CROWN POINT | Eight outstanding Lake County 4-H teens were recently named to the 2008 4-H Ambassador Board. A reception was held in their honor at the Lake County Cooperative Extension Service offices.

These outstanding 4-H members were selected based upon their overall accomplishments and achievements in the Lake County 4-H Program. From this group, Lake County 4-H Award winners in Achievement, Leadership, and Citizenship will be chosen and announced at 7 p.m. Friday during the 4-H Awards Night Program at the Lake County Fair.

These teens have participated in community service projects and promoted 4-H to other youth. Award recipients will be chosen based upon their performance in an application and presentation process.

This year's 4-H ambassadors include:

Hannah Katz, daughter of Richard and Judy Katz, of Crown Point, and a sophomore at Crown Point High School. She is a seven-year member of the Y2K 4-H club, has held several club offices and is a first-year ambassador. She dances with the Indiana Youth Ballet.

Therese Kennelly, daughter of Thomas and Margaret Kennelly, of Lowell, is a 10-year member of the Hanover Haymakers 4-H Club. She has been a member of the Lake County Ambassador Board since 2005 and received the Leadership Award in 2005 and Citizenship award in 2006. Therese received the Key Club Award in 2006, the 2006 Supreme Showmanship Award and the 2008 Indiana 4-H Foundation Scholarship. A 2008 graduate of Lowell High School, she will attend Indiana University this fall.

Kathryn Kukla, daughter of Mary Ann Kukla, of Crown Point, is a 10-year member of the RPFF 4-H Club. She was a member of the 2005, 2006, and 2007 Lake County Ambassador Board and was named a Royal Ambassador in 2006 and received the Leadership award in 2007. A 2008 graduate of Crown Point High School, she plans to attend Carnegie Mellon University.

Katelyn Kutemeier, daughter of Dean and Ruth Kutemeier, of Lowell, is a nine-year member of the Prairie Pioneers 4-H Club. A member of the Lake County Ambassador Board in 2006 and 2007, she received the Citizenship Award in 2007. A senior at Lowell High School, she is treasurer of the 4-H Junior Leader organization.

Stephanie Lamb, daughter of Arnold and Dwayla Lamb, of Highland, is a seven-year member of the Equestrian Express 4-H Club. She is a high school sophomore. Through Junior Leaders, she helped with Ag Awareness Days and promoted 4-H at the Family Fun Fest and open houses at her library.

Joseph Michalik Jr., son of Joseph Sr. and LeAnn Michalik, of Crown Point, is a seven-year member of the Y2K 4-H Club. A sophomore at Crown Point High School, he participated in the geranium sale, set up and took down the 4-H building during fair time, hosted the 4-H building, helped with concessions, helped with judging and helped with mini 4-H.

Rebecca Reed, daughter of Tom and Kris Reed, of Crown Point, is a seven-year member of the Crown Clovers 4-H Club. This is her first year on the Ambassador Board. A sophomore at Crown Point High School, she is a 4-H Junior Leaders officer.

Charles Zakutansky, son of Joseph and Dianna Zakutansky, of Hebron, is a nine-year member of the Winning Winfielders 4-H Club. This is his second year on the Lake County Ambassador Board. A senior at Boone Grove High School, he was a Junior Class representative and president of student council.

- For The Times