Lindsey McCarthy has been around animals her whole life.

Whether it’s showing dogs, rabbits, pigs or barrel racing, she likes the outdoors.

So, when McCarthy heard about 4-H, the youth development program in agriculture, she was instantly interested.

“I joined 4-H super late compared to most other kids, so I knew there was a lot of work to do,” said the Seaside High School senior, who got started in seventh grade. “If it wasn’t for me hearing about it at a dog show, I obviously wouldn’t be where I am with it today.”

Through hard work and focus, McCarthy has an opportunity that only five other high schoolers in the state get to do. This Thanksgiving, McCarthy and other Oregon youth ambassadors are leaving for Atlanta, Georgia, where they will meet with other high schoolers from all over the United States at the National 4-H Congress.

The event will consist of meetings, speeches and talking to legislators who are in charge of passing bills on agricultural-related issues.

“4-H gives me the opportunity to show dogs, rams, colts, rabbits, counsel and meet with legislators,” McCarthy said. “It’s all about civic engagement.”

In addition to her work with 4-H, McCarthy is also involved in a number of other activities, from Key Club, being selected princess in this past summer’s Astoria Regatta court, playing on the Seaside soccer team and helping out with the high school band.

McCarthy likes to stay active and try new things. This was the biggest reason she decided to get involved in the Astoria Regatta.

“It helped me get out of my comfort zone,” she said. “The event consists of five-minute speeches to the community and it’s centered towards keeping the maritime tradition we have here alive.”

McCarthy was born and raised in Seaside. She enjoys the mountain, river and ocean views and the cohesiveness of the resort town.

“I love that we are all so different,” McCarthy said. “We might be different, but in the end, we all have each other’s back.”

Being a senior, McCarthy is thinking about what her future might look like. She has a goal of what she wants to do, but is open to where life takes her.

“I plan to attend Pacific University to be a dental hygienist, but I know there might be the opportunity for other things as well,” she said.