New Mexico 4-H state officers begin new term
The 2013-2014 New Mexico 4-H state officers took office during the 4-H State Conference in July. They have begun planning many activities for their fellow 4-H members.
This year's officers are Lane Wallace of Roosevelt County, president; Shelby Herrera of Valencia County, vice president; Kylie Butterfield of De Baca County, secretary; Koby Cone of Roosevelt County, treasurer; Sierra Baca of Santa Fe County, reporter; Lily Woodall of Dona Ana County, parliamentarian; and Joshua Adams of Dona Ana County, song and recreation leader.
As members of the state officer team they will plan and conduct the Youth Get-Away, state conference and provide county and multi-county leadership workshops. They will also contact public officials on 4-H-related matters and help at the New Mexico State Fair.
Wallace, who served as a 4-H Diplomat last year, is a senior at Floyd High School. During his 4-H career, he has held many leadership offices including Roosevelt County Council president this year and Floyd 4-H Club president for four years. He has also participated at Boys State and is a member of the National Honor Society.
"When I was a diplomat I decided that I wanted to run for a state office to develop my leadership skills even further," Wallace said. "4-H is a great way to push yourself to learn and do new things."
Herrera, who served as a 4-H Diplomat last year, is a home-schooled senior. She was the recipient of the State 4-H Record Book trip to the National 4-H Congress in 2013. She is currently serving as Valencia County Council president and received the county's Top Hand Award in 2011. She has participated in the dog project for 10 years and photography for seven years.
"I loved serving New Mexico 4-H as a diplomat and wanted the opportunity to serve again, so I ran for a state office," Herrera said. "4-H is my life. I enjoy making friends and learning from the workshops."
Butterfield, who is a junior at Fort Sumner High School, served as a 4-H Diplomat last year, as well as being the De Baca County Council president, and president of Chaparral 4-H Club. At the 2012 state conference she helped with several workshops and led a session. For two years in a row, at the 2011 and 2012 state conference, she was senior clothing high point individual. This year she was senior high point individual at the Southeast District Horse Show.
"I wanted to be a state officer to make a difference in other people's lives and to be a positive role model to other youth," she said. "I enjoy all aspects of the state conference, but mostly the friends I make will be remembered forever."
Cone, a senior at Dora High School, said he wanted to be a state officer "to help New Mexico 4-H grow and to make a difference for 4-H members, whom I can influence to have a better 4-H experience."
During his career, Cone has been Roosevelt County's Outstanding 4-H Member at each level -Cloverbud, Novice, Junior and Senior - and has served as club and county council officer, including president. He has received top team and individual honors in livestock judging, dairy judging, livestock skill-a-thon, wildlife and public speaking.
Baca, who is Grant High School Class of 2014 president and a member of the National Honor Society, has served as a 4-H Diplomat as well as her club president. "I wanted to be a state officer because I love 4-H and couldn't wait to help out the program as much as I can."
She has participated in many different 4-H projects, including showing animals such as chickens, goats, pigs and lambs, as well as sewing and baking. "My favorite thing about 4-H is state events where I get wonderful opportunities to develop various skills and to meet wonderful and friendly people."
Woodall, who was a 4-H Ambassador last year, is a home-schooled senior. She has served on the Dona Ana County Council leadership team for four years; and is a junior leader for the horse project in her county. During her 4-H career, Woodall has received many high point awards for public speaking and demonstrations.
"I have had a great experience in 4-H," she said. "It has taught me many life skills to prepare me to be a responsible adult, who will contribute to the community. I want to help pass this on to others."
Adams is a junior at Las Cruces High School. He is an active member in 4-H and has received the Danforth I Dare You Award. His participation in 4-H projects ranges from shooting sports to dairy heifer, and from knitting to baking.
"I enjoy leading by example," he said. "I wanted to be a 4-H state officer because I think it will be a fun and rewarding experience. Being able to teach younger members and members my age will be an awesome experience."
