Hello! My name is Lesley Rygaard the new SDSU Extension 4-HYouthProgramAdvisor forBonHommeandCharlesMix County! I am from Winner, SD where I grew up participating in 4-H for all 11 years. Some of my favorite memories in 4-H were showing horses and beef, making crafts and different foods,andpresentingpublicpresentations. From showcasing your art skills, or showing an animal in the ring, to building your leadership skills, I loved all the aspects of 4-H and the fact that there truly is something for everyone. In conjunction with my involvement in 4-H, I was also involved in FFA in high schoolwhichiswhereIgrewand deepened my passion for agriculture andagricultureliteracy.

Myhighschoolinvolvementin4-H projectsandmyFFAChapterdrove metopursueabachelor'sdegreein agriculturaleducationandanimal science from South Dakota State University. Throughout college I interned with Tripp county 4-H and SDSU extension 4-H. Immediately following graduation, I taught agriculture education in northern Nebraska and later moved and worked on a small ranch in southern Nebraska with my husband for two years. I'm excited to be back in South Dakota, and closer to our families, as my husband and I just welcomedournewlittlegirlinto our family in early September. We are both excited to be a part of a new community and look forward to connecting with otherfamiliesandsupportersof 4-H. I am excited to get to work withthecommunitiesandwatch youth grow in the 4-H programs throughout the year. Feel free to stop into the 4-H office and say hi I would love to get to know you!