Andrew Johnston was an active Leelanau County 4-H member in elementary and middle school. He participated in several 4-H international experiences, including hosting a boy from Japan and traveling there himself with 4-H.

Now, at 28, Andy credits his experience in 4-H for helping to prepare him for his work in international development.

After high school, Andy attended and graduated from Columbia University. He now lives in New York City and is the West Africa program manager for the International Rescue Committee.

His responsibilities focus on relief efforts in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d’ Ivoire, and Guinea. He is also working with emergency efforts to aid refugees in Chad.

(Below) Andrew Johnston (with hat) is surrounded by some of the children he is helping in Liberia.