Jennifer Alexandre rewarded for hard work in 4-H Club: nominated by peers as ambassador

G.P. Vanier student Jennifer Alexandre is ecstatic to have been named Ambassador for the region in 4-H Club.

Emily Plihal
Smoky River Express

Confident, well-versed, mature, and kind.

These are all words that describe Georges P. Vanier student Jennifer Alexandre, and a large reason why she was chosen to be ambassador for the local 4-H Club.

The vivacious Grade 12 student was honoured with the title two weekends ago, as she represented her 4-H club at Provincial Judging in Olds.

“Out of all the competitors, 14 individuals get picked each year from across Alberta,” says Alexandre. “My goal for the last six years has been to become ambassador for the Peace Region.”

Alexandre explains about 90 kids from across the province vie for the ambassador title at selections. She says only senior 4-H members can compete for the title, senior members being 15 years of age or older.

Ambassadors work on regional and provincial level to be positive role models to other students involved in 4-H, as well as to others in their community or school system.

Alexandre explains she is extremely excited to have the opportunity to promote 4-H, a club she says helps to create a more confident, compassionate individual.

“Before I started 4-H, I could not even talk to someone I didn’t know,” says the self-proclaimed shy 17 year old. “The club has enabled me to become less shy, and become more comfortable in areas where I need to use clear, confident communication skills.”

In addition to being a positive role model, Alexandre will also have aide regional specialists in 4-H to create regional and provincial events.

“It is exciting to know that I can help to make the 4-H club in our community run more smoothly,” says Alexandre. “There is so much the 4-H club offers to students and adults alike.”

Alexandre says normally when people think of 4-H, they think of agriculture, ranching, or roping. She reminds everybody that there are different skills developed through 4-H, and even different programs urban communities use to help mould a well-developed individual.

“It is not just an agricultural program,” says Alexandre. “There are 4-H clubs around the world, and they have many different programs. Some projects involve domestic animals, craft projects, photography projects, and performing arts. There are so many benefits to being part of a 4-H club.”

Alexandre has been a part of the Smoky River 4-H club for eight years of competition.

She says she has been to provincial presentations twice, which entails creating a Power Point presentation.

This process starts with a club presentation, where the top two students move on to divisional competition. After divisionals, one individual will compete at the regional level. Next is a provincial competition where the two top from regional competition join others from across Alberta.

Alexandre explains the local 4-H focussed on beef, sheep, light horse, and photography projects this year.

“The 4-H focus is a youth program run by leadership, and communication skills,” says Alexandre. “The selections is where senior members get to compete for a trip of an ambassador role.”

Selections began May 1 – 4, where individuals had to work in small groups. At the end of the weekend, 50 per cent of their diary points are taken. The diary points are compiled of projects and events completed during their term as 4-H member.

Peers also score each other on maturity, communication skills, leadership, and team work skills.

Each individual is quizzed on agricultural stats, any 4-H item, and current events.

Alexandre, who proved she could handle the role of ambassador will hold her position until May 2011.

Next up for Alexandre is school at Lakeland College where she is hoping to obtain her Crop Technician certificate.

She will then go to a designated University where she would like to obtain a degree in Agricultural Studies.

For now though, Alexandre is happy learning to become a well-rounded ambassador. She is anxious to promote a club her passion has poured into for eight years.

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