WESTEROSE, AB – On October 21, during the 2023 Fall Senior Symposium Banquet, 4-H Alberta revealed its future leaders. Thirteen new Ambassadors were welcomed to the team, and the Premier’s Award’s prestigious recipient was announced.

The Premier’s Award stands as the pinnacle of recognition for a 4-H Alberta member. Established by the Honourable E.C. Manning, Premier of Alberta in 1964, this award seeks the best of 4-H. The chosen member not only holds the title but represents 4-H Alberta at various events throughout the year and has the honour to engage with Alberta’s Premier and the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.

This year’s Premier’s Award title goes to Vanessa Hadwin, a nineteen-year-old from Consort. Vanessa’s journey with 4-H began as a quest for fun but quickly turned into a learning curve. Her experiences in the program have taught her valuable life skills – leadership, motivation, determination, and the essence of volunteering. Today, as a nursing student, she utilizes these skills, proving the transformative impact of the 4-H program. Vanessa has a message for our community:

“I became an ambassador to meet new people, explore new projects, travel to new parts of Alberta and to share my love of 4-H. I have experienced all that and more. Oftentimes I would attend an event as a teacher of a skill, be it public speaking, judging, grooming or showmanship, and I would end up learning from those in attendance. I am excited to continue with the 4-H Alberta Ambassador team and through my role as Premier’s Award Recipient I hope to positively impact my fellow members and my community, with the added benefit of my own growth, goodwill and gratitude.

I will love to travel Alberta to promote and celebrate 4-H, to create a network of contacts throughout the 4-H program and the Provincial Government, and to continue to inspire 4-Her’s to Learn To Do By Doing! “

– Vanessa Hadwin, 2024 Premier Award Recipient.

Vanessa’s dedication to 4-H was also recognized with the Ted Youck Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in 4-H Alberta Award. Donated by 4-H advocate, Ted Youck, this accolade will accompany the Premier’s Award for a decade.

Sophia Hoogland, the 2023 Premier’s Award Recipient, passes the baton to Vanessa. The selection criteria for this coveted award include leadership, communication skills, and an unwavering passion for 4-H.

Beyond the distinguished Premier’s Award, this year’s Fall Senior Symposium also spotlighted the introduction of thirteen new faces to the 4-H Alberta Ambassador Team. These ambassadors are not just any members – they are passionate Senior Members, meticulously chosen for their drive to elevate the essence of 4-H in Alberta. Their roles pivot on sharing their rich 4-H experiences, forging new avenues for the community, and voicing the aspirations of the youth. Their commitment extends from their immediate region to every corner of the province.

Name	Region	Home Town	Club
Emma B.	South 4-H Region	Medicine Hat	Saddles & Spurs Light Horse 4-H Club
Tenley W.	South 4-H Region	Hanna	Dusty Plains 4-H Multi Club
Abby W.	Calgary 4-H Region	Strathmore	Strathmore Rusty Spurs 4-H Horse Club
Kiersten G.	Calgary 4-H Region	Calgary	Foothills Sheep and Multi Club
Holly B.	West Central 4-H Region	Red Deer County	Shadow Riders 4-H Club
Kolton H.	West Central 4-H Region	Lacombe County	Crestomere 4-H Multi Club
Colby S.	East Central 4-H Region	Hanna	Hanna Rangeland 4-H  Multi Club
Kate H.	East Central 4-H Region	Consort	Consort 4-H Beef Club
Shelby D.	Northeast 4-H Region	Bonnyville	Lakeland Longriders Light Horse 4-H Club
Claire M.	Northwest 4-H Region	Edmonton	Looma Lights Horse 4-H Club
Rory M F.	Northwest 4-H Region	Bon Accord	Namao 4-H Trail Busters
Garret F.	Peace 4-H Region	Grimshaw	Berwyn 4-H Multi Coveralls
Waylon K.	Peace 4-H Region	Grande Prairie	Grande Prairie 4-H Multi Club

These Ambassadors, representing regions across Alberta, are set to bring their energy, enthusiasm, and expertise to promote 4-H across Alberta and beyond. To know more or to contact your regional Ambassador, visit www.4hab.com.

For Senior Members who aspire to be part of this dynamic Ambassador team, the doors open every September. Through an online application followed by a virtual interview, Senior Members from all over Alberta are given a platform to showcase their potential. Each region has the prospect of being represented by two Ambassadors, who will serve a two-year term, contingent on having applicants from that region.

For an in-depth understanding of the Ambassador role or to initiate a conversation with an Ambassador from your region, consider visiting www.4hab.com or connecting directly via programs@4hab.com.

Susann Stone, 4-H Alberta’s Chief Program Delivery Officer, remarked on the quality of this year’s applicants, “The 4-H Alberta members who applied for the Premier’s Award or an Ambassador all should be proud for taking the next step to develop their leadership skills. Applicants exhibited a passion for 4-H and drive for excellence through seeking new opportunities. The interview panels were blown away by the quality of answers and how prepared the members were. Our 4-H Alberta team is excited to work with Vanessa and the 4-H Alberta Ambassador group.”

Congratulations to Vanessa and the new Ambassadors!

The Fall Senior Symposium took place from October 20-22, 2023, at the Alberta 4-H Centre. This enriching event saw 84 Senior Members immerse themselves in learning sessions, career fairs, and personal growth workshops.

Sponsor representatives from AFSC, Alberta Beef Producers, ATB Financial, Bayer, Government of Alberta, Lakeland College, Olds College and Viterra offered expertise through learning sessions, career fair booths and a mock interview judging panel. 4-H Members had the opportunity to engage with sponsors about future career opportunities and programs are college to support their future plans.

For further details or queries, please reach out to the 4-H Alberta Programs Team at programs@4hab.com.

2023-24 4-H Alberta Ambassadors

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About 4-H Alberta

4-H Alberta is the new streamlined youth development body registered under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. It combines the former three-party organizations that operated 4-H in Alberta; the 4-H Council of Alberta, the 4-H Foundation of Alberta, and the 4-H Section of Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.

After extensive consultation with Alberta’s 4-H community, changes to the current structure were deemed necessary. The newly formed 4-H Alberta involves new governance, a new structure and operating model that is efficient and effective, supported by a modernized constitution/by-law alignment to coordinate 4-H staff and volunteer roles and build operational harmony for the growth of the 4-H leadership program in Alberta.

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