Audrey E. was recognized as the Winona County 4-H Youth Representative for the month of January. She is the daughter of Amy and Ron and a senior at Cotter High School. Audrey is a member of the Winona River City 4-H Club, and has previously served as the club secretary and president.
Audrey has exhibited rabbits, llamas, arts and crafts, consumer education, food and nutrition, health and safety, global connections and animal science projects throughout her time in 4-H.
When asked what her favorite project is, Audrey responded, “ Llamas were my favorite 4-H project. It was so much fun to go to the farm and work with my llama, Mr. Freckles. The experience was special because even though I didn’t own the llama, the owner, Judy, was so generous in helping me work with him and letting me come out to her farm. Although my llama was very stubborn at times, the llama project taught me to be patient and keep working hard. One of my favorite experiences in the llama project was bringing our llamas to a nursing home to brighten the resident’s day.”
Audrey has participated in many service activities. Audrey’s favorite 4-H memory was working with her club to serve the community. “My favorite 4-H memory was going on a day trip to the Twin Cities with my club. One of our club members purchased a tour of the Twins stadium, and she shared the experience with our entire club. After touring the Twins stadium, our club got pizza and then volunteered at Feed My Starving Children. This was a really fun day, and I feel like our club bonded with each other through the experience. It was rewarding to work together as a club to pack food and give back to those in need.”
The most important things 4-H has taught Audrey are leadership and public speaking; she says, “When I joined 4-H, I was shy and quiet. 4-H helped me with public speaking, whether it was making a motion at a meeting, or telling a judge at the fair about my project. After a while, I was able to read the secretaries report in front of my whole club and eventually lead a club meeting. I never thought I could lead a meeting or give a presentation, but 4-H gave me the opportunity to do that.”
Winona Sunrisers Kiwanis Club honors one outstanding Winona County 4-H member during its breakfast meeting on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The club meets weekly every Wednesday at 7 a.m. at the Winona Family Restaurant in Winona.