Wellington County 4-H member named Ontario ambassador
GUELPH – Wellington County 4-H member Briar Shepherd has been named one of six 4-H Ontario Ambassadors for 2026.
Shepherd, a seven-year member with 56 completed projects, will spend the year promoting 4-H at events across the province while gaining leadership and communications training through the 4-H ambassador program, now in its 21st year.
4-H Ontario ambassadors will use their skills recruiting new members and sharing the 4-H story, states a news release.
Shepherd has competed at the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic, taken part in provincial programs including Future Leaders In Action, Career Mania and Dairy Sen$e, according to the release.
The University of Guelph student has also travelled on a club-to-club exchange with 4-H Saskatchewan, and won multiple dairy and judging awards through the local association.
“I hope to serve as a positive role model and mentor, encouraging young people to take initiative, explore new opportunities and recognize their full potential,” Shepherd stated.
“Representing an organization I truly believe in while helping others discover the same opportunities that shaped my leadership journey would be an absolute privilege,” she added.
Shepherd volunteers her time with the Erin Agricultural Society, the Stanley Stick Hockey Association and the Aberfoyle Community Centre.
The five other ambassadors are: Anna Siekierzycki and Sidney Sicard of Grey County, Jacob Bergsma of Oxford, Kaylee Wells of Grenville, and Jessalyn Hendriks, of both Huron and Bruce associations.
The group began its term with a May 9 training day in Guelph.
“This group of exceptional leaders truly represent the values that 4-H fosters and will be an asset to this organization. I can’t wait to see them in action and hear all about the positive impact they have,” stated 4-H youth experience manager Andy Halse.
