Two northeast South Dakota 4-H members — Baylee Bender of Marshall County and Adaline Larson of Day County — have been selected to serve as State 4-H Ambassadors for the 2025-2026 year.
The State 4-H Ambassador program, coordinated through South Dakota State University Extension 4-H, provides leadership and mentoring opportunities to youth who are passionate about promoting 4-H and serving as positive role models. Ambassadors help plan statewide events, develop educational programs, and strengthen their skills in communication, organization, and teamwork.
Bender, a member of the Barn Buddies 4-H Club, has been involved in 4-H for eight years and is active in shooting sports and livestock projects. She will serve on the SkillsX by 4-H committee this year. “I would like to bring light to the empowerment of young people,” she said. “We can do more than we think and make our voices heard.”
Larson, a seven-year member of the County Line Kids 4-H Club, will also serve on the SkillsX by 4-H committee. She also enjoys showing cattle and sheep, as well as photography, and rangeland science for her 4-H activities.
The SkillsX by 4-H Conference, hosted annually by SDSU Extension 4-H and planned by the State 4-H Ambassadors, gives youth the opportunity to develop leadership and life skills through an on-campus experience. The event fosters a fun and inclusive environment where participants can explore their potential, build friendships, and strengthen their leadership abilities.
Other State 4-H Ambassadors for the 2025-2026 year include: Landon Berg, Hanson County; Ian Torsney, Bon Homme County; Julia Tinker, Minnehaha County; Madelyn Lund, Turner County; Ella Oxford, Stanley County; Gayle Foster, Brookings County; Jackson Cammack, Meade County; Natalie Yates, Butte/Lawrence Counties; and Kelsey Fischer, Day County.
