I got my start in 4-H

I Got My Start in 4-H

Libby McNeal, Highland County 4-H Program Coordinator

 

Many of us got a similar start in the 4-H Youth Development program; however, the possibilities are endless for the dreams and jobs that 4-H helped us accomplish. As the OSU Extension, Highland County, Program Coordinator for 4-H Youth Development, I now have the rewarding privilege of watching youth get their start through the 4-H program.  

 

I remember watching my older sister join the “3-H 4-H” club as a third grader at Fairfield Elementary; I was very eager to join the next year. As a fairly reserved young person, participating in 4-H increased my self-confidence and ability to speak in public. Judging contests, club demonstrations, and serving in officer positions enabled me to practice skills that would be very beneficial in the future. When I reached high school, I also became active in the FFA, going on to serve as an Ohio FFA officer, but I credit my start to the experiences I gained through 4-H. 

 

In 2008, I graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education. Before becoming the 4-H Program Coordinator for Highland County, I had the opportunity to work with Nikki Eyre, the 4-H Educator, for a year. As I look back now, I can truly appreciate the development opportunities that were available to me through the 4-H program. I am grateful that I have the pleasure of working with 4-H volunteers, advisors, and key leaders in the community who make the 4-H experience possible. To celebrate 4-H week, past Highland County 4-H members, as well as current members offer stories of how they got their “start in 4-H.”

 

 Any youth in Highland County, age 5 and enrolled in kindergarten as of January 1 of the current year can join 4-H Cloverbuds. Membership to the 4-H club program begins when a child is at least 8 and enrolled in 3rd grade as of January 1 of the current year. Ohio 4-H membership ends December 31 of the year in which an individual reaches the age of 19. For more information about the Highland County 4-H Program, please visit the website at www.highland.osu.edu or call the OSU Extension office at 393-1918. We are looking forward to another great year watching 4-H members grow and develop into future community leaders and contributing citizens.         

 

What 4-H Has Done For Me  

By Kelsey Clinton

I joined 4-H, four years ago. In it, I have learned or honed in on many skills that will help me later on in life. For example, I have learned not to procrastinate or at least to procrastinate less. I’ve learned to be responsible, that to succeed in the fair, or most things in general, you have to actually DO the work, and do it well.

 

 My first year, I procrastinated, incredibly, waiting until almost the end of July to even look at my project books which were due to be done in September. The next year, I started maybe in late June, and my ending result was better. That year I won second place in 2 of my projects. This last year, I looked over my books as soon as I received them and started on my projects then. I won two 1st place trophies. My ONLY trophies, I’ve received.

 

This last year, I was also president of my club, which was great fun, and taught me leadership skills. It was interesting to be in charge and to get to announce my ideas. 4-H is great fun and I’m glad that I joined it.

 

By Christian Gunderman, Liberty Leaders

Hello, my name is Christian Gunderman and I am a 16-year-old, 4-year 4H member. When I first joined 4H, I admit, I was intimidated. There were so many older people; all of them were experienced in their projects. They seemed to know what they were doing, while I was completely ignorant. This fear soon left me though with the help of my new comrades. They welcomed me to their 4H club and treated me as if I was their family. Soon an unbreakable bond formed between us. We helped each other meet our goals and complete our projects. I now reflect on this experience as one of the brighter memories that I possess. In 4H I have gained a new social prowess, met friends and developed life skills. I strongly urge anyone who is interested in agriculture, engineering, sewing, pets, or practically anything else to attend a meeting of their local club and considering joining. 4H is an irreplaceable experience that I would definitely do again if I could.

 

Giving Demonstrations

By: Julie Arnett of Clover Leaf Clippers 4-H Club

My name is Julie Arnett. I am a proud five year member of the Clover Leaf Clippers 4-H Club. I show market goats and genealogy. Giving demonstrations may seem scary to most. I myself do not enjoy public speaking. I get nervous speaking in front five or six people. Really giving a demonstration is very easy. You start of by stating what your demonstration is over. You state facts about your project. I myself usually present a diagram or some sort of visual aid to give some kind of idea about the project. I always tell if I did enjoy doing the project why it was so interesting or enjoyable. For example if you are doing a project over say genealogy, you could state what you learned about your family history and what sources you used to find the information. You could provide pictures of your ancestors and tell why you enjoyed or found the project interesting or intriguing. Last year I entered a genealogy project and got 1stin the county, received silver candlesticks and I went on to the state fair to interview.  Genealogy is a great project.

 

Who would of thought …

Dr. Daryl Waits, Jr., D.V.M., Highland County 4-H Alumni

Who would of thought 6 mallard ducks could forever change the life of person?  I'm here to tell you that's just what happened when I joined 4-H.  Those ducks were the first project I took in 4-H.  From taking care of them, I learned responsibility and commitment.  Being in a 4-H club exposed me to opportunities to learn leadership and communication skills.  Life skills that serve me to this day.  I took cooking projects and even a laundry project, which came in very handy when I went off to college.  I learned public speaking skills through Health & Safety Speaking Contests and various demonstration competitions.  Being a veterinarian, I use those abilities every day to talk to a client about their pet's health and am able to demonstrate techniques they may need to do at home for the care of their animals.  Through the many projects and opportunities I had in 4-H, I was able to visit places and states like Washington D.C., Chicago, Las Vegas, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, & South Dakota; places I probably would never have experienced  except for being in 4-H.  My collage experience at Ohio State was much easier to adjust to for two reasons.  4-H brought me to campus several times for various competitions and experiences, and because of opportunities I had in 4-H, I qualified for many scholarships and awards.  Those scholarships allowed me to finish my undergraduate degree debt free.  Finally, 4-H allowed me to meet my wife.  She and I participated in 4-H, and without it I may have never met her and got to know her.  So as you can see, 4-H has had a very big impact on my life.  Now that my children are old enough to participate, I can only hope 4-H has as much hand in their lives as it has in mine.

 

A Surprise

Michael Gunderman, Liberty Leaders 4-H Club

When my brother and I first joined 4-H, I didn’t think there would be any projects for someone like myself. I had thought there only animal and agricultural projects. To my surprise, There were other ones like model rockets, archery, photography, and R/C vehicles. I signed up for Model Rockets, and had a good year. Though I didn’t go to state, I got first at the County Fair.

 

The next year, I decided to do radio controlled vehicles because my brother had done it and I found it very interesting. I would be glad of this decision until now, (I enjoyed the project so much, that I have done it every year since). I have gone to state all Three years and have gotten an outstanding twice. This year, I may do other projects to expand my horizons.

 

Booster Shots

Alexandria K. Powers, Pigs Plus 4-H Club

Hello my name is Alexandria Powers. I have learned a lot from 4-H. I hope one day to be a veterinarian, there are things called booster shots that I have to complete for my vet science projects. They put you out into the world to learn more about parts of your project.  Last year I was doing a section in my Veterinarian Science book on animal behavior and one of the booster shots was to observe three different animals for a half of a day each. One of those animals was my cat Shadow she had just had kittens so it was fun to watch them squirm around and nurse. This year one of my booster shots is to compare different animals’ heartbeats. At fair time I have to put a poster together and display it to the judges when I’m being interviewed. They ask you questions about your project and information. I’ve had a great three years with 4-H. I love 4-H. I always have and I always will.

 

What 4-H Meant to Me

Bill Fawley, Highland County Auditor, Highland County 4-H Alumni

It’s hard to say in a few words what 4-H meant to me.  I joined 4-H as soon as I was old enough and began a journey that led me from projects through Junior Leadership.  Growing up on a farm, I was always involved with livestock.  4-H helped me learn about different breeds, the importance of caring for animals so that they would produce a quality product, and the value of accurate record keeping, a trait that I use daily in my job as County Auditor.  Watching other club members give demonstrations taught me to appreciate others’ projects as well.  In addition, one can never forget the friendships that were formed, 4-H camp, and the experience of showing at the county fair.  4-H also fosters a sense of cooperation.  Many times friends showed other kinds of livestock helped me as I prepared for showing and in turn I was glad to help them.  Sometimes that help came when my pigs “escaped” or a calf got loose.  4-H definitely helped mold me into the person I am today.  I will always be grateful for 4-H and the selfless dedication of the many people involved with it.

 

4-H Changed My Life

Amie Griffith, Goats Galore & More

What I like best about 4-H is the various clothing projects.  Growing up, I’ve always been interested in fashion.  I’ve taken a lot of clothing projects ranging from shopping in “It’s Time For Clothing” to making jewelry in “Accessories For Teens”.  These projects have helped me learn so much.  I’ve been to the Ohio State Fair to represent our county with a few of my projects and although each year I have yet to come home with a prize. I’m so proud of myself for making it that far.

