Editor's note: This is the latest in our Estevan Mercury/Nelson Motors and Equipment 4-H Member of the Month profiles. We thank Nelson Motors for their continued support of this promotion, and we applaud 4-H for continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of young people.
Name: Kiyah Mantei
Club: Benson 4-H Beef Club
Age: Eight
Years in 4-H: Three
Age group: Cloverbud
BENSON - Kiyah Mantei is in the youngest age group for 4-H, but she has already had a lot of great experiences through the organization.
Kiyah joined 4-H because her father Tyler was a member when he was younger. She also loves spending time around cattle. She has had steers in the Estevan Rotary Regional 4-H Show and Sale, and has even won the award for the cloverbud division for her judging skills.
The steers were brought into the show ring and the 4-H members judged the steers. Not only do they have to rank the animals based on quality, they have to provide reasons.
Kiyah has also made a lot of friends through 4-H, and she enjoys spending time with them at meetings.
Public speaking is also an important part of being part of 4-H. Kiyah said one of her speeches was about her father, how he brought her into the tractor and how much she enjoyed the experience.
The 4-H motto is Learn to do by Doing, and 4-H has taught her a lot of things, including what to do for her steer before it is sold at auction.
Kiyah said she would recommend being in 4-H to other young people.
"They get to spend time with other people, and … you can play around with your friends," she said.