AMES — Fifty Iowa 4-H members will receive 2018 state 4-H project awards. They are recognized as youths who have exhibited exceptional leadership, communication and civic engagement within their project area.

The awards are given to 4-H’ers who have displayed mastery, leadership, communication and service in a specific project area. Each youth recipient was also granted a $100 award from Glen and Mary Jo Mente of Ames and the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

4-H projects give members the opportunity to strengthen their skills and knowledge in a wide variety of areas. “This recognition is a great honor and testament to the dedication these young people have invested in mastering skills in a specific project area, while also sharing their knowledge with others through communication, leadership and citizenship opportunities,” said Bonnie Dalager, 4-H youth program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

“Each year, 4-H’ers from around the state complete a rigorous written state project award application and a panel interview process,” said Dalager. “The recognition process provides additional skill development opportunities that help young people prepare for future college or career processes such as interviewing. “

Two 4-H members from Hamilton County were honored:

• Anna Ervin, Citizenship

Hamilton County 4-H’er Anna Ervin, is the daughter of Scott and Paula Ervin. Anna is a nine-year member of the Clear Lake Sailors 4-H Club. She has served as historian, secretary and treasurer in her club over the years. Anna has been honored to receive the State Project Award in 2017 for Communication and in 2018, Citizenship. Throughout her nine-years in 4-H, Anna has been involved in the citizenship, communication, photography, leadership, and food and nutrition project areas. She has also participated in communications contests at the county and state level. Anna is a senior at South Hamilton High School.

• McKenna Mitchell, communication

Hamilton County 4-H’er McKenna Mitchell is the daughter of Janet and Ted Mitchell. As a nine-year 4-H’er, she is active in communications, photography and citizenship project areas to name a few. McKenna is a senior at Webster City High School. In 4-H she has been the president of her 4-H club. She is an active member on County Council and she is active in leading photography and food and nutrition workshops. On the state level McKenna is on State Council and is serving as youth trustee for the Iowa 4-H Foundation. Previously she was awarded the Photography State Project Award.