Outstanding 4-H president

Jason Pareo, president of the Valencia County 4-H Council, earned Reserve Champion in the National 4-H Prepared Public Speaking Contest at the Western National Roundup in Denver, Colo.

He qualified for this event by being the New Mexico State 4-H Champion in Prepared Public Speaking. Jason’s speech addressed an issue deeply important and personal to him — the suicide crisis in agriculture.

He wrote the speech in honor of Mr. Daniel Mathews, who tragically lost his life in late 2022, and to raise awareness about a struggle that affects individuals and families within the agricultural community.

A devoted Valencia County 4-H member for seven years, Jason currently serves as president of the Valencia County 4-H Council and as the New Mexico State 4-H Public Speaking Ambassador on the State 4-H Leadership Team.

In addition to his leadership and speaking achievements, Jason alongside his family, shows dairy heifers at the Valencia County Fair, state fairs and national shows. The Valencia County 4-H Program and County Extension Agents Sierra Cain and Crystal Anaya are extremely proud of Jason’s accomplishments.

Members like Jason exemplify how 4-H serves as a vessel for talent, leadership and meaningful impact, Cain said.

“Congratulations to Jason Pareo on this outstanding achievement,” she said.