Students Write About Their Time In 4-H
Russell Hilton
My name is Russell Hilton. I am in 4-H where I am learning to be a leader.
I have done several different projects. They are robotics, golfing, sewing, and arts and crafts. I enjoyed learning how to golf and about robotics from my leader, Mr. Hicks. I like going to the county fair and taking care of my animals, chickens, goats and dogs.
I have liked learning how to be a better leader. I have learned to talk to people and give demonstrations. I like being in 4-H.
Kyla Moore
My name is Kyla Moore. I am a member of the Splitlog 4-H Club.
I have learned more than I expected this past year in my cattle project. I have learned the importance of practicing my speeches and how important good posture is. These skills have not only helped me in public speaking contests, but also in the show ring with my Angus heifer.
What I like the most about 4-H is the opportunities to grow. Without my experiences in 4-H, I do not know if I ever would have been able to speak in front of judges and large groups.
This past year was just the beginning of many years to come in my 4-H career and I am looking forward to every experience.
Keaton Moore
My name is Keaton Moore. My 4-H projects are shooting sports and swine.
In shooting sports I practice with my .22 Ole Henry rifle and have purchased a compound bow and continue to practice with it as well.
I had the experience of raising two pigs last year, and two more this year. I competed in our county fair and am excited to tell you I won Grand Champion crossbred! I continue to learn a lot about keeping them and their pen clean and how important it is to walk them.
I truly look forward to learning more this year in both of my projects. I wish I could say which one I enjoy the most. My favorite time of the year is almost here and I hope I have success hunting. I have enjoyed success in the show ring with my pigs. Now I will see if my practice will pay off with a big buck.
Rhett Keaton
My name is Rhett Keaton. I am 10 years old and live on a beef cattle farm in McDonald County. 4-H has always been a part of our family. My parents were both in 4-H, my older sisters are involved, too. So were my grandparents.
I have learned many things in 4-H this year. We have had guest speakers and field trips during our club meetings. I have learned about shooting safety, water safety, and farm safety. We had the local fire department come to our meetings and they actually brought a fire truck for us to tour.
One of my projects this year was beef cattle. I learned it takes many hours of work to get a calf ready for the fair. I learned showing a 6- to 8-month-old calf is very different from showing a bucket calf. My other project is shooting sports. At our first meeting we were taught safety. I am getting better at shooting, but have a lot of room to improve.
I think what I have enjoyed the most about being in 4-H is attending camp at Roaring River. I made friends, played games, went fishing, and so much more. I am looking forward to next year!
Courtney Keaton
My family has been strong in 4-H for many years. Both my parents and grandparents were actively involved and my older sister. It was natural for me to want to follow in their footsteps and join 4-H, but I have chosen my own interests and project areas. My name is Courtney Keaton and I am a member of the Splitlog 4-H Club.
My newest project is cake decorating, and I have been decorating cakes and even sold a few cakes. I make cakes for fundraisers and benefits as well. I have learned many techniques and skills. I have learned from experts, videos and trial and error. I have definitely learned from my mistakes.
I have learned many new things through 4-H this year, from taking care of cats to showing beef. I have truly enjoyed participating in many different activities and meeting new friends. Probably my favorite and most memorable parts of 4-H has been hosting a delegate from Japan. It was a great experience for my whole family. We made a lifetime friend.
Callie Keaton
I am a lifelong 4-H member in McDonald County. My name is Callie Keaton. My two main projects are horse and beef cattle production. Obviously, on a busy farm there is responsibility. I have daily chores that involve feeding and caring for my horses and show cattle. Besides just feeding there are other tasks, including washing, brushing, and blowing dry show calves, exercising my horses, cleaning stalls, and giving lessons to younger members.
Community service is a big part of our local 4-H clubs. One of our most current activities is to help local citizens clean up following a tornado that damaged many structures in our neighboring town. I initiated the project and assisted in arranging the locations that needed our assistance. We mainly cut and removed limbs and hauled brush. We made an impact on some of the cleanup and our help was appreciated.
My leadership roles in 4-H have helped me realize that there are many different personalities that I may be leading. I have learned that it takes a flexible person to be in a leadership position.
Communicating with others has been one of the biggest benefits I have gotten from 4-H. It has given me the opportunity to speak in front of my peers, adults, and groups of people I didn’t even know. As I have gotten older, this becomes easier.
Little did I know, when I joined 4-H at 5 years old, it was the beginning of something not only fun, but something that would impact the rest of my life with life skills I didn’t even know I needed.