Local 4-H student reports back from D.C. civics, leadership trip

From walking the halls of government to learning about good citizenship, Cody Shaw proudly represented Steele County in Washington, D.C.

Shaw, an incoming senior at Owatonna High School, was one of 34 4-H students from Minnesota to be selected for Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), an annual 4-H program that unites students from around the country in Washington, D.C. to learn about leadership, civic engagement and the history of American government.

The trip ran June 20-27.

The CWF selection process is competitive, and Shaw is the first Steele County student to join the trip in eight years.

“It was such an honor to go on this trip,” he said.

CWF included a tour of Capitol Hill and a visit with Rep. Brad Finstad, where students got to discuss relief efforts for the recent flooding in the area with their local representative.

Shaw cited Arlington National Cemetery as a highlight of the trip, with the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier making a particularly strong impression on him. He also visited the National Archives to see the original copies of the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence.

“That was pretty interesting to see the documents that shaped America today,” said Shaw.

The trip featured educational programming on the First Amendment, media literacy and good citizenship. Shaw said it was inspiring to learn more about his rights. Students also met with 4-H alumni from around the nation, who guided them through leadership training. The training touched on declining membership in 4-H, offering students strategies for how to better recruit and retain members.

Shaw said he believes good leadership requires someone to be trustworthy, respectful and hard-working, and to have effective communication skills.

“I definitely think this has helped me become more of a leader for my club and my county,” said Shaw.

His mom, Tracy Ackman-Shaw, participated in 4-H in her youth, as did her parents. It wasn’t until college that realized how well 4-H had prepared her for life, and she wanted her son to have the same opportunities she had. She expressed her gratitude for the strong 4-H presence in Steele County, which has taught him important lessons and allowed him to explore a wide range of new skills.

Throughout his time in 4-H, Shaw has explored a wide range of pursuits, including cooking, photography, and arts and crafts. He’s shown animals including rabbits, cows and a dog.

CWF is a longstanding 4-H tradition, and Ackman-Shaw knew what an honor it was to be accepted. Some of her relatives have joined the trip in the past.

“I was really excited that he wanted to go on this adventure to Washington, D.C. It is a big commitment, both time and money,” said Ackman-Shaw.

“It was great for him to be able to connect and not just see a picture on a page of these impressive places in D.C., but to actually be there and learn about it and experience it,” she added.

As the sole student from Steele County, Shaw only knew a handful of his fellow CWF participants. However, the trip gave him a good opportunity to make new connections.

“I got to meet a bunch of new, great people that I hope to keep in touch with along the way. It’s always good to meet new people instead of just being in your own little friend circle,” he said.