LITTLE ROCK — “One of the more important areas of focus within the 4-H organization is leadership,” stated Benton County 4-H Agent Jessica Street, “The Benton County Teen Leader organization strives to expose our members to various leadership opportunities to help prepare them to become better leaders in the future.”

The Teen Leader initiative is one of many programs coordinated by the Benton County Extension Service 4-H Program. There are two levels of Teen Leader involvement: Intermediate (ages 13-14) and Advanced (ages 15-19). Teen Leader applicants must have been in 4-H for at least one year, submit a detailed application highlighting areas of involvement, and participate in a panel interview before being accepted to the organization.

The more experienced the group, the more highlevel opportunities are available in which they may be involved.

One such opportunity for the Benton County Advanced Teen Leaders is paging at the Arkansas State Capitol and meeting with local government representatives.

Earlier this month, members of Benton County’s Advanced Teen Leader group toured the Arkansas Treasury, had lunch with Representative Dan Douglas and served as pages during legislative session.

The group was present during the veto override of the "Arkansas Human Heartbeat Protection Act."

“The teens who represent the Benton County Teen Leaders are an amazing group of young people,” said Benton County 4-H Agent Janice Shofner. “Our future is in good hands,” she added.