The first year Sarah Townley ran for Missouri State 4-H Council, she did not win. She interviewed to attend the National 4-H Congress, but again fell short. However, that did not dissuade the young lady from Dade County. She set a goal to serve 4-H members at the state level. And this summer Townley showed that persistence pays off as she became the Missouri State 4-H Council president.

"The key is to not get discouraged," Townley says. "You don't always succeed on your first try or even second, but there is always a chance to change and try again. You can't let fear stop you from trying."

Opportunities at any age

NEW LEADERS: The 2016 State 4-H Council Executive Committee. Front row, from left: Kenlyn Shettlesworth, Brynne Davis, Claire Ludwig and Jordan Collins; back row, from left: Delaney Schmidt, Luke Walker, Sarah Townley and Blake Summers. Photo credit: MU Extension 4-H

Townley had a late start to her 4-H experience. She joined the Busy Bees 4-H Club in junior high. "My parents encouraged me to get involved," she notes. "So, I tried it. I don't think I really knew just how involved I would be or how much it would change my life."

She grew up raising crossbred cattle and a few hogs. But those were not her main 4-H projects. "I really enjoyed the horse project and cake decorating," Townley says.

Townley took to showing horses at county fairs enrolling in western pleasure classes and occasionally lead events. "The horse project taught me a lot about working with horses," she notes. "I also met many new friends."

However, her cake decorating project left a lasting mark. Townley says in the southwest Missouri region the Busy Bees 4-H Club is known for producing impressive decorated cakes for the county fair, so she enrolled in the project. She became quite proficient at the craft. Today, her talent takes her beyond the blue ribbons. "I decorate cakes for people and parties now," she adds. "It has really opened a few doors for me."

AT HOME: Sarah Townley finally finds her place behind the podium at State 4-H Congress as the new president. Townley did not allow setbacks in her 4-H career deter her from achieving her goal.

But Townley quickly point out that 4-H is more than just completing projects.

Beyond the project

"A lot of people do not realize that you can be involved at the regional, state or national levels in leadership," she says. "4-H helps develop valuable life skills." She says members have an opportunity to engage in public speaking, community service, leadership and overall personal development.

Townley notes that 4-H allows members to take those life skills and transform them into a career choice. Coming from a farm background, she had a passion for agriculture. However, she credits 4-H for helping her develop her passion into a career choice.

This fall she will return for her sophomore year at the University of Arkansas where she is double majoring in animal science and agricultural communications. "My experiences in 4-H has given me the confidence to try anything."

Townley will lead the Missouri State 4-H Council, which represents the voice of youth for Missouri 4-H, serving as mentors and ambassadors, and playing a major role in the statewide 4-H events of MU Extension. Last year, more than 23,000 Missouri youths participated in 4-H clubs. Missouri 4-H programs reached more than 260,000 youths in 2015.