Representing Union County, Kellie Jo McKee from Imbler, Lena McClelland from Cove and Tom Stratton from Union were recently selected to serve on the Oregon State 4-H Ambassador Team.

The group interviewed for the team at the 4-H Summer Conference held in June at Corvallis.

McKee, a junior at Imbler High School, is the daughter of Rod and Georgia McKee, Imbler. McClelland, a junior at Cove High School, is the daughter of Steve and Patty McClelland of Cove. Stratton is a junior at Union High School and the son of Mark and Teresa Stratton of Union.

Oregon’s 4-H Ambassadors are young people who are authorized 4-H representatives of the highest rank.

Being a 4-H Ambassador in Oregon is an honor bestowed upon 4-H members who have proven to be enthusiastic leaders and promoters of 4-H in their club and county.

The three Union County 4-H members were among 23 county ambassadors interviewing for nine open positions on a 15-member team.

Potential state ambassadors must apply through their county program, be in the ninth grade or older, be recommended by their local 4-H agent, and attend a three-day training session.

Once these requirements are met, candidates participate in a series of competitive interviews and are selected based on their enthusiasm for the 4-H program, their leadership qualities and ability to serve as positive role models for the 4-H program.

Once appointed to the Statewide Ambassador Team, youth will remain active state ambassadors throughout the remainder of their career as a

4-H member.

The 2005 Statewide Ambassador Team will be working with the State 4-H Office and the 4-H Foundation to promote 4-H in Oregon, and will be the primary face of 4-H youth for the state.