RALEIGH — This year year Bladen County 4-H celebrated a state presentation winner as well as District level club honors. 4-H Congress, held in Raleigh on July 29-Aug. 1, attracted more than 500 young people and their adult leaders for activities including presentations on a variety of subjects, leadership and citizenship training, service opportunities, officer elections and more.

Some of our winners and participants were:

Luke Barber, 12, son of George and Sonya Barber of Elizabethtown, won a gold medal in 4-H presentations for his presentation on poultry production. In addition, Arriel Staten, 13, also participated in state level presentations this year, competing in junior level presentation in the Health category. Both individuals qualified for state by winning in their respective age and subject matter contests at a district competition held in June 2016.

Additionally, the Down East 4-H club that meets in the Carver’s Creek community, received state recognition for their service project this year. The club will receive a monetary award for their accolades. This year the club focused on setting up a recycling collection area at their host church and in each of the members’ homes. They collectively recycled over 2000 gallons of materials.

4-H State Congress is a conference for youth ages 13-18 involved in 4-H activities. They participate in leadership and service workshops, as well as elect their state level officers for the coming year. This year Bladen County was able to send seven youth, one volunteer, and one agent to this state level 4-H conference. Scholarships for this opportunity were provided through funding from Smithfield Hog Production and United Way of Bladen County. 2017 attendees from Bladen County were as follows: Kaylee Page, Alexis Ray, Anaiya Cromartie, Shonita Hayes, Sonita Hayes, Olivia Barnes, and Allayah Jarmon.

4-H is North Carolina’s largest youth development organization, equipping more than 247,000 young people each year with the skills to succeed and improve the world around them. 4-H programs and camps encourage young people to “learn by doing,” helping them to develop into active, contributing citizens. NC State Extension and the Cooperative Extension Program at N.C. A&T State University coordinate 4-H programs statewide.

Stacie Kinlaw is a Bladen County Extension agent for 4-H Youth Development and can be reached at 910-862-4591 or stacie_kinlaw@ncsu.edu.

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Stacie Kinlaw

Bladen County Extension Office