4-H Superyouth: Braden Lesch

4-H Youth are the Superheroes of the Future

By Kate Ewer, 4-H Community Educator

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (January 12, 2016) -- Cornell Cooperative Extension Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development Program connects youth to hands-on learning opportunities that help them grow into competent, caring, contributing members of society. In an effort to recognize the great things that 4-H youth accomplish, each month Cornell Cooperative Extension Chautauqua County will name a 4-H SuperYouth. This month we celebrate Braden Lesch.

Braden Lesch, a resident of Fredonia and an eight year member of the Canadaway 4-H Club, is January’s SuperYouth. Fifteen-year-old Braden is active in his club and has held the role of treasurer, vice president, and has been president for three years. He has participated in various life-skills programming including woodworking, ceramics, and community service. Braden excels in public speaking and has represented Chautauqua County 4-H at the New York State 4-H public speaking competition where he placed third for his Illustrated Talk, “Animal Intelligence.”

Braden is a seven year member of the 4-H Hog project and has completed two years in the Beef project. He has taken charge in the Hog project and was selected to be a Junior Superintendent at the 2015 Chautauqua County Fair. In 2015 he received a “Steer of Merit” award and received a County Medal in Communications and Expressive Arts and the Swine project. County Medals recognize youth who, by the recommendation of club and committee leaders, have completed mastery in a project.

Outside of 4-H, Braden is in 10th grade at Fredonia High School where he plays on the Boys Tennis Team and was on the 2014-2015 STEM Wars team that placed third in bridges category. Braden is active with the Fredonia First United Methodist Church Youth Group. He is a junior member of the Chautauqua County Beef Producers Association and the New York State and American Angus Association.

Trustworthy and hard-working, Braden Lesch truly represents the best qualities of a 4-H youth. Congratulations, Braden, and keep up the good work! 

Photo Caption: Branden gives his award winning presentation, "Animal Intelligence". 

The 4-H Youth Development Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated July 26, 2019