Leonhard excited to start (8/21/04)

A 10-year participant in 4-H is excited about the opportunity to lead 4-H and other youth development programs in Jay County.

Beth Leonhard, a rural Ridgeville resident who was active in a variety of 4-H projects while growing up in Alexandria in Madison County, was hired this week as the new 4-H/Youth Devel-opment Exten-sion Educator in the local office of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service.

Leonhard, who will begin work Sept. 13, said Friday she can hardly wait.

“I am really excited about getting started. I’m counting the days ... I’m ready to get up there and start meeting the 4-Hers. I’m ready. I think it’s a great opportunity,” she said.

Leonhard and husband Michael have a 6-month-old son, Kendall.

Leonhard, who has a master’s degree in management from Indiana Wesleyan University (Fort Wayne), earned a bachelor’s degree in animal agri-business from Purdue University. She said her background — which includes participation in cattle, swine and sheep projects and an upbringing on a livestock/grain farm — gives her a deep appreciation for the value of 4-H.

“I’ve got a lot of ideas ... I’m excited about working with the 4-Hers and some of the other youth programs. I’m hoping to develop a good relationship with the teachers and the schools,” Leonhard said.

She said Purdue University, which has extension educators in all 92 Indiana counties, offers a wealth of resources for teachers and schools in a variety of subject areas.

During her 10 years in 4-H, Leonhard also participated in the junior leaders program and also completed projects in clothing, foods and other areas. She said she and her husband raise sheep, and that she enjoys attending livestock shows.

“I tried to take advantage of as many trips and activities that I could,” Leonhard said of her 4-H experience.

A charter member of the Indiana Junior Beef Cow Association, she is also a member of the Portland chapter of Psi Iota Xi sorority.

“The 4-H program (in Jay County) is really strong, and I just hope I can continue the strength of that program ... (and) come up with some new ideas to get some kids involved in other projects,” she said.[[In-content Ad]]