 

My first sewing project, eight years ago, was “Fun With Clothes”.  I created a stuffed patch in the shape of a heart and stitched it onto a shirt with multi-colored iron on balloons (yes I still have it in my closet).  I may have whined about how much time it took me to do those patches, but practice makes perfect.

 

Thanks to some help from my mom’s friend Jackie, I learned a lot and that kept my fashionable future going.  Being in high school, I have to make a lot of decisions for my future.  I plan on attending college to become a fashion designer.

 

Looking back, I can thank 4-H for most of my skills.  I want to encourage everyone to get involved in 4-H somehow.  You’ll learn so much and meet some pretty amazing people, I know I did.  I also want to thank all of 4-H’s sponsors, without them we wouldn’t have pretty silver trays, ribbons and plaques.

 

How 4-H Shaped My Career and Life

Ray Friend, Highland County 4-H Alumni

 From 3rd grade until the end of high school, I was always involved in 4-H.  Whether it was learning how to weld, demonstrating how to garnish a dinner platter or improving my “boot Strut” for the pig showmanship contest; I was always busy throughout the summer with some sort of project.  The other main event of my summer was going to 4-H camp.  I enjoyed camping and being a camp counselor so much that during my college years I got a job there, first as a life guard but later as the naturalists.  I got to take kids  on two hour hikes where we drank water out of a spring and ate wild plants such as wild cucumber root and spring violets.  I got to take kids on an early morning frog hunt.  Throughout all of these activities I realized that I really enjoyed working with young people and the wonderful outdoors and this pushed me into a career of teaching science at the University of Rio Grande.  After college, I received the opportunity to work for my alma mater as a middle school teacher for Fairfield Middle School.

 

Come Join The Fun

Lauren Grover, Marshall Jr. Farmers, Age 11

 Hello!  My name is Lauren Grover.  I am a four year member of the Marshall Jr. Farmers 4-H Club.  At the Highland County Fair I show cattle, exhibit flowers, a scrapbook, vegetables, hay, and grains.  I also have a sewing and a cooking project.  I believe that 4-H is something that helps kids make friends, learn new things, and  accomplish many of their goals.

 

 At this past fair I won Reserve Rate of Grain with my Market Steer.  I won 2nd place with my sewing project and I went to the Ohio State Fair with my cooking project.  It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it.  I learned so much and the experience was great.

 

I highly recommend that youth who like to have fun join one of the many Highland County 4-H clubs!  Please support the 4-H program and Highland County’s youth! 

My First Year in 4-H ... What a Year!

Kennedi Claycomb, Lucky Green 4-H Club

For my first year, I had 3 projects.  I had market barrows, scrapbooking and Fun with Clothes project.  One of my goals for myself was to win a class with my market barrow.  I was able to achieve that goal with both of my pigs.  I learned a lot about responsibility with 3 projects.  I learned about leadership skills by being a Health and Safety office for my 4-h group.  I gave a demonstration to my 4-H group on swimming pool safety.  I would want my friends to be in 4-H because they would get to meet new people and friends, and get to learn responsibility, and have fun!  My favorite advisor is Lori Jenkins because she is full of lots of ideas!

 

Ethan Eyre, Belfast Champions

I have been involved in the Belfast Champions 4-H club for ten years.  My experience in 4-H has taught me many valuable skills that I will use throughout my life and to succeed in my future career.  It has given me self confidence, responsibility and leadership skills.

 

Some of the skills that I have learned in 4-H include leadership, giving an oral presentation and rabbit production.  I have served as a role model to other members and hopefully have been an influence in their lives.  I have worked with younger 4-H members and have passed on to them leadership skills.  Projects I have been involved in include market and breeding rabbits, dog showmanship and obedience, shooting sports, fishing and vegetables.

 

I have attended Southern State Community College the past two years and plan to continue my education at Wilmington College, majoring in Criminal Justice.  After obtaining a bachelor’s degree I would like to become a State Highway Patrol Officer.  A career in Law Enforcement can help me be successful and give back to the community in many positive ways.  I have learned that if I set high goals, make plans, work hard and follow through, that I can achieve success.

 

My Experience at 4-H Camp

Alora Pratt, Lynchburg Guys & Gals

My experience at camp was really exciting.  At first I was nervous, but who isn’t.  As the day went on, I felt more comfortable.  I also made a friend there.  I forget her name though.  

 

As soon as you get settled in, you start on your activities. You can go swimming, fishing, hiking, etc.  The swimming pool is an in-ground one.  You can also dive off the diving board, buy you have to take lessons.

 

The next day you wake up for breakfast. Before you go in the building you have to sing songs.  For some breakfasts you have eggs and other stuff.  Oh yeah, remember to have your elbows off the table.  They you have lunch and dinner.

 

For the next two days you do the same routine.  Also after dinner, you have a dance and a camp fire.  The dance is real nice and so is the camp fire.  The fire keeps you warm at night.  Then after that, you go to bed.

 

Going to 4-H camp was the best experience I ever had.  People should really join 4-H and go to 4-H camp.  It’s really a joy.  I know I had a lot of fun.  4-H camp rocked!!!  

 

Kip Shoemaker, Highland County 4-H Alumni

Junior at The Ohio State University in the College of Food, Agricultural, Environmental and Sciences - Majoring in Agribusiness and Applied Economics

 

I first got involved in 4-H when I started the fourth grade as market hogs as my project. I had started showing market hogs in the open shows at a young age and couldn’t wait to continue showing at the next level. My family had all been in 4-H and I couldn’t wait to follow their footsteps.  4-H was great for me, it provided me opportunities to meet new friends, learn more about showing and other agricultural opportunities, serve my club and community and most importantly have fun.  After being a member for a couple of years, my 4-H club opened up new doors as I also entered woodworking projects, photography and crops in the fair. One of the biggest experiences for me was when I had the chance to serve as safety officer, recreation coordinator and president in my 4-H clubs.  These experiences taught me valuable lessons of leading by example, responsibility, hard work and teamwork that I still apply today.  4-H was a great stepping stone for me because it has helped get me to where I am now.  4-H helped show me that I wanted to continue my education and have a career in the agricultural field. Coming to college was also an easy transition because many of the friends I had made through 4-H and FFA were also attending there and our friendships grew and continue to grow making them some of my best friends to date.  I’ve continued my leadership abilities I learned from 4-H by serving as a leader in clubs and organizations in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and this opened up a door to travel to Brazil for a study abroad and I attribute 4-H to helping prepare me for these great opportunities. 

 

Good Time in 4-H

Lizzy Zumwalde, Highland County Junior Champions

 There are a variety of projects you can pick from in 4-H but I chose a project called Horseless Horse.  My 4-H advisor, Connie Cole, gave me a book to go with my project.  In the book it taught you about horses, like safety tips, the breeds of horses , and tools used on them.  I learned a lot, I even got to color some horse pictures in the book.  I had to put something with my project like a display.  I chose to make a poster.  It had pictures of our horses on it.  Then I went to fair and talked to the judge about my project.  I waited till that night to see if I got any awards and I won first place.  I learned a lot during my 4-H time and I’m still learning.  This year I think I’m going to show my cat in the fair.  Sounds like fun!

 

Devin Watters, Pigs Plus 4-H Club

My name is Devin Watters.  I'm 9 years old it's my first year in 4-H.  I am in Pigs Plus 4-H group.  I have a brother and sister in 4-H and they learn a lot about there animals and do community services.  I will be taking turkeys and I am excited to learn about turkeys and do all the fun things in 4-H.

 

Robert Watters, Pigs Plus 4-H Club

Hello my name is Robert Watters, I am in Pigs Plus 4-H group.  I have been in this group for five years this year will be my sixth year in 4-H.  In my first few years, I did pigs but as I grew older I started new things like Safe Use of Guns. This year I will be taking chickens, it's my first time with chickens so I will have new challenges and I will face them with the best of my ability.  I love 4-H it is a really fun thing to do.  I love all the fun we have in it, the new people I meet and all the new things out there to do in it.  I love animals and all the other things you can do in 4-H.  If your not in 4-H, I hope you consider it.  You might like it just like I do and you will have lots of fun.      
 

3 Years in 4-H

Ethan Cornwell, Triple-L 4-H Club

 Hi, my name is Ethan Cornwell.  This will be my 3rd year in 4-H.  I am a member of the Triple-L 4-H Club.  This year I will be taking consumer science projects and other projects to the fair.

 

We have so many fun club meetings.  Each meeting is carefully planned by our advisors.  We work on projects and help each other get ready for judging.  Demonstrations are done at each meeting.

 

Last year, I participated in the county judging in July and got first place.  I love taking projects to the fair.  I have gotten to go to the State Fair both of my years in 4-H.  It means a lot of work but what fun it is to go to the fair.

