hometownsource. com / heartland / Stories of the Heartland • Sunday, April 19, 2026 Page 29
triotic challenge cards, which kept volunteers laughing and participating all evening long. Ambassadors were instructed to quietly place one card in the center of the table when directed, smile, and step away— leaving the guests to read the challenge and figure it out on their own. Some cards were tied to what an individual had ordered, while others were meant to involve the whole table.
Several challenges quickly became crowd favorites. In“ Statue of Liberty,” everyone at the table had to freeze in a patriotic pose until their server returned. In“ Freedom Fanfare,” tables were challenged to create a dramatic drumroll using their hands or utensils, which some groups took very seriously— and very loudly. Other moments throughout the meal added a thoughtful layer to the evening, including a 10-Second Gratitude Pause before the first course, a Freedom Toast before the second course in honor of the volunteers who make 4-H possible, and a“ Red, White & Share” activity before dessert, where each guest named one thing they were proud of in Benton County 4-H this year.
One especially memorable moment came when a table received the“ Historical Figure” challenge card, prompting someone to introduce themselves with a patriotic
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proclamation. Without hesitation, adult volunteer Corinne Lyon stood and boldly declared,“ I am George Washington and I approve this meal,” drawing laughter and applause from around the room and perfectly capturing the playful spirit of the evening.
While the Mystery Meal was filled with humor and high energy, it also served as a meaningful reminder of what youth leadership can look like when young people are trusted with responsibility and encouraged to lead. Adult volunteer Jeannie Boyle shared that the Ambassadors did an incredible job and said their leadership, confidence, and joy were evident throughout the entire evening. She added that it was fun to be on the receiving end of their appreciation. Volunteer Corinne Lyon echoed that sentiment, sharing that while the Mystery Meal is always entertaining, what stands out most is seeing the youth take ownership, lead the event, and make adults feel genuinely valued.
After serving the final course, the Ambassadors were finally able to sit down and enjoy their own meals— this time with the complete meal and none of the mystery— before the evening transitioned into the business portion of the Leader’ s Council Meeting.
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Benton County 4-H Ambassadors and Leaders Council Officers welcomed guests to the annual Mystery Meal held in appreciation of adult volunteers. Pictured left to right are Mason Arnold, president and ambassador; Claudia Schlough, president-elect and ambassador; and Eliason Rademacher, officer at large and ambassador.
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