Graduating seniors look back on 4-H experiences

O'Brien County is home to 21 graduating senior 4-H members. As social distancing and these unprecedented COVID-19 times continue, the graduates remind us what 4-H, as well as life, are all about.

The following are the responses from the Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn seniors who were involved in 4-H.

Paige Dagel: "My favorite memory of 4-H is meeting so many new people and networking in the agriculture industry. My advice to younger 4-H members is to try to do one of everything before your last year! That means each static project area, livestock and communication."

Clint Peters: "Get involved and do something new. The only way you can learn is by doing new things. My favorite 4-H memory is going to the Iowa State Fair four years in a row with Paige Dagel in Educational Presentation."

Caleb Smith: "My favorite memory is showing calves at the fair."

John Vander Veen: "My favorite 4-H memory was the year I got to be in final drive with Branden Johannsen and Brett Lange since they were my mentors. My advice would be work hard with your livestock projects all year, and it will be noticed on show day."

Although this summer is anything but traditional and the O'Brien County Fair may look different for 2020, the memories made and lessons learned will remain for years to come, as evidenced by these outstanding 4-H members.