4-H members share their stories at Extension and Voices Day at the State Capitol

​      From left, Gracie Kaufman, Sen. Annette Sweeny, Slane McCue and Valorie Larsson, county youth coordinator with the Poweshiek County Extension and Outreach, have a photo taken during the Extension and 4-H Voices Day held last month at the Iowa State Capitol. Kaufman and McCue, both juniors at Grinnell High School, spent the day talking with area legislators about the impact of 4-H on their lives and others.

By J.O. Parker
 
        Two Poweshiek County 4-H members joined voices with youth from across the state at the Extension and 4-H Voices Day held last month at the Iowa State Capitol.
       Gracie Kaufman, 17, and Slane McCue, 16, both juniors at Grinnell High School, traveled to Des Moines on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
       Valorie Larsson, county youth coordinator with the Poweshiek County Extension and Outreach, joined the two 4-H’ers at the state capitol.
        Kaufman and McCue met with area legislators, Sen. Annette Sweeney and Rep. Dean Fisher, where they had a chance to share how 4-H has shaped their leadership skills, confidence, and involvement in agriculture, STEM, and community service.
       In addition, Kaufman and McCue where among a group of 4-H’ers from across the state who met with two 4-H members who are pages at the capitol this year. The 4-H’ers learned about becoming pages. The two pages also answered several questions. 
       They also received guidance on communicating with elected officials, and opportunities for youth to share their personal 4-H stories, highlighting the impact of Extension programs in communities across the state.
       “It was basically to let our legislators know what we are learning and how it has impacted us over the years and how we have impacted our communities over the years,” noted Kaufman.
      “It was really cool to meet our legislators,” noted McCue. “I have taken government classes, but it was really impactful to me to meet people who are actually in the government.”
        McCue, was able to share about what her and Kaufman’s 4-H club, the Mighty Golden Clovers, is doing and what she is learning in the 4-H Junior Master Gardeners program.
      Kaufman was able to meet with some of the queens from the Iowa State Fair Queen Contest that she participated with last year after being named the 2025 Poweshiek County Fair Queen.
        The two 4-H’ers were also able to tour the State Historical Society of Iowa while in Des Moines.
        “It was pretty cool,” noted Kaufman.
        And they enjoyed meeting 4-H leadership on the state level.
      “The focus of the day for 4-H members was to help them learn how to confidently share their own 4‑H stories and experience the legislative process firsthand,” said Larsson. “Gracie and Slane had the valuable opportunity to meet with Sen. Annette Sweeney and Rep. Dean Fisher, who listened with genuine interest and shared how 4‑H shaped their own lives. It was powerful for our youth to realize that their voices matter and that their experiences can influence real conversations at the capitol. Experiences like this strengthen the leadership and communication skills that are at the core of 4‑H, helping young people grow into engaged, capable citizens.”
     Extension and 4-H Voices at the Capitol also showcased innovative work happening statewide in agriculture, STEM, and leadership – reinforcing how Iowa 4-H prepares young people to contribute to their communities and future careers.
      Following high school graduation, Kaufman plans on attending Iowa State University to study agriculture. McCue plans to attend college and study graphic design.

        Iowa Rep. Dean Fisher visits with Slane McCue, left, while Gracie Kaufman listens. The two Grinnell High School juniors spent Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the Iowa State Capitol sharing stories about the impact 4-H has had on them.