School may be out, but Heartland senior Megan Friesen’s work has just begun. For the past 10 years, she has been involved in 4-H, and that means a summer filled with completing as many projects as she can in time for the York County Fair. Her dedication and hard work have paid off as she has been selected as one of only 25 Nebraska 4-H teens to attend the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, GA, November 20 – December 3.
“I’m excited to be selected for Nationals because it is a one-time opportunity. My work in the family consumer science area and leadership skills were critiqued in my record book for this selection,†said Friesen. While at the conference, she will hear motivational speakers and participate in leadership seminars featuring community service work.
Creating and sewing quilts is her first love, and right now she has nearly completed three quilts that she will enter in the fair. She credits her grandmother Esther Friesen for sparking her interest in quilting and the York County UNL Extension quilting workshops that she has attended. She especially has enjoyed sewing and donating three quilts to the Quilt of Valor program the past few years.
Friesen’s past projects have been in woodworking, family consumer science, foods, as well as showing hogs. 4-H is a family tradition with her father showing cattle in 4-H when he was growing up.  Since they raise market hogs, he suggested they start showing hogs in 4-H.  She lives with her parents Rodney and Pam Friesen on the family farm east of Henderson and has three brothers who also have participated in 4-H.
As a Heartland student, Friesen has been involved in FFA, Art Club, Science Club, Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Choir, and Chamber Singers. She also enjoys scrapbooking and baking as hobbies. She plans on majoring in elementary education after graduation next year, but doesn’t yet know where she might attend college.Â
Congratulations to Megan Friesen for this outstanding accomplishment and opportunity to represent Nebraska at the National 4-H Congress. She is very worthy of being named this month’s HeartlandBeat Student of the Month!
Shannon Siebert