 

I would like for my friends to join 4-H so we can work on projects together.  Being in 4-H gives me a chance to work on a variety of projects and have fun doing it.  It thinks kids enjoy 4-H, I know I do.

 

My 4-H Experience

Makayla Duncan, Triple-L 4-H Club

My name is Makayla Duncan.  This will be my fifth year in 4-H.  I am a member of the Triple-L 4-H Club.  Over the years, I have taken cooking, sewing, and other consumer science projects that judge in July.  I also take projects to the county fair.

 

Doing demonstrations at the meetings is the hardest part.  Learning to speak in front of several people is always scary, but everyone is just as scared as I am.  It also helps me when I have to talk to the judge at the county judging in July.

 

I plan to attend 4-H camp again this year.  It is always so much fun, you get to do lots of activities and meet difference people.  My goal is to be a camp counselor some time.

 

Being in 4-H gives me a chance to learn things that will help me later in life.  A special thanks goes to all the advisors who help us.

 

Abby Hobbs, Pigs Plus 4-H Club

I’m Abby Hobbs and I have been in 4-H for eight years. My club is called Pigs Plus. My favorite thing about 4-H is how involved you are with everyone and the community. I love the community services that our club participates in. We are always there when anyone needs us. We loved getting involved with organizations like Anna’s Army, and Relay for life. 

 

4-H is a way for me to experience new things. I can get involved and grow as a person through what 4-H offers to teens everywhere. It means I can work on leadership skills and giving back to my community. It means I can make new friends and go through experiences I may never have if I wasn’t in 4-H.  4-H brings people together, “to make the best better.” not only in your community, but in yourself.

 

How 4-H Has Helped Me Become the Person I Am Today

Ray Sponcil, Highland County 4-H Alumni

Growing up, 4-H was always a vital part of my life.  I was fortunate to be able to participate in an active 4-H club, and do many activities, that have benefited me throughout my life.  I raised and showed hogs and field crops in 4- H.   I was able to be a part of 4-H at the local level as well as at the state and national level.  I served as vice-president of the Ohio state junior fair board.  I was also a member of several national 4-H committees.  I was a member of 4-H for eleven years, starting at the age of nine.  In my years with 4-H, I got to be a part of the largest and best youth organization in the world.  Through 4-H,  I was given many opportunities to participate in many rewarding and fun activities such as camps and best of all, the Highland County fair.  

 

I have many friendships that were made during my years in 4-H, which I still maintain to this day.  Some of my friendships were made locally, but many live in other areas of Ohio and the United States.  These are some of my oldest and closest friends.  4-H also afforded me opportunities to work with and learn from some of the best 4-H advisors and county agents in the business.  I learned a great deal about discipline and hard work, from these people.  As an adult, these principles are the core of my current occupation in farming.  4-H has allowed me to make many helpful contacts which I maintain today, and use for my business.  

 

4-H was a great stepping stone on my road to adulthood. As a father today of two young sons, I realize how valuable my 4-H experiences have been, and I in turn want the same positive experiences for my children.  The time I spent growing up in 4-H was time well-spent, and I look forward to spending that same time with my sons, during their 4-H experiences.

 

4-H Demonstrations

Kaylee Achor, Premier Showmen 4-H Club

 Hi! My name is Kaylee Achor and I am a 7th grader at Fairfield Local Schools. This will be my fifth year in 4-H and I am a member of the Premier Showmen 4-H Club. I show lambs and I also take many special interest projects like cooking and sewing. 

 

Last year I did my first demonstration. I was a little undecided about doing a demonstration but my friend Courtney talked me into doing one. After she talked to me about how fun it would be I quickly changed my mind and decided to give it a try. I couldn’t make up my mind on what kind of demonstration to do. I then decided to do it on something that I really enjoyed, which is the weather. The title of my demonstration was “How to make a Tornado in a Bottle”.

 

When I arrived to be judged at the county level, there were only two people in my age division, Courtney and myself. To my surprise we both got to make the trip to the Ohio State Fair. When we went to be judged at the Ohio State Fair there were about 30 people competing for Outstanding of the Day in the demonstration contest. They were only going to give 10 Outstanding of the Day ribbons. I did my best trying to explain how to make a tornado in a bottle, giving facts on how tornados form, where they form, and the fajita scale. 

 

The judges had to evaluate how well I presented my demonstration and how difficult the project was for me. Later that day they announced the winners. Well Courtney and I both received an outstanding of the day, all of our hard work paid off! I really enjoyed the experience and plan on doing another demonstration this year.  

 

The Reality of Show Day

Ethan Rowley, Fantastics

Showmanship day in the chicken barn is chaos.  This is not the day that brings in the money, but it is the day that shows that you know what you are doing.  Everyone that wants a chance at winning is there early, getting ready at the crack of dawn.  People are there washing chickens, studying books and getting anything done that needs done before the show.  Most people think that showing an animal, especially chickens if just an easy thing, that it is not a big deal, but it is different. On show day your friends become your opponents and it feels like you are on your own.  It might sound dumb, but showing is really important to some people, like me.  I am there before the sun is up, washing chickens.  My chickens are washed, have their legs, combs and wattles oiled, and most importantly are calmed down before the show.  As for myself, I try to get my chickens ready before the crowds of other showmen get there.  Once my chickens are ready, I can be found in my camper, in the quiet.  I try to prepare myself for everything.  I make sure that I can confidently answer all questions the judge may have and that I can do anything the judge would ask me to do.  I have many good friends in the chicken barn, but I cannot let that get in the way.  I have been neck and neck with one of my closest friends in the sweepstakes if showmanship.  I beat him, but it did not feel as good, because I knew he wanted it too, but I cannot let my friends distract me.  The next year it was the same scenario, only he beat me.  We are still friends.  If just goes to show that the friendships I have made in 4-H and showing chickens is stronger that the competition of the show.

 

My 4-H Years

Cassandra Brooks, Live Wires 4-H Club

 My name is Cassandra Brooks and I am 11 years old.  This is my 4th year in Live Wires 4-H Club.  All my years of 4-H have been awesome.  I have won three trophies and 6 ribbons.  I’ve been the treasurer of the club for two years and have taken seven different projects.  4-H is a good experience for kids from 3rd grade to high school.  You can even apply for college scholarships.  One of the projects I really enjoyed and took for two years was Exploring Our Insect World.  It is about collecting and pinning the insects, I went through 4 or 5 nets.  My family and I would go for walks at different parks to find and collect the insects, we had so much fun.  It is a good project for you to take, you can enjoy nature.

 

 

A Transfer From a 4-H Lifestyle to a College Lifestyle

Ethan Hawkins, Southern Champs 

My name is Ethan Hawkins and I have been an active member of two 4-H clubs and of Junior Leaders.  I have had many wonderful experiences in my twelve years of 4-H.  Nothing has had a more tremendous impact on me than being a 4-H member.  Highland County 4-H clubs have provided me with many wonderful experiences that I feel has molded me into the young adult I am.  One of these opportunities happened to me last year during the 2009 Highland County Fair.  In this specific occasion, I had many roles in the fair such as volunteering to work in the junior fair board office and handed out different awards during events.  During the fair that year, my experiences help me understand that it takes hard work to get successful results and to become a more defining leader.

 

Volunteering at the fair that year allowed me to grow and become a more responsible individual.  I had recently joined a group, known as Junior Leaders, which dealt with different occasions at the fair and as members, we were to happy volunteer.  So I did what most of the members did, which was sign up to volunteer at particular events during the week of the fair.  These events include serving to senior fair board, helping announce winners of classes, and working in the 4-H food booth.  I was able to learn responsibility and how to handle time management due to a busy schedule which consisted of showing my animals and competing in other projects, such as You’re the Athlete and the Tractor Rodeo, that week.  I also learned how to deal with adversity and how to overcome it because the world is not all sunshine and rainbows.  My 4-H leadership activities have allowed me to develop into a young adult and learn how to handle certain situations.

 

My experience at the Highland County Fair has allowed me to become a more significant leader and learn how to be a more efficient leader.  Our club adviser of Junior Leaders came up to me and asked if I would be able to work in different jobs, such as working different shows and covering for other members as they were unable to attend due to showing their projects.  Taking the role of a leader that day and doing something I was not familiar with, lead me to become a better decision maker in tough situations.  It also has made me feel good inside and proud to know that I was able to help others in need.  When push comes to shove, a leader has to step up and make a decision for what is best for everyone else and I believe that being in Junior Leaders that day helped me to develop as an improved leader.

 

When I had volunteered to hand out and announce awards, it was the skill of teamwork that got the job done successfully.  Teamwork with other members of the club helped me with skills I will require to pursue my career dream.  My career goal is to go to The Ohio State University for a bachelors degree in Chemistry, then pursue my dream of becoming a dentist and owning my own business.  As a dentist, teamwork is very crucial if you want to be successful because you depend on your other staff members to help you.

