4-H Program Development Committee Candidates

Empowering youth to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with caring adults is at the heart of 4-H. This PDC works to develop programming that best fits the needs of kids through after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4-H camp.

Stephanie Hays

In your view, what role does Extension play as part of a thriving community? 

The Extension plays many roles in thriving communities. It is a vital source of information and resources for community members. The many services offered include: Family and Consumer Sciences, Information for the Aging, Horticulture resources, Agriculture, and 4-H youth programs. All of these programs are available to meet and improve the lives of community citizens.

Please list the top (3) three priorities, in your opinion, for the 4-H program development committee. 

The top three priorities for the program development committee would be:

1. Developing programs to meet specific Sedgwick County community needs.
2. Marketing programs and extension services.
3. Research best policies for extension programs.

Please list relevant work/community involvement/volunteer experience. 

I have 20 years experience as an educator and 19 of these years have been as a Sedgwick County Special education teacher. I have 42 years of experience involved in 4-H. I started as an active 4-h member at the age of 7. I am currently the dairy goat and dairy cow 4-H leader, a Sedgwick County Fair Superintendent, as well as finishing my first term on the 4-H PDC. I had 20 years experience as a farm owner and operator.

What else should we know about you? 

I also have a business degree and a marketing degree which I think will be very beneficial for the program development committee. I have a passion for improving and supporting the extension office. I believe it is an amazing institution whose supports are underutilized. I enjoy working with others and brainstorming ways to improve programs.

Amanda Smarsh

In your view, what role does Extension play as part of a thriving community?

I have always been a firm believer in ''learning by doing.''  Hands on 4H activities provide members with purpose, develop identity and creates a positive culture which connects members to the community.  In my opinion, education programs through 4H provide an essential vehicle for youth community well-being.

Please list the top (3) three priorities, in your opinion, for the 4-H program development committee.

1. To encourage youth to develop their skills and talents to the fullest.
2. Build and ever-expanding web of inclusion and positive relationships between youth and community.
3. Providing knowledge to the community (youth) to help them in determine their plan of action in life.

Please list relevant work/community involvement/volunteer experience.

Grew up doing horse activities, while doing so I held multiple leadership roles and volunteered in different positions; volunteer at Andale Elementary weekly or more in my children's classrooms; active board member for Heartland Youth Rodeo Association; past board member for Central Kansas Youth Rodeo Association; I've worked for Hutchinson Community College for the past 7 1/2 years providing CPR and First Aid to the community (students/business & industry).

What else should we know about you?

My husband and I have lived in Andale for the past 15 years, where we are raising our 2 boys.  I have worked in some form of customer service or education for the past 20 years.  Being involved in youth rodeo and sheep showing there is always places to volunteer or step up.  With all my past experiences I tend to take a leadership role when given the task that I'm passionate about.

Janet Sprecker

In your view, what role does Extension play as part of a thriving community?

The Extension Service is a key educational resource to help communities thrive and prosper.  The Extension Service helps bring the knowledge and expertise developed at the land-grant university level into local communities.  The local access to this knowledge and expertise can help individuals and communities make better economic, leadership development and health-related decisions that ultimately impact everyone.

Please list the top (3) three priorities, in your opinion, for the 4-H program development committee.

1. Review and strengthen 4-H programs at the local club level across Sedgwick County.
2. Work to develop more volunteers to help lead county-wide project groups.
3. Continue to support 4-H programs that reach children that do not participate in traditional 4-H clubs.

Please list relevant work/community involvement/volunteer experience.

My educational background includes a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from K-State and a M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Wichita State.  Previously, I worked for NASA at the Johnson Space Center in Houston and for the FAA in the Wichita Aircraft Certification Office.  From 2009-2017, I was a member of the Derby Public Schools Board of Education.  I have volunteered as the community leader for the Derby 4-H Club for the past 8 years and as a member of the Sedgwick County 4-H Advisory Council for 6 years.

What else should we know about you?

