NATIONAL GRANGE NEWS
New National Youth & Junior Leadership Team Selected
The 2025 Junior, Youth, and Young Adult Ambassadors were announced during National Grange Recognition Night on Friday, November 15th. This announcement celebrated the remarkable individuals selected to represent the Grange at the national level in the coming year.
2025 Junior Grange Ambassadors
This year, two outstanding candidates were selected as National Junior Grange Ambassadors for the 2025 Grange year.
Justin Dusko of Pennsylvania, a member of Virginville Junior Grange and the son of Nancy and Jason Dusko, is an 8th grader who plays trumpet in his school band. He is a fourth-generation Granger.
Laci Liles of North Carolina, a member of Juniper Grange and the daughter of Joshua and Anna Liles, is a 7th grader who participates in the Beta Club and sings in her school choir.
When asked about the upcoming year, Justin said, “It feels great to be selected. I’m very in awe of everything still, but very excited for the year to come and see where this Ambassadorship takes me.”
Laci added, “The thing I’m looking forward to most is going to regionals and going to different Grange camps.”
Outgoing National Junior Grange Ambassador Gayle Reyburn reflected on her term, stating, “It has been such an honor to serve as the 2023-2024 National Junior Grange Ambassador. The year was filled with so many amazing opportunities that I am thankful for and will always remember.” To the new Ambassadors, she offered advice: “I’m so excited for the new National Ambassador Team. I know they’re going to have a great year filled with awesome opportunities and experiences. I encourage them to not stress too much during the year and to enjoy every moment because it will go by so fast.”
Congratulations to Justin and Laci!
2025 Youth and Young Adult Ambassadors The Youth and Young Adult programs also had a strong field of candidates this year, with four applicants for Youth Ambassadors and three for Young Adult Ambassadors.
Youth Ambassador Candidates:
Carter Settle (NC) – Little Mountain Grange #601
Melissa Kudsk (WA) – Haynie Grange #169
Taylor Rogers (NC) – Camp Grange #1299
Shae Smith (PA) – Elizabethtown Grange #2076
Young Adult Ambassador Candidates:
JC Junkman (OR) – Clarkes Grange #261
Desira Rickenbach (PA) – Virginville Grange #1832
Ashlan Smith (PA) – Elizabethtown Grange #2076
The 2025 Youth Ambassadors are Taylor Rogers of North Carolina and Shae Smith of Pennsylvania. Ashlan Smith of Pennsylvania was named the Young Adult Ambassador.
Taylor shared, “I’m really honored to be selected as the Youth Ambassador because I never thought I’d make it this far in the Grange. I didn’t grow up in the Grange, and seeing my growth is really cool in a place I never thought I’d be.”
Shae expressed excitement about serving alongside Ashlan, stating, “I’m looking forward to being Youth Ambassador so much with Ash. When we were representing Pennsylvania together, it was fantastic in itself, and being able to now do that again on the National level just has me so excited.”
Ashlan said, “I am very excited to be named Young Adult Ambassador. I’m looking forward to traveling and the opportunity to connect with new members and see how other Granges and other states work.”
Outgoing Ambassadors Reflect
The outgoing Junior, Youth, and Young Adult Ambassador teams passed off their sashes during the ceremony.
Outgoing Young Adult Ambassador Ashley Holloman said, “It has been an honor this past year to serve as the National Outstanding Young Patron. I have been able to talk about Grange in my classroom, community, and to new people all around the US. When I began this year, my goal was to advocate for Grange and to share the Grange story. It has been an honor to do that this year!”
Outgoing Youth Ambassador Asheton Medlin advised the incoming team: “I hope you guys have the best year and take our youth program to new heights.” Reflecting on her term, she said, “It has been an honor to represent our youth during this year of change, progress, and growth!”
Outgoing Youth Ambassador Garrett Phelps added, “I wish the next team good luck with your year. Remember that you are the only one who can make your year memorable.” Reflecting on his experience, he said, “It’s been an honor to serve the National Grange and interact with the members. Thank you for allowing me to make a difference and grow.”
Congratulations to all the new ambassadors as they embark on a year of growth, service, and connection!