ROCKWOOD, ONT. (April 6, 2022) – 4-H Ontario is proud to announce the selection of four ambassadors who will represent 4-H Ontario across the province in 2022. The following four 4-H youth were selected to fulfill this prestigious role: Allison French (Peel 4-H Association), Ashley McClellan (Peel 4-H Association), Dougie Robinson (Stormont 4-H Association), Rhiannah Gallagher (Carleton 4-H Association). These 2022 4-H Ontario ambassadors commenced their year on March 26, 2022 at the Ambassador Luncheon in Richmond Hill, Ont.

“The 4-H Ontario Ambassadors are an integral part in the promotion of 4-H to current and future volunteers, youth participants and stakeholders. They showcase the values and opportunities 4-H provides across the province,” says Marianne Fallis, Senior Manager, Youth Experience, 4-H Ontario. “This year’s new team of Ambassadors will carry on the tradition of exceptional youth who are passionate about sharing the many experiences and opportunities the 4-H Ontario program has to offer.”

For more than 15 years, the 4-H Ontario Ambassador program has provided 4-H youth with training in leadership, citizenship, communications, and public relations. The 4-H Ontario ambassadors will use these skills to recruit new members and share the 4-H story. Ambassadors will attend 4-H Ontario events across the province and represent 4-H Ontario at community events to promote the 4-H program.

The 4-H Ontario Ambassador program is sponsored by GROWMARK, Inc. and the Ontario FS Co-operative System. Since the program’s inception in 2005, GROWMARK, Inc. and the Ontario FS Co-operative System have provided ambassadors with this experience through sponsorship of the program.  

Read on below for a listing and bio of the 2022 4-H Ontario ambassadors

Allison French

Allison is in her final year as a 4-H youth participant from the Peel 4-H Association and returns to the Ambassador program for a second time, following her term in 2019. Over her years in 4-H, Allison has taken advantage of many 4-H experiences including Youth Adventure Camp, Provincial Go For The Gold and an active role on the executives for the projects she has completed. Allison has also received many awards including the Carl Madget Leadership Award, the Cheryl Somerville Community Leadership Award and earned Duke of Edinburgh Silver Level.

When Allison was asked what makes her proud to be a 4-H participant, she said that “4-H has given me the opportunity to go outside my comfort zone and try new things through learning to do by doing. The 4-H motto has taught me so much that I use in my everyday life and will continue to use in the future.”

Ashley McClellan

During her nine-year tenure as a 4-H youth from the Peel 4-H Association, Ashley has completed 35 projects from Pasta, Agriculture Awareness, Photography, Poultry, Veterinary, Social Recreation and the Great Chicken and Egg. She also participated in a 4-H Canada Club-to-Club Exchange and exhibited at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Ashley is proud to be a 4-H participant because of the impact that it has had on her. Ashley’s reference said, “Ashley leads by example at 4-H clubs. She has completed over 35 projects in her nine years as a [participant].  She takes on leadership roles within the clubs and has held the executive roles of president, vice president and secretary for a variety of 4-H clubs. Ashley was part of the exchange to Consort, Alberta and this opportunity demonstrated Ashley’s leadership skills as she travelled across the country to meet new 4-H friends.”

Dougie Robinson

Dougie is a nine-year tenured 4-H participant from the Stormont 4-H Association and is returning for his second term as a 4-H Ontario Ambassador. He has completed over 50 projects, participated in many 4-H provincial events, and volunteered at the Global 4-H Summit in 2017. He has received many awards including the Believe and Achieve Award, National Bank Outstanding 13-year-old Award, and the Royal Bank of Canada Outstanding 14-year-old Award. Dougie says that 4-H has helped him build upon his communication and leadership skills and gain independence.

Dougie’s references spoke about his leadership abilities, his enthusiastic approach, and his appreciation for community, one saying, “Dougie is a true example of what 4-H is all about”. Dougie shared that he would like to continue his ambassador journey to share his enthusiasm for youth involvement and community betterment with people across the province.

Rhiannah Gallagher

Rhiannah has been a 4-H participant for 11 years in the Carleton 4-H Association and has completed over 27 4-H projects during her tenure. She has received the “I Pledge” Award for sportsmanship and enthusiasm, she is a past Queen of the Furrow and an accomplished judge. Rhiannah is a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority where she is involved in philanthropic activities to raise money and supplies for many worthwhile causes. She is involved in the Ontario Agricultural College’s Sheep & Goat, and Judging Clubs.

When asked why she wanted to become a 4-H Ontario Ambassador, Rhiannah said that “I want to share my passion for agriculture that was fostered through 4-H. I want to give back to an organization that has given me so much and I want to inspire and encourage others to participate in this great opportunity called 4-H.”

To schedule a 4-H Ontario Ambassador for your next event please complete the request form online here.

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About 4-H Ontario

4-H Ontario is a non-profit positive youth development organization that builds youth as leaders within their communities and assets to the world. With roots in rural Ontario, today it is open to youth of all backgrounds across the province. 4-H youth ages 6–21 and screened, engaged volunteer leaders come together to learn about selected topics through fun hands-on activities and mentorship. There are also provincial camps, conferences, competitions and national and international travel opportunities available to further develop skills in leadership, business, self-confidence and more. 4-H provides youth with a place they can be involved, accepted, valued and heard while developing valuable skills for leadership and life.

About FS

FS provides agriculture-related products and services to farmers and rural residents in Ontario and the United States through local FS branded member co-operatives and by GROWMARK, Inc. subsidiaries. FS branded and related products and services include crop inputs, crop protection, seed, grain marketing, energy products and services, feed and animal health as well a variety of consumer related products for farm, home and garden, through its more than 70 sites throughout rural Ontario. Visit: www.fssystem.com or www.growmark.com.

For more information please contact:

Laura Goulding, Manager, Communications, 4-H Ontario

519.803.5026, communications@4-hontario.ca