4-H Ontario announces new 2026 4-H Ambassadors

4-H Ontario is proud to announce the selection of six ambassadors who will represent and champion the 4-H program across the province. The following 4-H youth were selected to represent 4-H Ontario in this prestigious role: Anna Siekierzycki (Grey 4-H Association), Jacob Bergsma (Oxford 4-H Association), Kaylee Wells (Grenville 4-H Association), Briar Shepherd (Wellington 4-H Association), Jessalyn Hendriks (Huron 4-H Association, Bruce 4-H Association) and Sidney Sicard (Grey 4-H Association).

The 2026 ambassadors began their term on May 9, 2026, at the 4-H Ontario Ambassador training day in Guelph, Ontario.  “I am so proud to announce the 2026 4-H Ontario Ambassador team. This group of exceptional leaders truly represent the values that 4-H fosters and will be an asset to this organization. I can’t wait to see them in action and hear all about the positive impact they have!” says Andy H, Manager of Youth Experience at 4-H Ontario.

For 20 years, the 4-H Ontario Ambassador program has provided youth with specialized training in leadership, citizenship, communications and public relations. 4-H Ontario Ambassadors will apply these advanced skills to recruit new 4-H participants and share the 4-H story. The 2026 Ambassadors will attend 4-H Ontario events across the province and represent 4-H at community events to promote and advocate for the 4-H program.

The 4-H Ontario Ambassador program is generously sponsored by GROWMARK, Inc. Since the program’s inception in 2005, GROWMARK and the Ontario FS Co-operative System have provided Ambassadors with this incredible experience and empowered Ambassadors to make meaningful connections in their communities and beyond.

Read on below to learn more about each of the new 2026 4-H Ontario ambassadors that will make a tremendous impact on the 4-H program. The ambassadors can be requested to attend events using the form on the 4-H Ontario website.

Anna Siekeirzycki joined the Grey 4-H Association in 2025 and was quick to dive into the world of dairy. She participated in the Wiarton Dairy 4-H Club and was named 2025 Grand Champion Dairy Show Person at her achievement day. Anna then went on to compete at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in November 2025 where she received the Justin Parish Memorial Award. Beyond 4-H, Anna is an active member of her community, serving as an ambassador for the Ontario Agricultural College and the Wiarton and District Agricultural Society.

In her application Anna shared, “I am incredibly grateful to this organization, and its core values and morals that strongly align with my own personal beliefs. The opportunity to give back and serve the community is integral to supporting youth; it would be an incredible experience to continue to grow and develop my interest and confidence in the agricultural field.”

Jacob Bersgma has been a 4-H participant for 12 years and has completed 54 projects during his tenure. He has also competed in provincial Go For The Gold six times and taken part in other provincial opportunities including Discovery Days, Youth Adventure Camp, Provincial 4-H Leadership Camp, the Impact Conference, Future Leaders In Action and the National Members Forum with 4-H Canada. Jacob began volunteering as a 4-H camp facilitator in 2024 and dedicates his time to other organizations such as Junior Farmers and Niagara College’s Feed the Community Initiative.

When asked why he wants to be a 4-H Ontario Ambassador, Jacob said, “When talking with adults who were in 4-H or have seen the impact of 4-H on others, they speak so highly of the program and that makes me proud to see what impressions people have of 4-H. I hope the ambassador program can help me make a larger impact on those around me and bring more awareness to the 4-H program.”

Kaylee Wells joined the 4-H program in 2016 and has since completed 30 projects including beef, dairy and judging. She has competed in both the provincial and national judging competitions and won various high point awards in both beef and dairy. In addition to 4-H, she has participated in a variety of Ontario Agricultural College clubs and is a member of the Ontario Hereford Association and the Ottawa Valley Hereford Club.

When asked what makes her proud to be a 4-H participant, Kaylee shared, “When I first started participating in 4-H I was very shy and would get so nervous to go to meetings. Through the great members and leaders in this program I quickly was able to come out of my shell, build new connections and learn critical life skills that continue to help me every day. I think what makes me most proud to be a 4-H participant is the sense of belonging, achievement, meeting new people and working together.”

Briar Shepherd has been a 4-H participant for seven years and has completed 56 projects during that time, in addition to earning multiple dairy and judging awards. She has represented the Wellington 4-H Association at the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic and participated in other provincial opportunities including Future Leaders In Action, Career Mania, Dairy Sen$e and a club to club exchange with 4-H Saskatchewan. In addition, Briar is actively involved in her community at the University of Guelph and locally with the Erin Agricultural Society, Stanley Stick Hockey Association, and the Aberfoyle Community Centre.

When asked why she wanted to become an ambassador, Briar said, “I hope to serve as a positive role model and mentor, encouraging young people to take initiative, explore new opportunities, and recognize their full potential. Representing an organization I truly believe in while helping others discover the same opportunities that shaped my leadership journey would be an absolute privilege.”

Jessalyn Hendriks joined 4-H in 2014 and has since completed 40 projects throughout the Huron 4-H Association and Bruce 4-H Association. She is a highly decorated 4-H’er having received many high point awards for her participation in livestock projects and judging competitions, in addition to representing both the Huron and Bruce 4-H Associations at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Beyond 4-H, Jessalyn is active in her community dedicating time to volunteer with Sheep Farmers of Ontario, Beef Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Pork, the Huron Pioneer Thresher & Hobby Show and the Belmore Maple Syrup Festival.

When asked why she was proud to be a 4-H participant, she said, “I’m proud to be part of an organization that welcomes anyone to join an environment where there is equal respect. Meetings turn into places where laughs, smiles and new friendships are made [that] turn into longstanding friendships.”

Sidney is returning for her second term as a 4-H Ontario ambassador. She has been a 4-H Ontario participant for 8 years and has completed 32 projects. She is a 4-H Ontario Youth Leader and has also participated in several provincial opportunities including the provincial judging competition, the Impact Conference and most recently, Dairy Sen$e. She has also won various awards, including Grey 4-H Outstanding 4-H Agricultural Member, presented by the Ontario Plowmen’s Association and the CUPE Union Award which recognizes her consistent willingness to help others.

When asked why she wants to continue as a 4-H Ontario Ambassador, Sidney shared, “Being a 4-H Ontario Ambassador is more than a title to me; it is an opportunity to serve, to share, and to inspire. I want to use my experience, skills, and passion to reach youth who may not yet know the benefits of 4-H, whether through hands-on learning, mentorship, or simply sharing my story. I aim to continue serving as a 4-H Ontario Ambassador, building on the work I initiated during my first term and representing 4-H across the province with even greater impact.”