Jayden Ingalls
Jayden Ingalls, a 4-H youth from Bexar County, is making a big splash on the national scene due to the amazing impact he is having on his local community! He was selected as a 2023 4-H Youth in Action finalist in healthy living. In the fall of 2022, he attended a White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in Washington, D.C., that convened government officials, non-profit leaders, business leaders, educators, and students committed to ending food insecurity.
Jayden’s story about developing his passion, finding purpose, and inspiring others is detailed on the National 4-H Council website.
Here is the excerpt below:
Jayden has always loved how food fosters community, culture, fellowship, and joy. Growing up, he struggled to find opportunities to expand his culinary education. Through 4-H, he found the support of an entire community and was provided the experiences that allowed him to explore his interests and realize his dreams all the way to competing on MasterChef Jr. Beyond learning the basics of nutrition and health, Jayden gained life skills like self-skills like self-confidence, empathy, and leadership through 4-H. One of his many accomplishments, Jayden serves as a 4-H Heroes 4-Health Ambassador, working with local representatives, extension agents, and facility leaders to offer health-focused programs at summer camps, specifically targeting underserved youth. Moving forward, Jayden hopes to continue educating others on the importance of healthy living, both mentally and physically. Aspiring to one day open his own restaurant, Jayden’s goal entering his senior year of high school is to inspire those around him to find their spark, like 4-H has done for him.
We celebrate him and others from around the nation who received this positive attention! Winners also get academic scholarships, travel expenses, networking opportunities, and an official spokesperson title. The National 4-H Youth in Action program, sponsored by Bayer and HughesNet, allows confident young leaders from diverse backgrounds to be recognized in four pillar areas (agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living, and STEM) each year. The nomination process is open and interested youth are encouraged to apply.
Guadalupe Castro
Extension Program Specialist
4-H Youth Development
gucastro@pvamu.edu