Koenig Participates in 4-H Legislative Academy

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Joshua Koenig of Burfordville, Cape Girardeau County, was among the youth delegates who gathered at the state Capitol Feb. 16-18 for the 11th annual University of Missouri Extension 4-H Legislative Academy.

The academy, presented by FCS Financial and Gamble & Schlemeier, brought more than a dozen youth from across the state to share 4-H stories and experiences with legislators, law firms, commodity groups and state agency leaders.

While in Jefferson City, Joshua and the other delegates were hosted in the state Capitol by Sen. Brian Munzlinger. The group heard from Missouri Bar Executive Director Sebrina Barrett and local attorneys, met with Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Rhodes Russell and talked with legislators, sponsors and special guests at a dinner sponsored by Ameren Missouri. Delegates went on an evening tour of the Capitol led by Rep. Mike Kelley.

Joshua spent an afternoon shadowing State Senator Wayne Wallingford. The following day, academy delegates met with executive branch officials, including tours of the offices of Secretary of State Jason Kander and Gov. Jay Nixon.

Joshua and the other delegates discussed trends and current events with agricultural leaders from the Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Beef Industry Council, Missouri Cattlemen's Association, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Pork Association and Missouri Farm Bureau.

In addition to FCS Financial and Gamble & Schlemeier, Academy sponsors included Nelda S. Godfrey, Missouri Soybean Association, Patek & Associates, Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Polsinelli Shughart PC, Carson & Coil, Martin & Grayson, Missouri Agribusiness Association, MO-AG's Jim Russell Foundation, and Ameren Missouri.

Missouri 4-H is a community of more than 260,000 youth ages 5-18 from rural farming communities, suburban schoolyards and urban neighborhoods. 4-H youth are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills, guided by more than 10,000 caring adult volunteers statewide. University of Missouri Extension 4-H is the youth development program of the nation's Cooperative Extension System.