GALT, CA (MPG) - On July 27, incoming Galt High School senior and local 4H President Elia Rodriguez, 17, was established as one of eight 4H 2025-26 California state ambassadors. 

Elia was pinned during the 4H State Leadership Conference closing ceremony, where she and seven other 4H leaders from throughout California were established as state ambassadors.

Elia’s mother, Susana Rodriguez, also the Galt 4H club leader, explained to The Galt Herald that earning this achievement involves a lengthy and competitive application process.

Members create a resume with all of their experiences that show their qualifications to hold this leadership role.

According to Rodriguez, more than 40,000 California 4H members apply for the State of California 4H ambassador title.

The application process is followed by a six-hour interview and a presentation, which examine the member’s 4H experience, community involvement and leadership skills.

 

Incoming Galt High School senior Elia Rodriguez received her pin as a 4H 2025-26 California State Ambassador on July 27. Courtesy photo

“Elia felt that this process was more like a life-altering experience and just getting to the interview was an accomplishment in itself since there had been hundreds of applicants and only 15 to 20 spots for the interview,” Rodriguez said.  

State ambassador is the highest rank of leadership that a member can achieve within 4H. Prior to this, Elia was a Sacramento 4H county ambassador for the past two years. She has also served as the Galt 4H president for six years.

“Getting this position has truly reminded me that life is not coming at me but it is coming from within me. I don’t deserve anything; I earn everything,” Elia said. “It has never been easy but my hard work is paying off. The mission is to never stop inspiring others; 4H has put me in the perfect position to do so.”

Rodriguez noted that 4H is most recognized for its reputation in fairs and animal showing, although Galt 4H has not had animal projects for the past eight years. Despite this, members still participate in the fair with indoor exhibits during the state and county presentation days.

“We hope that more people learn 4H is not just animals. Besides local clubs, they have a YES program (Youth Engineering and Stem),” she said. “The 4H program helps children develop many skills that help youth thrive in any circumstance.”

Besides her community involvement with the Galt 4H club, Elia is an active volunteer at the local nonprofit L’Chayim. Entering her senior year, Elia plans to study at a four-year university and earn a business degree. Elia also intends to continue her volunteer work with nonprofit organizations, where her mother said Elia hopes to inspire more youth to “find their spark.”

 

Pictured is Galt 4H President and State Ambassador Elia Rodriguez. Courtesy photo