Clear Lake teen invited to share 4-H insights in the Oval Office

Spencer Orr credits his involvement with 4-H as an opportunity to gain leadership, citizenship, and communication skills.  All of those skills were taken to a new level this month when the Clear Lake teen was invited to the White House Oval Office to meet President Barack Obama.

Orr, 17, spent April 10-16 in Washington, DC with hundreds of other delegates at the National 4-H Conference.  While there, he worked on a round-table committee that prepared and gave a presentation to the USDA, promoting healthy eating to teenagers.  He was one of eight delegates to the conference who were chosen to meet with the President to discuss  childhood hunger and poverty.

“The week was truly amazing. Aside from meeting the President, I have been able to hear stories from all over the continent about how powerful 4-Hers can be,” said Orr.  “Some of these stories are extremely touching and inspirational.”

Orr has been involved with 4-H since he was in fifth grade. A junior in high school now, he competes  in various horse competitions at the local and state level, showing as a member of the Bits & Spurs 4-H Club.  He also has participated in citizenship, photography, visual arts and communications project areas.  He serves on the State 4-H Council and has played a role in taking his local Bits and Spurs Judging Team to win the Iowa State Championship four years in row. 

“My experiences through 4-H have shaped me into the person that I am, and will continue to impact my life forever.”

Spencer is the son of David and Tammy Orr.