 

When volunteering at the fair, other members and I had to work together to get the job done successfully and efficiently.  We had to sort through papers to find the winners of the projects and then give the ribbons to the correct person.  One member would look up the name and then another would check to make sure the person had that specific project.  This particular experience helped me become involved with others and how to work with others.  I really enjoyed this experience of working with other 4-H members.  It made me realize that everything is not just about you but it is about working together to achieve the goal at hand and that is what my career goal deals with; by working together with others to succeed.

 

My twelve years of experience in 4-H has helped me become the individual that I am today.  4-H has had a big impact on my life by letting me grow and show consideration of other people.  My junior year in high school, I had the privilege to be involved with a group known as Junior Leaders.  This group, which I really enjoyed being involved with, allowed me to develop and become a more significant leader through various events that took place at the 2009 Highland County Fair.

 

My 4-H Story

Taylor Delph, Triple L 4-H Club

My nine years of 4-H membership has given me strong leadership and teamwork skills. These skills have helped me on my high school varsity and state-wide traveling club volleyball teams as well as my work at McDonalds.  I have been elected to offices in my 4-H club and Hi-Y club as a treasurer which has helped me gain experience for my future career in accounting.  As a member of the Highland County Family and Consumer Sciences Board, I learned to work well with my peers. Working together with others makes me feel good about myself and that I am making a difference in my club and community. As a member of the 2008 Highland County Junior Fair Queen’s court, I had another opportunity to learn to share many duties and work to complete tasks in a timely manner. I had to represent myself in a respectable manner as a role model for others while promoting various 4-H projects. The 4-H slogan "Learn by Doing” certainly fits for sewing but also in so many areas of life.

 

Participation in 4-H activities has boosted my self confidence and presentation skills for public speaking. These activities have also given me the confidence to sing in front of an audience. I had a lead role in my high school musical “The Sound of Music” last spring having won Best Supporting Actress in a Musical and have won superior and excellent ratings in 2 solo competitions. I am a 2 year member of my high school show choir which required trying out before a judge. These experiences were made possible because of my many different judging situations and have given me the courage to take on activities that others find difficult. 

 

Each year, my sewing projects have challenged me to develop new skills and have given me the satisfaction of seeing things through to the end. At times the projects have been very difficult but I have accomplished things I never dreamed I could do.  Last year’s project has been an example of one of those dreams. I am a senior at Edward Lee McClain High School and have wanted to make a formal dress for my senior year since I started 4-H. Last summer my dream became a reality. It has been the most demanding project of my 4-H career, but certainly worth the time and effort spent on the alterations and adjustments. I won the “grand prize” at the Ohio State Fair last August. I had won Outstanding of the Day for Formal Wear which was awesome but when my Extension educator told me I had won Master Clothing Educators of Ohio Award (Senior Division) I could not believe I really did it!  

 

4-H has been a tradition in my family for many years. Several family members have taken many different projects such as animals (sheep, beef and hogs), woodworking and cooking.  My grandparents were club advisors for 13 years. My grandmother took sewing projects and was in 4-H for 10 years. She is the one who helped me get started in my sewing career. I have had my grandmother by my side for support and advice all these years. This has been a wonderful bonding experience as we both look forward to this time together.  I started 4-H as soon as I was eligible taking sheep, special interest and sewing projects. These projects have taught me responsibility, organization and how to prioritize my time. I have worked through some tough times, many hours of labor and last minute alterations and adjustments but the end result is always worth the effort. I have been taught to do the work myself and to keep an open mind for suggestions.

 

My sewing projects for the last 10 years have made me realize that this is an art that will help me in the future. The knowledge and skills I have gained from these projects will always be a part of my life. I will be able to help myself and others as sewing projects arise. I will be able to do some quick mending or just sew for the fun of it and not have to depend upon someone else if I need something. I enjoy teaching others to sew and giving gifts to loved ones of things I have made. 

 

Sewing will not be the only skill that I take into my future but so many other things as well. Meeting new people, presenting myself one-on-one with someone like my judging experiences each year will definitely be an asset for job interviews one day. Working with others as I have in 4-H has also made me a team player for future jobs. I received MVP award for varsity volleyball in 2008 but recognize I could not have done it without my teammates. As a result of 4-H I am more confident in front of people, and find it easy to explain my thoughts, ideas and opinions. 

 

 Being in 4-H has been a wonderful part of my life and has taught me so many things. The 4-H Motto is “To make the best better."  I will continue to grow and learn new things and continue to build upon these skills to make me a better person and contribute to my community and country. I will be considerate of others and deal with diversity and differences and work hard toward achieving positive results. It certainly would be an honor if I am chosen to serve on the Ohio State Junior Fair Board. It would be an opportunity to promote 4-H and give back for all it has given me. All of this I take from 4-H and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you 4-H! 

 

Who Inspired Me

Michaela Chaney, Ready-Set-Show & Canine Commander 4-H Clubs

 

My story is about who inspired me to give it my all in 4-H last year. Last year I took a lot of activities in 4-H and I would just get so stressed out or not care and not want to do anything.  My parents would always be yelling at me and telling me if I really wanted to do 4-H then I need to put some effort in it. During the summer  I wanted to do what I wanted to do and that was nothing with my animals or projects.  I’d rather run around with friends, but who doesn’t. My parents would always say “your not going to do anything that you want to do until you pay attention and get some of your 4-H stuff done.” I would always be like “Mom, I don’t want to do 4-H anymore.” Then her reply would be “ Well if you’re not going to do 4-H then we won’t stay in our camper at the fair anymore.” She said this because we always stay in our camper at the fair and she knew that I loved to do that and there was no point in staying in the camper at the fair if I wasn’t going to do 4-H.   When it came time to qualify for the Ohio State Fair with my horse, I didn’t qualify.  I realized then that I was going to get busy and do what needed to be done.  

 

Last summer while I was showing my horses my dad always wanted me to go out there and do good.  So during the summer he would be really strict and I hated it but it was just his way of trying to get me to listen so I would improve and be a lot better than I was before. So I went through all the strict lessons and when fair came I knew what was expected from me and that I needed to work hard and try my best. So I entered into my showmanship class and I wanted to do really good so I could be in Showman of Showmen. That’s where you show all the animals which I always thought that was cool.  So I went in my class and gave it my best.  I got reserve champion.  I was so excited.  I wasn’t even  expecting that.  Even though I didn’t win the showmanship sweepstakes in that class I didn’t care I was still proud of myself and was proud to make my dad happy.  If it wouldn’t have been for my dad and all his strict lessons I probably wouldn’t had done so well.  

 

 I also show dogs,  so I still had that showmanship class that I could win.  My mom was always the strict one when it came to me showing dogs. I entered my showmanship class to give it my best effort.  I came out with second I was still happy.  Then it came time for the showman sweepstakes.  I did it!  I came out with 1st.   I was in so much shock and really happy I even cried in the ring. I wanted that so much and I got it because I took the initiative  to listen to my parents even though they were strict because they knew I really wanted to do good.  

 

 Then after all my hard work I finally made it to Showman of Showmen.  I went around learning and practicing with all the different animals.  I wanted this.   After I showed all the animals I wasn’t sure how I did.  When they did awards I got 4th.  Wow!   That was amazing for me because I was the youngest out of all the others.   I’m so glad I listened to my parents.   If it wasn’t for them I don’t know where I would be today.   So all of you other kids out there listen to your parents because if you don’t I promise you will regret it later on.  I want to give a thanks to my mom and dad.

 

J.R. Roush – former “Pricetown Aggie”, Whiteoak Jr/Sr High School Principal

The recent conversations regarding the uncertain continuation of 4-H in Highland County are quite unsettling to this former participant.  4-H became much more than showing your prize animal, crops/vegetables or demonstration project over the numerous years.    Participation in the organization taught me leadership, hard work, people skills and a little networking along the way.  4-H helped pave the way to college both financially and experientially.  I learned stewardship for animals and the land thanks to the many opportunities my advisors provided for me.  

 

4-H opportunities have been provided for my children, learning the same value system instilled in me years ago.  Participation in 4-H will additionally prepare them to succeed when faced with the obstacles and challenges that lie ahead for the young people of Highland County.  Observing the learning, teamwork, life-time friendships, preparation and competition and work ethic that goes on at the Highland County Fair through 4-H is an insurmountable mountain to measure.  Thank you to all of the community members and businesses that gave me an opportunity to succeed.

