MEET THE NEW 4-H YOUTH PROGRAM ADVISOR LESLEY RYGAARD

Hello! My name is Lesley Rygaard the new SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Advisor for Bon Homme and Charles Mix County! I am from Winner, SD where I grew up participating in 4-H for all 11 years. Some of my favorite memories in 4-H were showing horses and beef, making crafts and different foods, and presenting public presentations. From showcasing your art skills, or showing an animal in the ring, to building your leadership skills, I loved all the aspects of 4-H and the fact that there truly is something for everyone. In conjunction with my involvement in 4-H, I was also involved in FFA in high school which is where I grew and deepened my passion for agriculture and agriculture literacy. My high school involvement in 4-H projects and my FFA Chapter drove me to pursue a bachelor's degree in agricultural education and animal science from South Dakota State University. Throughout college I interned with Tripp county 4-H and SDSU extension 4-H. Immediately following graduation, I taught agriculture education in northern Nebraska and later moved and worked on a small ranch in southern Nebraska with my husband for two years. I'm excited to be back in South Dakota, and closer to our families, as my husband and I just welcomed our new little girl into our family in early September. We are both excited to be a part of a new community and look forward to connecting with other families and supporters of 4-H. I am excited to get to work with the communities and watch youth grow in the 4-H programs throughout the year. Feel free to stop into the 4-H office and say hi I would love to get to know you!