

Members are expected to represent Michigan 4-H through a variety of activities at the state and local level. Program Director Anne Kretschman says Geborkoff embodies the 4-H principles of Leadership and Service, and says she is deserving of the post.

All 4-H activities continue to be done virtually. The full release is below.

Houghton-Keweenaw County 4-H member, Micaela Geborkoff was among twelve youth from across the state chosen through a competitive process to join the Michigan 4-H State Youth Leadership Council. “We congratulate Micaela for her accomplishment,” says Anne Kretschmann, Houghton-Keweenaw County 4-H Program Coordinator, “she exemplifies key components of 4-H which are leadership and service.” Micaela is president of the Houghton County Service 4-H Club, whose members strive to have a positive impact on the community and world.

The Michigan 4-H State Youth Leadership Council welcomed 12 new members who will serve a two-year term on the council. Established in 2015, the State Youth Leadership Council is a statewide leadership opportunity for Michigan 4-H Youth Development participants ages 15-19. State Youth Leadership Council members serve as representatives of the Michigan 4-H program, promoting 4-H through state and local activities, and providing youth voice and perspective to inform statewide programs and goals. The State Youth Leadership Council strives to create an environment where its members can network and share ideas, programs and experiences with other 4-H members from across the state.

Michigan 4-H youth programs continue to take place virtually at the start of 2021, and new members recently joined with returning members to complete training and team building activities virtually. State Youth Leadership Council members participated in training on topics ranging from personality types to public speaking and resume writing.

State Youth Leadership Council members were selected through an application and interview process where they participated in group interviews conducted by a selection committee comprised of 4-H staff and current State Youth Leadership Council members. Applicants completed a written application and submitted a reference in order to serve on the council.

For more information about the Michigan 4-H State Youth Leadership Council: https://www.canr.msu.edu/sylc/

To learn more about 4-H opportunities in the area please contact the Michigan State University Extension office at (906) 482-5830.