REASON TO CELEBRATE

by
Maryann Miller

On Saturday, August 9th, the Winnsboro 4-H Club had a special event at the Trails Country Centre For The Arts (TCCA). They were celebrating the 100th anniversary of the organization in Texas by introducing visitors to what 4-H stands for; what it means to the young people who participate; and some of the projects they are involved in.

Nine young people, along with a number of adult sponsors, set up exhibits and spent the day talking to folks who came by to see what the party was all about. (Seated L-R: Rachel Moos, Rachel Bramlett, Reid Lovorn, Tud Krier. Standing L-R: Jaema Krier, Kanen Smith, Raney Lovorn, Ashley Slaughter, Spencer Bramlett, Nicholas Moos.)

Jaema Krier is the club manager, and she said it has been a real delight to work with the kids. "This is such a positive program," she said. "And we all benefit from it."

She explained that the 4-H is not a school club, like Future Farmers of America, but it is supported by the school. "It's treated like any other extra curricular activity," she said. "The kids have to maintain certain grades, as well as meet behavioral standards in order to participate."

The four H's stand for: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, and they are the four values members work on through projects and participating in events. Head is for Managing, Thinking. Heart is for Relating, Caring. Hands is for Giving, Working. Health is for Being, Living.

Some of the projects on display in Winnsboro that day were related to agriculture: dairy and butter, beef and livestock, but there was also one on Community Service. Kanen Smith created that display that had information on how 4-H members were helping in the community. He volunteers at the Blessing Box and said he really likes working there. "I guess community service is my thing right now," he said. "I've done a lot in Food and Nutrition before because I like to cook. But I'm focused more on community service lately."

Rachel Moos had the display that showed how butter is made. She is what is known as a "Clover Kid." She is not old enough to be a regular member of the club, but will be next year.

Raney Lovorn, pictured here with her mother, Renee, has participated in shows and events all across the country with livestock. She had a display "The Essentials of Beefmasters" that had information about acquiring, caring for, and showing beef. She also had a couple of her rabbits on display.

4-H programs began throughout the country in response to young people and their need for a better agricultural education. There isn't a specific date for the formation of the first club, nor is one individual credited with originating the 4-H program. The program was founded through the collective efforts of several individuals over the course of few years in the early 1900s. In 1907 or 1908, the first emblem used nationally was designed by O. H. Benson as a three-leaf clover. It stood for head, heart, and hands. In 1911, Benson suggested that the fourth H should be hustle, and the 4-H design was adopted. Later O. B. Martin suggested that health replace hustle. The 4-H emblem has stood for head, heart, hands, and health ever since. (Historical information from a 4-H Web site)

There are over 7 million 4-Hers in the United States alone, making 4-H the largest out-of-school youth program. Everyone, ages eight through eighteen, can participate in the 4-H program. (Ages vary among states) 4-H is a part of the Cooperative Extension System, a non-profit program operated through each state's land grant university. The Extension System's staff operate 4-H offices throughout the counties of each state.

One of the latest programs to be added to the 4-H organization is the study of Veterinary Science. "This is really exciting," Jaema said. "The kids who participate learn everything they need to know to take the test to be a certified veterinary assistant."

Ashley Slaughter is one of the Winnsboro 4-H members in the veterinary science program and she loves it. "I really like working at the clinic," she said.

Ashley interns at Tri-County Veterinary Hospital in Winnsboro. She is also an avid camper and hunter, and had a wonderful display of a camp, including a fake campfire. She said she's been hunting with her mother and father since she was eight, and she has a couple of deer racks that she is proud of. She is a student in Harmony and plans to eventually go to medical school to be a veterinarian.

Spencer Bramlett had a display that gave information on how to set up and equip an aquarium. Nicholas Moss had jars of milk that showed the difference between dairy cows.

It was a very educational experience for visitors who didn't know much about 4-H, and it was a great opportunity for the young people to shine. And shine they did. They were all pleasant, knowledgeable, and eager to share with those willing to listen.

Also on display that day was the 100 year anniversary quilt that is being raffled off. People were able to purchase raffle tickets that day, but the drawing is not until September 4th at the New Enrollment day. That will be held at First United Methodist Church in Winnsboro and starts at 6:00pm. "This is the day when young people can join," Jaema said. "And we welcome anyone who is interested."

For more information about the local 4-H club contact Jaema by E-MAIL