I grew up in southwest Kansas and was active in the 4-H program for over 10 years as a youth.  My two sons have also been in the 4-H program here in Sedgwick County.  My older son is finishing up his 11th year in 4-H and my younger son is finishing his 8th year in 4-H.  I believe the 4-H program gives students great learning opportunities in both their project work and in leadership experiences at the club and county level.

Dagny Waldmeier

In your view, what role does Extension play as part of a thriving community?

Extension services have lasting benefits to citizens in a variety of areas.  We are fortunate to have a safe, reputable resource to ask questions, learn from, and grow with through Extension.  Our Extension agents and staff are a plethora of knowledge for today's focused tasks and an encouragement to developing tomorrow's leaders. Extension is vital to our thriving community.

Please list the top (3) three priorities, in your opinion, for the 4-H program development committee.

Citizenship, Leadership and Education are three keys to success in 4-H.  I believe every citizen could benefit from Extension guidance and activities, especially 4-H participants, families and friends.  Making the Best Better is no small commitment and, at the same time, it is a worthy pursuit.  Passionately living out the 4-H Pledge is a wonderful opportunity for the 4-H PDC to grow and share the priorities of: citizenship, leadership and education.

Please list relevant work/community involvement/volunteer experience.

4-H Parent/Volunteer, Achievers Club and OzSome Camp, Summer2018; Former Scholastic Book Fairs Support Representative, Mid-America Region, served schools and libraries in Sedgwick, Butler and other SC KS Counties, 2015-2018; BabyBay and EPIC Camp Volunteer, New Spring Church, Wichita, 2018; CGE Parent Volunteer and PTO member, 2013-Present; Kid'sMinstry/KidZone/Wedding Coordinator/Reception Hostess, Countryside Church, Wichita, 2003-2017; Women's Encounter Server, Crossroads & Countryside, 2012-2016.

What else should we know about you?

Our family is new to 4-H this year! I have an awesome husband, Wally, and three amazing children, Madison(11), Arabella(11) and Lawson(8). We have a fairly simple life with a great dog and four fish. Our ever growing desire to learn and try new things has us on the go quite often. We enjoy participating together as a family and are loving doing 4-H! I am excited for the opportunity to serve in new ways with 4-H and Extension. Glad to be continually learning, growing and doing in 4-H!

Marc Yung

In your view, what role does Extension play as part of a thriving community?

Extension is a full and practical approach to allow volunteers an opportunity to work for and within their community.  It provides you with the ability to learn and grow within your community, and at the same time offers you the benefits that come from giving back to help and encourage others.  A thriving community is one that is constantly challenging its members to do more and give more for the greater good.  Extension provides a platform for that to happen.

Please list the top (3) three priorities, in your opinion, for the 4-H program development committee.

1. Educating today's youth.  There is a lot to learn by being in 4-H.  From how our government works to showing livestock.  There is something for everyone.
2. Offering today's youth access to employers.  Empowering our youth and helping them gain access to their future.  Giving them the opportunity to learn first hand who they want to be.
3. Getting 4-Her's involved, and not just being members.  Take the time to really sink yourself into 4-H.  Get all that it has to offer you.

Please list relevant work/community involvement/volunteer experience.

I graduated from Kansas State University in 1986, and have been employed in agriculture from day one.  Agriculture is my passion.  I was involved in the meat industry for the first twelve years out of school, and have been in the feed business ever since.  Being involved in agriculture and working within Sedgwick County 4-H as a livestock superintendent has been very enjoyable and rewarding for me personally.  I love agriculture, and I love seeing what today's young people can do in agriculture.

What else should we know about you?

I got into 4-H as a young kid growing up on a small farm in Sedgwick County.  It gave me the background and tools to help me be successful through High School and Kansas State University.  It was the foundation for my success in business.  Shelly and I have encouraged all of our three kids to be involved in 4-H, and all of us have seen the positive foot forward that 4-H provides.  The Yung's are a 4-H family and always will be.