4-H Youth Shines in Sewing, Cooking, and Community Service

In the heart of Philomath, Oregon, a young woman named Kyah Weeber has turned her passion for sewing and community service into something truly special. As a dedicated member of the 4-H Youth Development Program, Kyah’s story shows how perseverance, mentorship, and the simple joy of making things by hand can change a life.

From designing her own prom dress to mentoring younger 4-H members, she’s showing everyone how sewing can bring people together, build skills, and spark personal growth. It’s honestly a little inspiring to see how something as classic as sewing still matters.

The Journey of a Young Sewing Enthusiast

Kyah’s love for sewing started early, thanks to her mom, Leslie Weeber, who also grew up in 4-H. Together, they started a 4-H club called Sew Smart Cookies back in 2016, focusing on sewing and a bit of cooking too.

Her first projects were tiny clothes for her dolls—her mom taught her the basics. That early start not only gave her technical skills but also a real appreciation for the craft.

Creating the Perfect Prom Dress

One of Kyah’s biggest achievements? Making her own prom dress. She found this white mesh fabric with embroidered flowers at JOANN, and instantly knew it was the one.

The end result: a flowy, light green gown she wore to prom, then showed off at the Benton County Fair and Oregon State Fair. The dress even made it to a national 4-H showcase in San Antonio. Not bad for a high school project.

But the process wasn’t all smooth sailing. Kyah really struggled with inserting the boning, which gives the dress its structure. With her 4-H leader’s help and a bit of trial and error, she got it right in the end.

That challenge taught her a lot about problem-solving and sticking with something, even when it gets frustrating. There’s a lesson in there somewhere, isn’t there?

Leadership and Community Service

Kyah’s 4-H work isn’t just about sewing. She’s stepped up as a leader and mentor, helping younger members with their own projects.

She’s also big on community service. She coordinated a donation of handmade cat and dog beds to Heartland Humane Shelter & Care. And during the Philomath food drive, she played a major role—most of the volunteers were 4-H families, which says a lot about the program’s spirit.

Award-Winning Dedication

People have started to notice Kyah’s hard work. In February, she received the 2025 Future First Citizen award from the Philomath Area Chamber of Commerce.

This award recognizes her leadership, community contributions, and commitment to excellence. It’s clear her time in 4-H has shaped her—and the people around her—in real, lasting ways.

Expanding Horizons

Sewing might be at the center of Kyah’s life, but she’s got other interests too. She started swimming in third grade and recently snagged two first-place finishes at a meet in Eugene.

After watching the animated movie Brave, she joined her local 4-H archery club. It’s just another example of how she’s always looking to try new things and push herself a little further.

Future Plans

Kyah’s about to start at George Fox University, where she’ll study elementary education. She plans to keep sewing, maybe even designing costumes for college theater productions.

All those 4-H experiences and skills? They’ve set her up well for whatever comes next. There’s a sense she’ll figure it out, even if she’s not totally sure what the future holds.

The Impact of 4-H

Kyah’s story really shows what the 4-H Youth Development Program can do for young people. It teaches practical skills, but it’s also about building community and leadership.

She started out as a quiet fourth-grader and grew into a confident leader. That kind of transformation doesn’t happen by accident.

Mentorship and Growth

Throughout her time in 4-H, Kyah leaned on the mentorship of her leaders and peers. Her mom, Leslie, has always been there for support and inspiration.

Her dad, Matt, pitches in too, serving as an assistant leader for the archery club. That family involvement really highlights how much community and support matter when you’re growing up and finding your way.

Conclusion

Kyah Weeber’s journey through 4-H really shows what you can do with a mix of creativity, effort, and a little help from your community. She’s inspired plenty of young sewing fans, and honestly, it’s hard not to admire what she’s accomplished.

Kyah’s time in 4-H has given her experiences that’ll stick with her. Who knows what she’ll take on next, but it’s clear she’s ready to make a difference wherever she goes.

If you want more details about Kyah’s story or how the 4-H Youth Development Program works, check out the full article on the Oregon State University Extension Service website.