 

What 4-H Has Done For Me

Heather Storer, Lucky Green 4-H Club

For the past nine years 4-H has done countless things for me.  4-H started influencing my life at a very early age.  I was four years old when I was first introduced to 4-H.   Of course I did not know what 4-H was and I do not I recall all of the details.   What I do remember is the fun I had helping my neighbor walk her Highland County Fair market barrows every evening, being allowed to help her show one of her barrows in the open show at the Highland County Fair and winning a third place ribbon, which I still have.   From that time on I have been fascinated with hogs.  My desire to become a 4-H member really took off when I was six years old and my brother joined 4-H.  I would go to the meetings along with other member’s younger sibling.  The meetings were fun and I could not wait to join , I knew exactly what projects  I was going to take, market hogs and cooking.    In 2003 things with the market hog project took a whole new turn.    My brother and I joined the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA), purchased breeding gilts and went to our first National Show in Louisville, Kentucky. What an experience, 300 youth showing hogs, participating in skillathon, livestock judging and doing showmanship.   Showing in the NJSA has taken me to several states, including California, to show breeding gilts.   The opportunity to travel to California came about by meeting new people and networking at shows.    In addition to showing in NJSA, I am on the leadership committee and a mentor.  Mentoring consist of having three protégés from Ohio.   The NJSA is not a part of 4-H, however the two go hand in hand in influencing my life.  4-H lead me to joining NJSA and both organizations have played a major role in leading me to my future plans to attend Wilmington College and major in Animal Science.

 

4-H has provided me with many wonderful opportunities and taught me skills that I will use throughout my life; responsibility, teamwork, leadership, hard work, networking and a passion for the swine industry.    This past year I was able to use the leadership skills I gained through 4-H,  I served as my club’s President and became a MVP mentor.  

 

One of the most rewarding opportunities I have in 4-H is Money Management Skills through Teen Mentoring.  During this I was with a sixth grade class for a week and I taught them how to start their own business, manage their money, and selling their final products.  The sixth graders then sold their products to the third graders.  At the end the sixth graders got to see the profit that they made.  My 4-H experience the past nine years is what gave me the knowledge to teach the skills.  What I do with my market Hog project is similar to running a business.  I have to purchase my product, manage my money, purchase supplies, produce product, sale product, and make a profit.  So showing market projects is similar to the skills I taught them.  It was a great opportunity for me to share my 4-H knowledge and skills with other youth.  

 

As I reflected back on all the opportunities 4-H has provided me; leadership, friendships, work ethic and  community involvement it is hard to imagine what I would have done if I had not been involved in 4-H.  Thankfully, I will never know because I was allowed the opportunity to participate in such a great organization for the past nine years.   With all the financial cut backs, 4-H may not be a reality for the future.  I can’t imagine being a Cloverbud or young 4-H member who is excited about 4-H and not being able to experience all it has to offer.    

 

 

From Shy New Member to Outstanding Teen Leader

Morgan Miller

 At the beginning of my 4-H career, I was extremely shy.  During my first 4-H interview judging, the judge even wrote on my sheet “shy is ok”.  I never really talked to anyone.  At 4-H camp, a girl named Kayla came up to talk to me.  She was really nice and we became friends.  I came out of my shell a little bit.  I r-emember my first demonstration.  I was really nervous, my face felt like it was on fire.  My demonstration was on my pigs.  I was waiting to mess up and for everyone to start laughing at me.  I messed up a couple of times, but nobody laughed at me.  I was really surprised.

 

My second year of 4-H, I was still shy but not as bad as my first year.  I went to 4-H camp again and I met up with Kayla.  I went up to a girl that looked shy and asked her if she wanted to hang out with us and she said sure.  That year at camp, I also helped new 4-H campers find where they needed to go.  When I joined Highland County Shooting Sports, I learned about shooting safety.  I also took I Spy in the Kitchen.  I learned how to talk in front of a judge.

 

My third year I really improved my leadership skills.  I took a project called Leadership Skills You Never Outgrow.  I learned that I had been a leader all along.  I went to school and I invited people to our 4-H club.  My demonstration was easier than my first two years.  I wasn’t as nervous and I wasn’t that afraid to speak in front of our club.  I became a leader in the shooting sports club as well.  I set an example for the first year members.  I also learned how to redecorate and update my room with some help from my family.

 

In 2007, I learned how to spend my money wisely on cloths with my project.  It is called “It’s Time for Clothing”.  My shyness has almost disappeared by talking in front of people.  At school, I invited all of my friends to 4-H, but only two of them came.  We all went to 4-H camp and we had a blast.  We met new people and my friends said they wanted to come back next the year.  I also learned that I was becoming a better leader.  It was my second year of rifle.  I helped my advisors with the first year kids.  They all looked up to me.  I knew I was being a leader.  Then the Highland County D.A.R.E. Officer asked me to be a D.A.R.E. role model.  I was the only one he asked from my school.  

 

My third year taking my leadership project was the best year.  I helped my D.A.R.E. Officer with programs and taking pictures of the events.  I also always went with my Dad to the card and trap shoots held at the Highland County Coonhunters facility.  This is the facility where our 4-H Shooting Sports club meets and I helped.  I enjoy hanging out with my Dad.  From the beginning of my 4-H career, I have shown pigs.  I really didn’t know very much about pigs at first, but each year I learn a little more.  In 2008, I got my first class winner.  I was so happy.

 

In 2009, my Mom asked me if I would want to do a July judging project.  I was thinking about taking a sewing project so I did “Accessories for Teens”.  My mom helped me when I had trouble.  Then July judging came around and I was 4-H Shooting Sports Camp.  My Mom drove 1 ½ hours to pick me up for judging!  I was a little nervous, but I did alright.  I got to go to the State Fair where I received an Outstanding of the Day award.  I was super excited.  My teachers call me a good leader.  In Spanish class, I helped a kid with Tourette Syndrome. 

 

I have to say that 4-H means a lot to me.  You learn to be yourself and express yourself in your own way.  4-H camp is really fun too.  You meet different people from different counties, and they may become your friends for life.  I really enjoy that I can help younger members with anything they might need help with.  I can’t wait until I become a counselor, this year so I can be a role model to all the campers.  4-H is my life and I couldn’t live with out it.

 

The 4-H Pledge – More Than Just Four H’s

Catherine Lerch Shanahan, Highland County 4-H Alumni

As all of you veteran 4-H’ers know the 4-H pledge reads as follows:

            “I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking

            My HEART to greater loyalty

            My HANDS to greater service and

            My HEALTH to better living

            For my club, my community, my country and my world. “

 

To expound upon this further  “… Head to clearer thinking…” is accomplished in many ways, but basically it is through building  self esteem and confidence.  4-H activities such as giving demonstrations, caring for and showing livestock, or conducting a meeting all serve as confidence builders.  This allows for greater focus and purpose presently and in the future.

 

“… Heart to greater loyalty…” is developed through many 4-H experiences.  These may include representing your county at the State Fair, supporting other members and developing life long relationships.

 

“…Hands to larger service…” is applied through community service projects such as recycling, working at the 4-H food booth, and fairground’s beautification.  Also there are opportunities to be in Junior Leadership and to serve as a camp counselor.

 

“…Health to better living…”  This is a broad statement, but is the summation of all the benefits gained through 4-H.  By acquiring life skills, being part of something bigger than yourself and being of service to your community, one achieves an improved sense of wellness.

 

I will take the liberty of adding a fifth “H”, which is for HERITAGE.  Heritage represents the tradition of 4-H, and something that is passed down through generations.  It is this tradition defined by grass roots efforts, family values and community mindedness that 4-H embodies.

 

Please support 4-H in Highland County.

 

Alex Schelling, Terrific Teens

4-H has been a big part of my life.  I am the son of Jill and Dennis Schelling.  I have two other siblings, a brother and a sister.  We have all been at one time involved in 4-H.

 

4-H has contributed a lot to my growth and development.  I don’t know where I would be without it.  4-H has really taught me a lot of skills through the years.  The leadership skills that I have learned are irreplaceable.  This is my story.

 

I grew up in a strong 4-H family.  My mom and dad and both my brother and sister were all in 4-H, so it was assumed that I would be also.  I did not get a choice and I am glad now.

 

I started when I was 5.  I didn’t know what I was getting into, all I knew was that mom was taking me to my first 4-H meeting and I really didn’t know if I wanted to go.  I started with Cloverbuds.  All we really did was play games and do some crafts in this, but I liked it still all the same.  When I turned nine and was in the third grade, that’s when 4-H really started.

 

I had never had such an experience before.  It was kind of like school because I learned so much except without the sitting in a classroom.  The meeting part was not my favorite because we had to sit and listen to people talk, but whenever I got to give a demonstration or talk about my project then it was fun.

