2011 Nebraska 4-H Ambassadors

Photo: Front Row (L to R): Megan Loberg, and Amanda Schutz. Back Row (L to R): Dustin Renken, Amanda Keys, Eric Miller, and Molly Trausch

The Nebraska 4-H Youth Development is proud to announce the selection of five students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to serve the 2011 term as Nebraska 4-H Ambassadors. As a first year venture, the team will be working together to advocate for the 4-H program across the state. Ambassadors have a variety of responsibilities including speaking at 4-H events, meeting with Nebraska Legislative members, and networking with professionals in their interest areas. The Ambassador team may differ in their various experiences, but all share a unique passion for the 4-H program.  By combining their different abilities, they will be working together to promote the 4-H program across Nebraska.

Amanda Keys is a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in Agribusiness with Leadership and Communication and International Agriculture and Natural Resources Minors.  She is from Elsmere, Nebraska and represents Blaine County.  Amanda has been involved in 4-H for eleven years and has been active as a Nebraska 4-H Youth Curriculum Committee Member and National 4-H Congress and Conference Delegate.  She has also participated in the Life Challenge Contest.  In addition to 4-H, Amanda is also actively involved in campus activities.  Some of her favorite activities include participating in the Justin Smith Morrill Scholars Program, the Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness Club and CASNR Week Program Council Member.

“Because 4-H has played such an influential role in my life, I am excited to continue developing the skills I will use after college while giving back to the 4-H program as a Nebraska 4-H Ambassador!”

Amanda Schutz, Nebraska 4-H Ambassador’s President, is a junior agricultural journalism major with an emphasis in advertising and public relations.  She is from Arapahoe, Nebraska representing Furnas County.  Amanda has been involved in 4-H for ten years.  Amanda most enjoyed her livestock projects and received the Ak-Sar-Ben Grand Champion Market Beef award in 2008.  Outside of 4-H Amanda is also involved in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow chapter, the Ag Sack Lunch Program of Nebraska, and is employed by the UNL Office of Admissions – Van Brunt Visitors Centers.

“I strongly believe that the 4-H program is one of the best youth programs in the nation.  As a Nebraska 4-H Ambassador, I hope to be able to share my experiences and give back to an organization that was such a positive force in my life!”

Megan Loberg is a junior Family & Consumer Science Education major from Carroll, Nebraska and represents Wayne County.  Megan has been in 4-H for 11 years being highly involved in Textile and Clothing activities and was a State Style Revue Competitor for five years for modeling and clothing construction.  Megan also showed swine during her 4-H career.  At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Megan is actively involved with Alpha Chi Omega, Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom, and The Caring Kitchen.

“I am looking forward to advocating for 4-H and hear and see how 4-H has positively affected others and hopefully show my passion for such an awesome organization.”

Eric Miller is a freshman Agribusiness & Animal Science major from Lyons, Nebraska representing Burt County.  Eric has been involved in 4-H for eleven years.  Highlighting his 4-H career include his responsibilities as Assistant Burt County 4-H Poultry Superintendent, 2009 Fremont 4-H Fair King, and 2010 National 4-H Congress Youth Delegate Advisor.  Eric keeps busy on campus with FarmHouse Fraternity, Nebraska Beef Industry Scholars, and Nebraska Pork Producer’s Association Youth Mentoring Program.

“I grew up deeply involved in 4-H and believe that it is one of the best organizations available for youth to be involved in. My family has always been tied to agriculture.  I look forward to my year as a Nebraska 4-H Ambassador because of the influence that I will have upon the program that gave me many opportunities during my youth. I have met many friends through 4-H and I want to give back to the 4-H program and help ensure the future success of 4-H in both the state and nation.”

Dustin Renken is a freshman animal science major from Bertrand, Nebraska representing Phelps and Dawson County.  Dustin has been involved in 4-H for eleven years and has participated in National 4-H Congress as Conference Delegate.  He also spends his time volunteering with community service activities and helping with local Therapeutic Riding Program.  In 2008 & 2009 Dustin was awarded Ak-Sar-Ben Champion Senior Horeseman title. While at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dustin enjoys his time on the Equestrian Team, participating in Block & Bridle, and playing intramural sports.

“4-H Ambassadors is an excellent connection of the leadership skills 4-H develops with today’s professional world. As an advocate of 4-H, I am excited to interact with youth and 4-H supporters across the State of Nebraska and share my enthusiasm and experiences for this outstanding program.”

Molly Trausch, Nebraska 4-H Ambassador’s Student Advisor, is a junior Horticulture-Entrepreneurship major from Minden, Nebraska representing Kearney County. Molly has been involved in the 4-H Program for 11 years and has participated in various 4-H activities. She is currently employed at the Nebraska 4-H Foundation organizing various fundraising events. Molly actively participates in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Horticulture Club, CASNR Week, and various volunteer activities.