CHEVY CHASE, Md., April 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National 4-H Council recognized successful 4-H alumni, young people and supporters at its fifth annual 4-H Legacy Awards in Washington, D.C. this Thursday, April 3, 2014. Two alumni -- Andrew Bosworth, vice president of ads and pages at Facebook and inventor of the social media site's popular "news feed," and Anne Burrell, celebrity chef, author and Food Network host -- received Distinguished Alumni medallions.

Arizona 4-H'er Andres Parra was honored with the Youth in Action Award, which is presented annually to a 4-H youth who has excelled against personal obstacles and taken action to improve his or her community.

National 4-H Council hosted the evening of celebration to highlight the need for engaging more young people in positive youth development across the U.S. and the world. Themed "Science Exploration," this year's event featured spotlights on the importance of science/STEM education for today's youth.

"As America's largest youth development organization, 4-H helps grow remarkable young people into confident adults with purpose," said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. "Every year, the 4-H Legacy Awards gives us an opportunity to shine a light on the dynamic alumni, young people, professionals, donors and public figures who make the 4-H experience one that is life-changing."

4-H alumna and CNN Headline News host Nancy Grace emceed this year's event, which included an "up close and personal" interview between Grace and Distinguished Alumni honorees Bosworth and Burrell. Both honorees shared their experience as young 4-H'ers and discussed how STEM skills factored into their career success.

Youth in Action Award winner Andres Parra delivered a moving speech about the obstacles he overcame as a Mexican immigrant who moved to Tucson, Arizona.

"The future is bright for our industry, our young people and our world because of organizations like 4-H and the leaders they develop," said Brett Begemann, president and chief operating officer, Monsanto, as well as 4-H Legacy Awards Committee Chair. "At an early age, participation in 4-H encourages an appreciation for agriculture and helps children develop leadership skills that will help them succeed throughout their lives.  Monsanto is a proud supporter of the National 4-H Council and we're thrilled to be part of events like this that celebrate both the leaders of today and tomorrow."

The 4-H Legacy Awards is National 4-H Council's premier fundraising event. Proceeds directly fund 4-H programs and support National 4-H Council's mission to increase youth participation in high quality 4-H positive youth development.

To view more photos and video segments from the 2014 4-H Legacy Awards, visit www.4-H.org/gala.

About 4-H
4-H is a community of seven million young people around the world learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of the Cooperative Extension System and 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In the United States, 4-H programs are implemented by the 109 land-grant universities and Cooperative Extension through more than 3,000 local offices serving every county and parish in the country. Outside the United States, 4-H programs operate through independent, country-led organizations in more than 50 countries.

Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.

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SOURCE National 4-H Council