 

When I got a little older, mom and dad started trusting me with an animal.  That’s when the real fun began.  My first project was dairy calves.  Preparing for the fair at home, I had to feed, water and bed my calf.  I had to take the calf for walks to make her tame for the fair.  I would talk to my calf and her ears would perk up whenever I did.  They always seemed for trust me.  I remember those long days of sitting at the fair next to my calf making sure to let passer bys know whose calf if was.  When show day came, I was scared.  I had been practicing for so long for that moment and I had to remember everything I had been taught by my advisor.  The first year I won showmanship and I had never felt so happy before in my life when the judge handed me the bell shaped trophy.  I had to go home and show all my friends.  I really enjoyed the dairy calves.

 

Later, I wanted to try taking rabbits.  The rabbits were a lot easier to care for but not as fun to show.  The leadership skills I learned from it were something that doesn’t come from a classroom.  The dairy heifers I never sold but the rabbits I had to sell.  It was tough to have to give up that one thing you worked so hard with.

 

One learning opportunity that I had a lot of fun with was 4-H camp.  When I went as a camper it was so much fun and I always learned so much.  Until I went to camp I had never been away from home fore that long, but the camp was so fun that it was easy not to get homesick

 

I had so much fun as a camper that I decided to go back as a counselor.  This was a fun experience and taught me great leadership skills.  I did this for 3 years and was always in charge of 8 or 9 kids with one other counselor.  While being a counselor, I always made sure that my kids had the best camping experience.  This helped my be a leader and showed my responsibility skills.  I always made sure that my kids had the same fun 4-H experience that I had.

 

I have taken money other 4-H projects including rockets, gardening, first aid, and several cooking projects.  I have been to the state fair for these projects.  Being at the State Fair is a whole different level of competing.  There I was competing against usually 88 kids (one from each county).  This was a lot of fun and I got to see the Ohio State Fair.  I have received Outstanding of the Day at the Ohio State Fair and have won a clock trophy.

 

I am also a Jr. Leader and am actively involved in this.  Jr. Leaders help out in the community by helping different service organizations in the county.  I am also a member of the Jr. Fairboard.  This is an organization where we really help and plan mostly everything that has to do with the Jr. Fair.  We also help to set up for fair and help out and run different activities and shows during the fair.

 

As you can see, I have been very involved in 4-H and it has helped me a lot to grow and mature.  I have enjoyed all the areas in 4-H that I have been involved with.  I plan on going to college but I am still undecided on what my career will be.  Whatever I en d up doing, I know that 4-H has given me the skills I need to be able to do it, and to be a very successful person.  I am going to miss 4-H since I have been so involved, but I hope I can mentor a younger 4-Her some day.

 

Brad Keltner, Fantastics 4-H Club

My name is Brad Keltner.  I am part of the Fantastics 4-H Club.  I started 4-H when I was very young and I have always been an active member.  Every year I have taken at least three projects and for many years, even four.  

 

I have taken market lambs every year.  In market lambs, I learned that I had to work with my sheep to keep them calm.  My first few years, my showmanship was miserable and the lambs I had picked for myself were bad.  The longer I took market lambs, the better I got at it.  With a little guidance and a lot of experience, my showmanship improved and I began to pick better and better lambs to tag and show.  This process taught me to find my own solutions to my problem.  This is a lesson that will serve me with both personally and professionally.  

 

My food projects taught me a completely different lesson.  They taught me to be self-reliable and to be responsible.  Before my 4-H cooking projects, I could not cook any food for myself.  The beginning level of cooking projects allowed me to build on what little cooking skills I had.  Now I am self-sufficient at preparing my own food.  Cooking projects taught me another lesson as well.  They taught me to be responsible; being able to make almost any food allows me to overindulge myself on food.  When I could not cook, I had to convince my mom to cook me something.  My mom was able to limit how much I ate since she was making my food.  After I could cook, I did not need to get my mom for a meal.  I had to learn to be responsible about how much food I prepared and ate.

 

4-H has provided other opportunities for my personal development.  I have learned about my leadership skills.  I have been the club President multiple times; being president has made me into a better leader.  Every meeting, I had to talk in front of large groups of people.  Besides learning little ways to release my anxiety, I had to be able to work with other people.  A leader must be able to take criticism and still make the best decision possible.  Leading the club as an officer, also make me learn to work under pressure.  I have used that skill multiple times since.

 

I have learned the true meaning of 4-H.  I know that 4-H is about trying new things and learning lessons for life, but there is more to it.  4-H is about earning money through animals, not spending money to prepare them to show.  Many people believe that 4-H is about getting Grand Champion market animal.  I believe that market animals are for learning how to care for an animal and making money.  I do not spend hundreds of dollars to get an animal that probably will not get Grand Champion.  I believe that 4-H is about raising an economical animal to sell and make a profit.  I keep my profit and save it to put towards my education.

 

My career plans are not definite yet.  I believe that I will be going to college at Purdue University.  I have selected Purdue because it has majors in two careers I am considering.  The first one is engineering and I am anxious to discover what that field has to offer.  The other career I am considering is the field of agriculture and the potential to return to the family farm.

 

4-H has been very important to me.  It has taught me many life lessons.  I have learned how to work under pressure, how to deal with people, and responsibility.  I am sure I do not realize the full extent of the lessons yet, but I know that I will use them in college and beyond.  I know that 4-H has taught me lessons that I will never forget.

 

Highland County 4-H Making the Best Better 

Stacie McKee, Highland County 4-H Alumni and Lynchburg-Clay FFA Advisor 

The motto of 4-H is “To Make The Best Better,” and that is exactly what Highland County 4-H has been doing for many years!  Whether your interest is cooking, rockets, or livestock such as cattle and lambs 4-H, has a wide variety of opportunities for youth to develop skills that will last a lifetime.  These opportunities can lead to truly life changing experiences.

 

4-H was a family tradition for me as I was the youngest of four children to become a member.  Wanting to be different than my siblings, I chose to raise market lambs at the age of nine.  My parents had no clue at the time how much 4-H would impact me and that it would launch me into a career in Agriculture Education.

 

Throughout the next 11 years, I would focus on my 4-H and FFA market lambs by exhibiting them at various jackpot, state, and national shows.  Of course, along the way I developed the numerous skills that were essential to my project area.  While these lessons taught me how to properly care, feed and show lambs, the life lessons that I learned, such as responsibility, dedication, time management and work ethic, would prove to be invaluable to me.

 

I am so thankful to be able to give back to our Highland County youth through my position as an FFA Advisor at Lynchburg-Clay which allows me to be involved in the county fair and Jr. Fairboard. Without 4-H giving me a tremendous start, I know that I wouldn’t have become an Agriculture Education Instructor.  4-H involvement will build youth’s confidence, self-esteem and along the way some character in them. For example, at the fair I observed many times as an older 4-H member lent a hand to a new 4-H member during the week, even on show day.  While friendly competition is always present, the true spirit of 4-H is striving in various ways!   

 

Personally, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to watch my six nieces and nephews become part of the Premier Showmen 4-H Club. I can remember watching Taryn learn to groom her calf for the first time, seeing Erin’s lamb rest his head on her shoulder as she exhibited her first lamb, observing Hailey train and tame her lambs to respond correctly to her while she is showing, and most recently watching Jacob this past summer learn to properly care for his market chickens to ensure they would grow well. It has been amazing to witness their knowledge of their projects grow over recent years, and continue to develop life long skills that will allow them to be productive and successful citizens.  

 

I encourage all current 4-H members to take advantage of all the opportunities that are available to them and step out of their comfort zone and try to new things! If you’re not currently a member of 4-H and you are between the ages of 9 and 19, I urge you to call Libby McNeal, the Highland County 4-H Extension Educator at 937-393-1918 to be able to take advantage of these life changing experiences.

 

In closing, I would like to thank all the remarkable volunteers that dedicate their time and energy to our youth by being a part of the Highland County 4-H program.  I would also like to thank the Highland County Extension Service for providing excellent leadership for our 4-H advisors, 4-H members, and the Jr. Fairboard to truly make our best better!

 

Erin Rowley, Fantastics 4-H Club

 As I sat with the sorts in my hand, I was ready to quit.  I was upset, scared and crying.  Sewing a curve for the first time seemed impossible; however, with a lot of coaxing from mom, I finally  did it.  The machine was not going very fast and the seam ripper was used multiple times, but I did it.  I finally sewed a curve.  Through all the frustration and tears, I learned something that day.

I learned how much that frustration actually helped me.  Being so frustrated and upset taught me to persevere.  I learned that you have to feel some frustration and shed some tears in order to reach accomplishment and truly appreciate it.  I learned to push through the hard times and learn from them.  Some of the best lessons in life and the most important skills are learned through frustration and perseverance.  By pushing through that first difficult moment of my 4-H sewing career, I was able to learn a very valuable lesson that I still use to this day.

