Update from the AIS Youth Program

by Heather Haley and Carolyn Hoover

Carolyn Hoover sharing the love of all things iris
Photo by Dinah Oppenheim

We are pleased to share exciting news from the American Iris Society (AIS) Youth Program! Carolyn Hoover recently accepted an appointment as the new Youth Chair for this program. Many thanks to Cheryl Deaton, past youth chair, for her many years of dedication and support of the AIS Youth. Over the years, Mrs. Deaton helped Carolyn learn about assisting youth to develop their knowledge of iris culture through AIS activities.

Planting irises with AIS Youth in Region 14 
Photo by Carol Eshelman

If you have children or grandchildren, they can get involved in the AIS as a youth member to participate in fun and rewarding iris-themed contests. During 2024, youth under the age of 19 can become members for $12 with a printed IRISES bulletin, and $8 per year without. Visit the AIS membership page to print the invitation to join (ITJ) form and mail it with a check, or click here to pay by credit card.

Once a youth joins AIS, they are eligible to participate in the AIS Foundation's Ackerman Essay Contest and the AIS Youth Coloring Contest. No matter which AIS Region you are from, it is not too late to submit entries! The deadline for the coloring contest was extended to January 31, 2024 and essays are due in June. 

 

Youth Coloring Contest Page

Youth Coloring Contest Entry Form

If you know an active AIS Youth member with outstanding achievements please consider nominating them for the 2024 Clark Cosgrove Award. Nominations can come from any adult AIS member, and the due date is also January 31, 2024. 

Nominees for the Clark Cosgrove Award must:

• grow their own iris garden with a variety of irises, 

• attend shows and regional meetings, 

• participate in club activities such as meetings, sales, and shows, 

• be a good member of their community, 

• enter AIS Youth Contests such as the annual Coloring Contest and the AIS Foundation's Ackerman Essay Contest, and 

• promote the American Iris Society.

Feel free to reach out to Carolyn if you would like to submit nominations or a coloring contest entry. Also, she is happy to answer any questions about the exciting and updated AIS Youth Program and any 2024 contests. With your help, we can help youth enjoy the wonderful world of irises too!

Carolyn Hoover, AIS Youth Chair

45812 Old Corral Rd.

Coarsegold, CA 93614

yischoover@gmail.com

(559)760-5638