New 4-H Educator ready to take on youth programs

SIDNEY -- Extension Educator Jamie Bright introduced the new 4-H Educator at Monday’s Cheyenne County Commissioners meeting.

Ashlyn Roelle comes to the Extension Office with local roots and a history in 4-H.

“I grew up in Sidney, Neb., and I was an active member of 4-H for the whole 10 years I was eligible, showing horses, pigs and static exhibits such as photography. Through my experiences in 4-H, I developed strong confidence in leadership skills,” she said.

She is also the 2016 Cheyenne County Fair and Rodeo Queen.

“After graduating high school, I moved to Missouri where I attended the University of Central Missouri where I completed my bachelor’s in animal science. While I was in college, I wanted to be able to connect with people my age like I did in 4-H, so I attended the Ag Club, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and I was part of the Agriculture Honor Society,” she said.

Roelle interned at Rock Island Ranch where she was an instructor for youth horsemanship lessons. She also developed the “show-deo queen program” there.

“This program focuses on building confidence, leadership, horsemanship knowledge and public speaking skills. Participants engage in activities similar to traditional rodeo queen competitions, such as interviews, presentation, and livestock or horse-related knowledge while emphasizing personal growth, sportsmanship, and learning,” she said.

“Show-deo” is a combination of Roelle’s Rodeo Queen experience and 4-H history.

She said she is still learning her role with the Extension Office and is excited for “Animals Inside and Out” scheduled for April 28 in Sidney and the embryology portion of 4-H program framework under Ag and Animal Food System.

She is also working on her master’s degree.