 

Although it wasn’t immediately evident, that first experience and similar ones from later years changed me as a person and revealed a love and passion I might never have found.  I knew how difficult that first challenge was to overcome and at points I thought about quitting.  Thankfully I did not, but it made me realize that I probably was not the only one who was having difficulty.  It sparked an interest in me as I got older to help the younger members.  I wanted to help them through their difficult times and encourage them as my mom and advisor had for me.  I did not want them to give up on 4-H either.  Since then, I have made myself open to 4-hers who need assistance with their clothing projects.  I am able to relate to them, which makes it easier and they enjoy having someone closer to their age who knows where they are and how they are feeling.  I have a place in my heart for those kids and my first year in 4-H planted that seed.  

 

That love and passion was carried over into my career plans.  I am going to college and become a high school math teacher.  I know that math is a difficult subject and many kids struggle with it.  However, because of the love and passion that I found, I have a desire to go encourage the kids and help them through it.  Again I know how they are feeling so it helps me to better relate to them.  I know what it is like to be frustrated and feeling hopeless.  And I also know what it is like to have someone who understands and still believes in me.

 

My 4-H advisor is a big role model for me.  Once I found the love and passion for helping kids I looked to her for an example.  She is a great leader and is always there for me when I have nay questions.  She helped me through many meltdowns like the first one with my shorts.  I was something, a quality, in her that I still to this day strive to have.  She takes 4-H and makes everything a useful learning experience.  She loves what she does and it is obvious to everyone that watches her.  She makes things easier and is always encouraging.  She has taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to and I want to be able to do the same for others.  

 

Continuing from my first year in 4-H, I have encountered many frustrations but also many rewards and accomplishments.  They inspire me to help others and get them through their struggles.  They helped mold me into the person I am today.  4-H has contributed to my life in a huge way.  It has changed the way I think.  The people in 4-H have been a great example and role model for me.  I am inspired to continue in their footsteps and do for others what they have done for me.  

 

Lindsey Hawk, Basically Beef 4-H Club

 My name is Lindsey Hawk and this will be my 13th year in 4-H.  Before I was involved in 4-H, I participated in Cloverbuds.  My parents have been advisors for 19 years and I feel that 4-H has always played a huge role and has been a positive impact in my life.  

 

It all started when my brighter and I bought our first cow.  It progressed from there and now we won around twenty head of cattle.  Each year, we sit down together and decide what to breed or AI each cow to in order to produce the best calf.  My brother and I then wait anxiously until the cow is due to see if we were successful with our choice.  Through working with cattle, it has taught me responsibility and dedication.  Every night from June to early September, I dedicate at least 4 hours everyday to my project.  My family and I also traveled to different county fairs to show my calves in open shows.  4-H has helped me established new friendships along the way and has brought my family closer together.

 

Aside from learning responsibility and dedication, I have gained an understanding in operating a small business.  My brother and I have been selling some of our calves to others for 4-H projects.  In order to sell these calves as projects, means that I must keep up with the latest trends in breeding.  I have to make a mental judgment with each calf delivered to see what I feel the calf needs to be successful.  With these decisions, I must keep an accurate record of breeding costs, feed costs and show costs in order to price our calves for sale.  Through the open shows that we attend, I have gained an understanding in marketing, as this is the best advertisement possible to showcase our club calf projects.  Also, these open shows have helped me become more confident in dealing with other people.  At these shows, we meet numerous people from all over the United States, and in some cases, from other counties.  I have talk to these people in a way that they know I am confident in how I have bred and raised my calves.  To summarize, these 4-H experiences have helped me gain knowledge in financial record keeping, marketing, and public relations, all of which will help me in any career that I decide to go into.

 

Through 4-H, I have become more outgoing and learning what it takes to be a leaders.  Before 4-H, I was shy and never talked to many people.  This all changed as the years progressed and as I took positions in my 4-H club.  I claimed the title as Treasurer in my club from 2003 – 2006 and the role of Secretary of my club from the years 2007 – 2009.  With these two positions, I had time to speak in front of all the members and their families and I feel that this has helped me overcome my shyness and to grow as an individual.  I also help and encourage the younger 4-H members in our club.  I show them techniques in how to properly show their 4-H project and how the project should be cared for.  I feel that older members in 4-H club should always set a good example and teach sportsmanship to the younger members and this is exactly what I strive to do.

 

4-H has had a huge impact on my life but I decide to take a different route for my job career.  I would like to attend Shawnee State University and be accepted into the medial field as a Radiology Technician.  After graduation from the University, I would like to return to the community and find a job at a local hospital.  This is the field I have chosen to enter because I enjoy helping people and making a small impact in their lives like I feel I have made with the younger 4-H members in my club.  I also hope to live on a farm, continue to breed cattle and sell club calf projects.  I feel that kids need to start out in life with a positive experience and, at the same time, an experience that is fun and educational.  That is the outcome that 4-H has had for me, and my hope is that I can continue to pass that experience on to other kids through my adult life

 

Shelby Watters, Buford Dairy & Livestock

I have had many opportunities in 4-H over the years.  These opportunities have taught me leadership, responsibility, and how to love and care for animals and people.  I know 4-H has provided me with skills that I have used in everyday life and will use in my career as a nurse.  These skills will be with me the rest of my life.  

 

I have been a 4-H member of the Buford Dairy & Livestock 4-H club for seven years now.  In my club, I have held the offices of News reporter, Secretary, Treasurer and President.  During this time, I have also been a Junior Leader for three years.  At the 2009 Highland County Fair I was the Senior Rabbit Ambassador and a queen candidate.  These opportunities that I have had in 4-H have been fun and rewarding.

 

During my time in 4-H I have watched and listened to other kids, parents, advisors, counselors and various other people involved in 4-H in order to learn leadership.  By being an officer in my 4-H club, a Junior Leader, a camp counselor, and rabbit ambassador I have lead others. I try to lead by example and show younger kids that 4-H is worth the work.  Younger kids, like my sister, look up to me to show them how to do things.  By being a good leader to them I know they too will someday lead others.

 

When I first started in 4-H showing rabbits, my mother said it would be my responsibility to feed, water and clean up after the rabbits.  I became a responsible pet owner.  When I became a camp counselor I had to be responsible for younger kids.  I also became a responsible camp counselor.  There are many things in life that as we get older we become more responsible for and 4-h has helped show me how to do this.

 

Animals, just like people, require love and care.  By giving them both you are assuring them the best you have to give.  My rabbits are a big part of my life.  I enjoy taking care of them, playing with them and showing them at the fair.  Being a member of 4-H I have had the chance to care and love my animals.  It has also gave me the chance to care for kids at camp.  It makes me happy to see my rabbits happy and the kids at camp happy.

 

The skills we learn in 4-H are used everyday even if we are not aware of it.  Things like being responsible to do our homework or helping our parents are just part of it.  I plan on someday being a nurse and these skills will also help me to do that.  Nursing requires a lot of the skills that I have learned in 4-H.  I will use these skills to be the best possible nurse I can be.

 

I am grateful to my parents for allowing me to be a 4-H member and raising rabbits.  It has given me many things.  Things from learning projects to having fun just being a kid at the fair.  Even when we are having fun we can be learning valuable lessons.  I know I have a lot of fun showing rabbits and by doing so I have learned how to take care of them properly.  One of the biggest things 4-H has given me is memories that I will keep forever.

 

When I was fourteen years old my Grandpa Walker was diagnosed with leukemia.  He spent most of his time he had left in the hospital.  During that spring, he had a coonhound who had puppies.  The mother unfortunately got milk fever and couldn’t care for the puppies.  Five puppies needed a mother.  I convinced everyone to let me become their mother.  They all told me that since the puppies were just two days old that they probably wouldn’t live.  One puppy died the next day.  It was a struggle to get them to nurse on a bottle.  They finally took it.  It was also a struggle getting up every four hours and try to feed them.  I took care of them until they were old enough to eat on their own.  I would take pictures to the hospital and show Grandpa Walker and he couldn’t believe how good they did.  It gave me a story of Grandpa to remember the rest of my life.  4-H helped me learn things about animals, so I was able to keep the puppies alive and show everyone the type of person I was.

 

My mother was also a member of the Buford Dairy and Livestock Club.  She showed cattle at the Highland County Fair.  She wanted me to have the opportunity that she had.  I didn’t have to show cattle, but by just becoming a 4-H member, she knew that I would have many opportunities.

 

In conclusion, when people see me either showing my rabbits or just taking care of them, they see a leader who is responsible, loving, and caring person.  Even at camp when I’m having fun with the kids others see how dedicated I am to their well being.  I am truly grateful to my parents and 4-H for allowing me to be the person I am.  4-H has shown me the direction in life that I believe will fulfill my need to help others.  I will fulfill this by becoming a registered nurse.

