Kendall County 4-H'er Earns Ticket to 4-H National Congress

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Kendall County 4-H member Cydney Olah will join other top 4-H members across the nation for the 93rdNational 4-H Congress, Nov. 28 through Dec. 2 in Atlanta, Ga.

Olah, 16, of Oswego, also was selected to perform at the event, which is the first time in more than five years an Illinois 4-H’er received that honor.

Olah and other 4-H members from across the country earned the prestigious right to attend National Congress by excelling in their chosen 4-H project work, as well as leadership, community service and citizenship, throughout their entire 4-H career.

“Cydney is a dedicated, creative and caring 4-H member, and we are proud to have her represent Kendall County and Illinois at National Congress,” said Kim Eisnaugle, 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator. “She is interested and involved in a large variety of 4-H projects and things outside of 4-H as well. She has encourages her fellow club members to become involved in more and new things, and she helps younger members develop project skills.”

Illinois will be represented at 4-H National Congress by 26 state 4-H award winners, including Olah, a 9-year 4-H member, who earned her place for Personal Development. She also earned Blue Awards in Food, Nutrition and Health and Community Involvement and Global Awareness.

“The thing I am most excited about is meeting other young people my age from different areas and experiences,” Olah said. “It is an amazing opportunity to learn and make new friends. I’m looking forward to it.”

“National 4-H Congress offers states an opportunity to provide these outstanding 4-H youth with an expanded educational experience through seminars, community service projects, and tours sponsored by local and national 4-H program donors,” said Debra Stocker, University of Illinois Extension 4-H and youth development specialist.

Highlighting this year’s event will be the premier expert on school-to-work transition, Eric Chester. He will be joined throughout the week by CNN correspondent Nancy Grace; internationally known speaker, songwriter/recording artist, and author Dan Clark; and Holocaust survivor Dr. Eugen Schoenfeld.

All Congress delegates will participate in special cultural programs during the International Dinner and a night of programming at the Atlanta History Center. Other experiences during National 4-H Congress include educational tours and workshops focusing on cultural differences, team leadership development, and the power of youth.

Olah’s application was based on her work in Community and Personal Development, which includes projects in leadership, public presentations, visual arts and photography. She also has exceled in sportfishing, foods and nutrition, floriculture and horticulture. Olah joined the 4-H Federation this year and now serves as the teen group’s vice president, and she is a junior leader of her club, Outbacker Kids, and also teaches workshops at the club and county levels.

“I try to set a good example,” said Olah. “There are younger kids in our 4-H Club and I know they look up to the older members. I love sharing knowledge and skills with others and that they will then pass it on.”

Outside of 4-H, Olah also is active in music at the Fox River Academy of Music and Art in Oswego, playing piano, ukulele, and banjo, as well as teaching piano. She was selected to be one of 12 performances at 4-H National Congress, following her audition video featuring a compilation of banjo music from multiple generations.

“I’m honored,” she said. “Illinois has not been picked to have an entertainer in several years, and I get to perform in one of the few spots.”