Meet the Delegates
Maura Palumbo
Maura has been in the Washington County 4-H program for 8 years. She started off showing dogs, and is now showing horses, a junior leader and metro ambassador. Part of what drives her to branch out to others at the state and national level is her passion for helping others. This trip to Washington D.C Maura says " Will help build my leadership skills and give me valuable information to bring home to my club, county and state."
When asked what defines her as a person she responded with this- " I think it isn't what defines me but what fuels me. I'm a passionate equestrian which makes me mold my lifestyle to my horse; Electra. 4-H has opened doors I could have never dreamed of finding. Since I have started my journey in 4-h I have been to Kentucky for a knowledge based competition, competed at multiple state level competitions, made friends with 4-h'ers all around Oregon and grow as an individual. I believe if I had to pick something that defines me I couldn't give just one answer, but 4-h would be the first place I would start."
Magdalena Swartzendruber
Magdalena or "Maggie" is in her third year of 4-H, and she loves it! She is from Douglas County. Her favorite project areas are small animals, sheep, and photography. She is incredibly excited to represent Oregon at National Conference and hopes to bring back some great ideas about how to get today's youth more civically engaged. She told us "I plan on impacting the world, so why not start with my own community?".
We asked Maggie a few questions and here is what she told us
What are a few words that describe you? - " I am caring, outgoing and understanding."
Who has influenced you the most in 4-H- Maggie told us that her 4-H leader has taught her so much " I credit her being the person I am today".
Janie Kiyokawa
Janie is from Lincoln County and has been involved in 4-H for 6 years. She has been primarily involved in the dog program. Although she also is involved in another static club where they also have small animals, do art and craft projects. Her passion lies with her dog club the K-9 Krusaders where she has gained knowledge and leadership skills by being a junior leader as well as a club editor for their monthly newsletter.
Janie says "From attending the National Conference I hope to further improve my public speaking abilities as well as enjoy the union of many 4-H'ers nationally."
Teresa Middleton
Teresa is the Oregon delegate chaperone from Douglas County.
Teresa grew up in Bend, OR and was in dog 4-H. She graduated from OSU with a BS in Forest Products, returned for a teaching certificate a few years later. She has worked for 4-H for about six years now. She has three grown children: Teresa and her husband have been married almost 28 years, they have a daughter who is a drug and alcohol counselor and is working on her masters in counseling, two sons who are both serving in the Navy AND, even though she does not feel old enough…She is expecting her first grandchild a GRANDDAUGHTER in August. Teresa says "love working with youth, especially teens and have seen other 4-H’ers come back from National Conference bursting with knowledge and enthusiasm so I’m excited to experience this first hand".
Teresa is the Oregon delegate chaperone from Douglas County.
Teresa grew up in Bend, OR and was in dog 4-H. She graduated from OSU with a BS in Forest Products, returned for a teaching certificate a few years later. She has worked for 4-H for about six years now. She has three grown children: Teresa and her husband have been married almost 28 years, they have a daughter who is a drug and alcohol counselor and is working on her masters in counseling, two sons who are both serving in the Navy AND, even though she does not feel old enough…She is expecting her first grandchild a GRANDDAUGHTER in August. Teresa says "love working with youth, especially teens and have seen other 4-H’ers come back from National Conference bursting with knowledge and enthusiasm so I’m excited to experience this first hand".