 

Kristen Greenawalt, Highland County 4-H Alumni and Basically Beef Advisor

My name is Kristen Greenawalt and this is my 4-H story.  I grew up on a farm here in Highland County.  We raise cattle and crops.  My father, Jim Fawley, is a farmer and my mother, Jean Fawley, at that time was a stay-at-home mom.  I have two sisters and no brothers.  That made things challenging for my father who became very creative.  He had three girls to help bale hay and straw, so he made the bales a little lighter and we all helped.  

 

I showed my first steer at the Highland County Fair in 1972.  I participated every year at the fair after that and I was a member of the Dodson Pioneers 4-H Club.  I attended 4-H camp at Canter’s Cave and had so much fun every year that I even became a camp counselor.  We began raising Limousin cattle and I showed many Limousin heifers and steers.  Feeder calves weren’t a project at our fair at the time, but we raised and sold many calves at various feeder calf events.  My show career took me to large events also including the North American International Livestock Expo in Louisville, KY, the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO and many National Junior Heifer shows each summer.  

 

I graduated from Lynchburg-Clay High School and went to Ohio Northern University and became a pharmacist.  I married Mike and eventually our life travels brought us back to Lynchburg and the family farm.  We have three children who have enjoyed farm life and many projects in 4-H.  When my first child, Megan, was in kindergarten, I started a small 7 member group of Cloverbuds.  This was my first experience as an advisor.  We had lessons and fun crafts.  This group of Lynchburg Cloverbuds then became the Basically Beef 4-H Club in 1997.  This club has grown into a large group who enjoy beef cattle.  For these members, 4-H provides friendship and camaraderie while building leaders for our future.  Megan has now graduated and moved on to the next phase of her life, but cattle will always be a part of that.  

 

In my experience, 4-H is truly about life.  It is where many youngsters learn responsibility, devotion and care of animals.  It is where they learn to stand in front of a group to give a demonstration.  It is where older members mentor younger ones and where we all continue to learn from each other.  I have written many scholarship recommendation letters for kids who are making a difference in our community, our state and our country.  4-H means so much to me and to the children around me.  Please invest in our future.  This community needs 4-H for our children.

 

What 4-H Means To Me
Kylee W., Pigs Plus 4-H Club
My name is Kylee W. and I am 11 years old and in the fifth grade.  I am in the group Pigs Plus and last year was my first year in 4-H and I took safe use of guns and placed 3rd. I was the only girl in the group that took this, but I really loved learning all that I did so that I can be as safe as possible when around a gun. I plan on getting my junior hunting license and going turkey hunting with my dad this spring. This year I might try cooking.  

4-H means a lot to me!  I really enjoyed the volunteering and community service that we did. I think volunteering is good for you because it teaches you that you don't have to get paid for everything you do, especially when it is helping someone who needs it .Volunteering teaches you to respect others and gives you an opportunity to make new friends and to be yourself no matter the situation. I made a lot of new friends through 4-H. This club gives you opportunities to try new things and do some really fun stuff. My favorite thing we did was the Anna's Army walk. 

 

WHAT 4-H MEANS TO ME

Robert A. “Bob” Hodson

 I was raised on a farm in Clay Township, Highland County. We didn’t have many of what we now call the necessities of life including electricity, plumbing or the privilege of organizations found in large communities. I was a member of the 1945 five member graduating class at Buford, hardly enough members to participate in many activities other than basketball or band. I did have the benefit of vocational agriculture and the FFA and also the opportunity to participate in 4-H as did many boys and girls.

I remember W.H. Ford as our Highland County Extension Agent. Then as now a 4-H member had a project used as a means to learn basic hands on skills. We learned how to care for animals and raise a crop as the girls learned to sew, cook and keep house. With those projects we learned the value of record keeping and responsibility. My specific project was chickens that provided the added benefit of income instead of a parent allowance.

Our 4-H meetings, led by responsible volunteer leaders, gave us the opportunity for hands on learning about our projects and to present demonstrations. Leadership skills were taught as each was given specific responsibilities, some holding an office or other assignment. I did have the opportunity to take some trips with the County 4-H although to show at the fair was not an opportunity for me.

Fast forwarding, after a stint in the Navy, I graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree from the College of Agriculture to become a Vocational Agriculture teacher working with the FFA. The following five years were fruitful not only with those students, but also with the growing 4-H community in the Leesburg area. After five years of teaching we moved to Clinton County, Ohio I was employed as the Associate County Extension Agent with the leadership responsibility of 4-H.

Those were rewarding years working with the many 4-H clubs and members that grew to great numbers. Working with those young people, Junior Leaders, 4-H Camp, Leadership training meetings and achievement meetings was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. To this day I often meet many of those persons and we can laugh and reflect on those earlier years.

As I entered the field of banking in 1958 I left the opportunity to work directly with 4-H youth, yet was privileged to assist in new and different ways. Given the opportunity to serve on the Ohio 4-H Foundation board provided me new insight to the effectiveness and value of young people in 4-H throughout Ohio. During that time new endowments were being created in Counties throughout Ohio as well as the one established and funded in Highland County. To this day that endowment continues to assist our county 4-H members as they continue their advanced education. I was pleased to have been a part in its establishment.

We were a 4-H family as Dorothy and I raised three children, all becoming members of a 4-H club. Those years were special as we shared in the excitement of those activities only possible through such a youth program. We remain indebted to the hundreds of volunteer leaders who shared their time and effort with our youth. Our daughter Susan was so enamored with 4-H that she became an OSU County Extension Agent working with 4-H in Jackson, Greene and Hocking Counties.

4-H today is no less meaningful than it was in those earlier years. The training provided is evident in our adult leadership today. In my beginning years I was gifted with the efforts of my adult leaders. Over time I have endeavored to give back while at the same time realizing that we must still give forward. The young people today must continue to be given the opportunity for such early training. It is important to cooperatively associate with each other, learn new skills and techniques while developing leadership skills.

I know 4-H played an important role in my life in many ways, by giving me life direction and encouraging me with the ability to speak and provide leadership to others.  One of the greatest honors I ever received was being inducted into the Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame in 1994. It is an old cliché, but still true that tomorrow’s leaders are the youth of today.

We must accept our role as adults to provide the tools and resources for such youth organizations as 4-H to continue. It is no less important today than it was in earlier years. Now as parents, grandparents and even great grandparents we must continue to accept our responsibility and role to join our 4-H members and advisors to follow the 4-H pledge and to “MAKE THE BEST BETTER.”  

 

2010 4-H Week – A Week Like None Other

Tim Sheeley, 4-H Advisor for Marshall Stockmen and Marshall Horsemen

4-H week 2010 is like none other that I have been a part of in the past 25 years I have been an advisor or the previous 11 years that I was a 4-H member. The difference this year lies in the uncertainty of the future of the 4-H program in Highland County. 

 

As a product of the OSU Extension 4-H program, I recall the challenges I had to overcome as a young boy and later as a young adult.  I was shy and unsure of myself, but through the guidance and encouragement of dedicated 4-H leaders and Extension Educators, I was able to come out of my shell and have a successful and rewarding 4-H career. I collected many trophies with my livestock and poultry projects over the years, held several 4-H club officer positions, served on the junior fairboard, garnered many judging awards, won the state 4-H General Livestock Judging Contest, and later earned a spot on the All-Ohio 1984 National Champion 4-H General Livestock Judging Team.  My community raised the money for me to attend the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, Scotland and represent the U.S. in that contest. It wasn’t the Olympics, but to my community it was just as good! 

 

This positive experience not only changed my life, but developed a drive in me to become a leader. First a 4-H leader, and then a community leader. I wanted to give back and found that the rewards received from giving quickly outweighed the time invested. I had a rewarding 4-H career and now an even more rewarding 4-H experience. I hope to someday receive my 50 year advisor pin, but more importantly, I hope that the OSU Extension programs can continue to serve Highland County in their current capacity, continuing to mold  the lives of our youth already involved, as well as making all the difference in the lives of those the program has not yet touched. The power of this, the largest youth organization in the world, is overwhelming yet underrated. 

 

The voters of Highland County will be faced with a decision for the May 4, 2010 primary election. A levy will be on the ballot for support of the OSU Extension program in Highland County. It is known as “Issue 5" and if passed will generate the funds needed to insure the survival of the current program for the next five years. The cost amounts to $14.18 per year on a property valued at $100,000. This is less than what many spend one day at the fair, or one week on snacks, pop, or cigarettes. The value of these programs supersedes the small sacrifice home owners would have to make. The return on investment is immeasurable. I’m proud to say, “I Got My Start In 4-H - A Product of OSU Extension!”  

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