Mason County 4-H launches ambassadors program.

Contestants (L to R): Cameryn Sutcliffe; Adrianna Malburg; Lydia Howe; Kaela Blais; Hillary Howe

Mason County 4-H youth have been participating in the Diamonds and Boots Ambassadors Program for the 2015-2016 4-H year.

The program is described as an opportunity for 4-H members to promote 4-H, the Western Michigan Fair and the agriculture industry, as well as an opportunity to experience personal growth and development.

The Diamond and Boots Program has a Junior Ambassador division with contestants 11-15 years of age and a Senior Ambassador division ages 16-19 years.  This year there were five participants in the Junior Ambassador division and no participants in the Senior Ambassador division.

Applications were filled out and essays were written and turned by the June 15 due date.  On July 9 essays were read to judges, Michigan State University Extension staff, 4-H leaders, and parents; and personal interviews were completed at White Pine Village.  Winners will be announced on Sunday, August 9 at the Western Michigan Fairgrounds fair kick-off celebration.  The two selected ambassadors will have the opportunity for leadership training through MSU Extension 4-H programing.  Ambassadors will be representing Mason County 4-H in local community gatherings, parades, and at Western Michigan Fair activities.

The ambassadors will be helping out at shows, judging and auctions  fair week to hand out ribbons.  They will also represent the Mason County 4-H Program throughout the year at events:  Scottville Harvest Festival Parade, Holiday Parade in Ludington, 4th of July Parade in Ludington, Family AfFair, WMFA Country Christmas, Friday Night Live(s) to name a few.