Gordon and Ernsberger attend National 4-H Congress

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While many Americans spent the Thanksgiving weekend eating left overs and chasing Black Friday specials, Riley Gordon and Morgan Ernsberger were chasing another dream.

"I had so much fun at National 4-H Congress! I met people from all over the country and I even met some new friends from Missouri," Ernsberger said. "I am so happy to have been selected to represent Vernon County and Missouri on this trip. 4-H is different in all 50 states but we all cherish our heads, hearts, hands, and health, just like the pledge states."

They spent five days in Atlanta, Ga., with 900 other 4-H members from 43 states and Puerto Rico, attending the 2016 National 4-H Congress.

According to 4-H Youth Specialist Landon Sullivan, "The National 4-H Congress experience allows 4-H members from the across the country to learn new skills through workshops, hear from nationally recognized speakers and experience Southern culture."

Gordon and Ernsberger were among the 20 delegates sent to the National 4-H Congress by Missouri 4-H.

"Selection for this trip combines scores from a written recognition form and interview," Sullivan said. "Attendance at National 4-H Congress is a culminating event for many 4-H'ers and a highly sought after award."

Sullivan said the National 4-H Congress offers the delegates a wide range of experiences including educational workshops and vaunted speakers including Savvy Shields, the reigning Miss America.

The delegates also took the opportunity to give back to the community by participating in a "morning of service."

"Activities included, working in classrooms, cleaning up parks, preparing meals for homeless and shut-ins, sorting books to send to Africa and much more," Sullivan said.

"They are the type of young people who give us all hope of a better future," Sullivan said in October. "Their qualities of leadership will prove to be tremendous attributes for success in completing their educational and career objectives as well as and most importantly in their effort to build future leaders."

Both Gordon and Riley have extensive 4-H resumes including club officer positions. Gordon also served as the Vernon County 4-H executive council president last year.

Gordon is now a freshman at Pittsburg State University and Ernsberger attends the University of Missouri.

In addition to Gordon and Ernsberger, Elena Rodriguez was selected as an alternate.

For more information about 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu or contact 4-H Youth Development Specialist, Landon Sullivan at: 417-448-2560.