By SANDRA HANSEN, Ag Editor,

Probably few children entering their first year of 4-H are thinking beyond their projects of yummy cookies, a fancy apron, cuddly rabbits or maybe a balky, but loveable calf. Seldom at that stage, do they anticipate what these early efforts might lead to, other than more and better of what they start with.

And that is fine. How many would switch from bugs to rockets? Or from cooking to a note card business? But that is the beauty of the program. 4-H youth are encouraged to explore all possibilities, and volunteer adults are available to help them succeed in their endeavors.

According to Karen DeBoer, Cheyenne County Extension educator, the 4-H program is good for youth, their families and their communities. They all work together to create successful experiences, and often are able to take advantage of outside opportunities through their 4-H involvement. She said that Jake Nelson is a good example of what can come of the 4-H investment.

“He was an exceptional 4-Her and individual,” DeBoer said Thursday afternoon. “He was a county outstanding 4-Her last year, and was always willing to help. He was one of the older members who helped younger kids, and others.

“4-H gives families and communities a chance to work together, like Jake and his family.”

Nelson, a freshman at Saint John’s University in Minnesota is a good example of where family support, adult encouragement and a sense of adventure can lead. Nelson, a 2011 graduate of Leyton High School, credits a great deal of his successful 4-H career to the many 4-H programs and adult volunteers who encouraged his venturesome spirit as he progressed through his 11-year 4-H career.

"I tried as many projects as possible,” Nelson said during a Christmas break interview. "One of the best features of 4-H is that it allows youth to experiment with a huge variety of projects which in turn lead to potential career options."

Nelson explained that he really enjoys cooking, but not as a career, and he also found that entomology was not something that he wanted to pursue further. He did discover that his entrepreneurial interests, combined with his artistic skills, could produce a successful note card business. Rocketry and computer science propelled him to earning his private pilot’s license at age 17, but the most valuable projects for him were public speaking and presentations.

"Effective communication is absolutely vital in every avenue of life, from home and school to the job site," he said.

Adults he encountered along the way "would literally encompass all of Cheyenne County," Nelson declares. "Walk down any street in downtown Sidney and you'll find a businessman or adult who has assisted me with some project or other."

His interests included computers, range camp, art classes, public speaking, and horsemanship. They led to his pursuit of excellence in all aspects of his life, and patience, perseverance and attitude that will benefit him in the future.

Maybe one of his top achievements that he ties directly to his 4-H experience is the four-year, full ride Army ROTC scholarship to St. John's University in Minnesota -- valued at $187,000. "I was awarded the scholarship primarily because of all of my years in 4-H, and the program leaders recognized that 4-H builds leadership qualities and work ethic within those who whole heartedly participate

"I know that my years spent in 4-H will serve me well during the next three years of college and officer training. I have already given a few briefings and my 4-H founded public speaking skills have helped me greatly.

"Most importantly, 4-H gave me insight to realize that nothing worth having comes easy. You can't train a steer in a week, and that trip to the 4-H National Congress doesn't happen with shoddily done record books. I can apply this philosophy of ‘hard work earns great things’ to my Army career and expect much success."

A fifth generation farmer, Nelson said he spent much of his time learning about conservation and ranching with 4-H projects and Range Camp. His mother's college friend, Dr. Debra Enzenbacher heard about his interests in conservation and suggested that he read Thoreau's book, Walden. The world renown author inspired Nelson , and during his senior year in high school, Dr. Enzenbacher, professor of sustainable tourism and development at Brunei University, encouraged him to submit an essay to the Thoreau Society Bulletin, describing Thoreau's influence in a teenager's life. His essay was accepted, and Enzenbacher invited him to visit her in Brunei, to hike through some of most beautiful rainforests in the world, and to experience first hand a culture very different from western Nebraska.

Nelson spent 13 days in Brunei, sandwiched between flights from Denver to Seattle, to Japan to Singapore to Brunei, and back again.

"The underlying theme in this whole adventure would be that 4-H opens doors. It offers the potential to take you to places thousands of miles away for experiences you can never forget," Nelson said, as he packed his bags and returned to St. John's where he is an ROTC cadet as well as majoring in engineering.

Nelson said ROTC allows cadets to attend the school of their choice and get a college degree while completing the necessary training to become an Army officer. Upon graduation, ROTC cadets are commissioned and become 2nd Lieutenants. They must fulfill a minimum four years in the U.S. Army after college graduation. Depending on grades and performance at a four-week leadership test in Washington state, cadets are sent to a branch of the Army, such as infantry, intelligence, and aviation, which will make the best use of the individual's skills. With his interest in aviation, Nelson was glad to be assigned to that branch.

His scholarship, one of only a few four, three and partial awards, was awarded on the basis of his high school GPA, physical fitness, and extra-curricular participation.

As parents, Ellen Nelson said she and her husband, Gene, want to help promote 4-H and encourage other youth to take advantage of this great program. Their other son, Ethan, 15, is also enrolled in 4-H and other community and school activities, blazing his own trail.

“We have had fun watching what interested the boys, and we worked hard to help them with their interests and dreams.

“4-H reflects the American Dream and work ethic inherited from our founding fathers,” Ellen said. “If you work hard and do your best, you have succeeded. That mindset follows our youth throughout their lives. It is a good lesson.”