CONTRIBUTED BY ACES
EAST ALABAMA — When people think of a 4-H State Ambassador, the first thing to come to mind might be the kelly green blazer. While the blazer is a recognizable symbol of the role, as 4-H alumnus Jalon Hunt said, “It’s more than just the green blazer.”
Alabama 4-H recently selected a new group of 30 young leaders from 22 counties to serve as the 2026-27 4-H State Ambassadors.
The ambassadors serve as representatives of Alabama 4-H, promoting its programs on the regional, state and national levels. They help plan state-level events, such as the Midwinter Teen Retreat and 4-H’s statewide community service project.
“Through this experience, ambassadors learn how to work as a team, manage their time, communicate effectively and take on real leadership responsibilities,” said Alabama Cooperative Extension System specialist Joy Scott, one of the advisors of the Alabama 4-H State Ambassadors. “These are skills that extend far beyond 4-H and can be applied in school, future careers and everyday life.”
The ambassadors also assist with 4-H youth councils within their regions. They spend the year immersed in opportunities to gain leadership and organizational skills, as well as meaningful friendships.
A place where leaders grow
Scott, who has worked with the Alabama 4-H State Ambassador Program for more than 15 years, said her favorite part of the job is seeing the growth in these young people year after year.
“Today, former State Ambassadors are serving remarkable roles across Alabama and beyond,” she said. “They have become Alabama 4-H professionals, business owners, nurses, teachers, farmers, elected officials and community leaders. Many continue to give back to the program as 4-H volunteers, while others have gone on to serve in national leadership roles, including the National 4-H Alumni Board.
“What makes me most proud isn’t just the titles they hold. It’s the kind of people they have become.”
This year’s 4-H State Ambassador president is Hannah Yocom from Shelby County. Yocom has been a member of 4-H for 12 years. She called the opportunity to serve as president “one of the greatest honors” of her life.
“4-H has always held a special place in my heart, and representing the State Ambassador Program makes my experience with the organization even more meaningful,” she said. “This role has given me the opportunity to grow as a leader, serve as a role model and represent the voices of others. Most importantly, it allows me to give back to a program that has given me so much.”
4-H family
One of Yocom’s goals as president is to ensure that all who join the program feel welcomed, loved and included, she said, just as she has in 4-H since joining at the age of 5.
Yocom said her favorite part of 4-H and its State Ambassador Program is “without a doubt, the people.”
“The people you meet become more than friends,” she said. “They become family — your 4-H family. They are the ones who lift you up during difficult times, guide you when you need direction and offer genuine friendship and support. Whether someone is your age or twice your age, 4-H creates a community where everyone is treated with kindness, and you feel comfortable turning to others for help.”
Yocom and Scott agreed that 4-H and its State Ambassador Program create an environment designed to help young people become the best version of themselves.
“Being a 4-H State Ambassador is not just about wearing a green blazer,” Scott said. “It is about representing the values of 4-H, being a positive role model and using your talents to help others succeed. The blazer may be what people see, but the growth, leadership and impact behind it are what truly make the experience special.”
State 4-H Ambassadors
The following local 4-H members will serve as state 4-H ambassadors for the 2026-27 program year:
• Ellis Reed, Lee County
• Kyzer Zeunges, Chambers County.
About Alabama 4-H
Alabama 4-H is the youth development organization of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. It seeks to empower young people with the skills to lead their communities and also grow into future leaders. Visit alabama4h.com for more information about 4-H leadership opportunities.
