Abby Dressler is a member of the Pennsylvania State 4-H Council, where she serves as the news reporter. When not attending college or participating in 4-H activities, one of her favorite pastimes is riding her horse, Lightning, a 2-year-old Appaloosa. (Photo by Dianne Byers)

Ms. Dressler is about midway through serving her one-year term of service as the council's news reporter - a position she has held since February.

In addition to her council duties, she is also accountable for writing a draft, making any revisions and publishing a monthly newsletter for her fellow  council  members  and  others.

State council positions are open to any 4-H members ages 16-18 in good standing. According to information on the state's 4-H Web site, the council is responsible to publicize the    4-H program, plan state leadership and service programs undertaken by 4-H clubs throughout the state and portray a positive image through words, actions and appearance.

The application for the position notes applicants should be prepared for a "full and very busy year" and lists a full slate of events council members are expected to attend, including state 4-H Achievement Days, Pennsylvania 4-H Capitol Days, the Pennsylvania State Farm Show's governor's dinner and the opening ceremony for the Farm Show.

All these activities are in addition to attending a minimum of 10 of the 12 scheduled meetings each year and a host of local,   county  and  regional  4-H and  agriculture-related  events.

Ms. Dressler also helps with fundraising for the state 4-H program. She is currently seeking donations for the annual 4-H leadership conference open to   4-H members who want to build and perfect their leadership skills. "We appreciate any type of donation that goes directly to the state leadership conference to benefit more than 200 delegates from across the state," she said.

Ms. Dressler explained that she wanted to be a member of the state council because it was a natural progression in leadership. "I started in 4-H a few years ago and kept moving up," she said, adding, "I was doing well at the regional level and I thought I would go on and try for a state council position as a move to bigger and better things."

Jana Davidson, a children and youth educator for Penn State Cooperative Extension's Clearfield County office, noted she encouraged Ms. Dressler to apply  for  a  state  council  position.

"I did encourage Abby to go out for the state council position. She is probably one of the most energetic and enthusiastic people I know, especially when it comes to 4-H. On many occasions, Abby has stated that 4-H is her life and she bleeds green and white (the 4-H colors). Anytime there is a leadership opportunity at the county, regional or state level, Abby is always the first to get on board."

Ms. Dressler said she wants to encourage youth to become involved with 4-H because of the personal skills the program instills and the wide variety of topics covered.

From rocketry to robotics, textiles, fitness and pets - you name it, 4-H has a project for it. It's not just agriculture," Ms. Dressler said. "4-H has given me a lot of leadership skills and I am a much better public speaker. I have also learned teamwork through my  4-H  activities."

Mrs. Davidson said she met Ms. Dressler through 4-H and said her interest and enthusiasm for 4-H activities proved "her to be a natural-born leader who has been going strong."

Mrs. Davidson said Ms. Dressler also serves on two local 4-H committees.

"Abby was instrumental in helping to create the Clearfield County 4-H Teen Council, where she currently serves as president. The council formed in April 2007 and was actually a vision of Abby's for a long time," she said, adding that the member council organized a county-wide fundraising event earlier this year, along with a Master Showman contest and 4-H youth day held during the 2008 Clearfield County Fair. The council is also working on community service events and fall activities, including a kickoff event for the 4-H year.

Ms. Dressler was also elected to serve on the Clearfield County 4-H and Youth Development Advisory Committee - a group made up of community leaders, teachers and 4-H volunteer leaders. Ms. Dressler served as the representative for 4-H members and kept the committee up to date on what was happening in the 4-H program, as well as upcoming plans, Mrs. Davidson stated.

Ms. Dressler wanted to start the 4-H Teen Council because she believed if youth had ownership of the committee, it would likely grow and flourish, Mrs. Davidson said, adding, "She wanted youth to have a voice in planning 4-H programs and creating new opportunities."

Ms. Dressler's local 4-H club is the Open Range 4-H Club. She said it is a small group, about 12 members, whose interests and projects vary. Ms. Dressler joined 4-H when she was 13. "I have learned so much from 4-H. 4-H camp changed my life. I stepped up into the position as song leader. Being the song leader allowed me to open up and express myself. I got campers involved with each other and it showed me what I could do to help people and influence others."

Ms. Dressler said she is sad to be leaving 4-H, as it is only open to youth ages 8-18.

"I will be sad to no longer have Abby as a 4-H member next year, but if I know Abby, she will also remain a part of the 4-H program and we will likely see her in a future leadership role as a 4-H volunteer," Mrs. Davidson said.

Ms. Dressler is a 2008 graduate of DuBois Area High School and is a member of the Clearfield FFA Chapter. She is studying accounting at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and plans to attend Penn State University following  graduation  to study agriculture-business  management.