Two of Iowa’s 50 4-H members receiving 2020 state 4-H project area awards are from Washington County. The two local recipients are Jenna Messer in Food and Nutrition and Roy Carter in Civic Engagement. The recognition process was held virtually this year. The 4-H members can explore broad topics and award applicants are asked to explain how they’ve demonstrated leadership, communication, and civic engagement through this exploration of a project area over a number of years. Each award recipient was granted $100.

Messer is a member of the Washington Go Getters 4-H Club and has been a youth leader to Clover Cookers Club. Carter is a member of the Jackson Jets 4-H Club and the ELITE Project Team. His project award related to leadership and citizenship including the ripple effect caused by random acts of kindness.

Applications for next year’s state 4-H project area awards are due February 1st, 2021 and all 4-H members in grades 9-12 may apply for up to two project area awards per year. The new 4-H year begins in September, to get information on how to join contact the Washington County Extension Office at 319-653-4811.