Leadership Geauga County to honor Geauga 4-H

Each year since 2001, Leadership Geauga County honors visionary and dedicated community leaders and organizations whose extraordinary work has significantly enhanced the quality of life in Geauga County. These i ndividuals and organizations have given generously of their time and talents, and have worked to keep Geauga County the best place to live and call home.

This year it announced that the 2018 Emerald Leader will be presented to Geauga County 4-H. Geauga 4-H will receive its award on March 3 at the Emerald Ball. The Emerald Ball, sponsored by Junction Auto Family, is an evening of leadership recognition and philanthropy.

The Geauga County 4-H Program has over 750 youth enrolled and utilizes over 125 adult volunteers to organize and lead 37 county based 4-H clubs. Geauga County 4-H offers a wide range of youth leadership opportunities including camper and camp counselors, public speaking, financial literacy, educational livestock clinics, project skills judging, field trips, and community outreach events. Participants increase their self-confidence and develop life skills while learning about specific subjects — anything from animals to robotics, cooking, art, gardening and environmental sciences, just to name a few project topics.

Here in the local community, Geauga County 4-H has taken on hunger and has partnered with the Kellis Eye Center to host the third annual food drive to benefit the Geauga Hunger Task Force.

Dr. Augustine Kellis had this to say about their collaboration, “Our combined efforts have helped raise over $65,000 to help feed the hungry in the county. I have seen these 4-H children and young adults join efforts to truly live their pledge to use their hands for greater service. From door to door visits to local businesses, to dropping off collection boxes and standing outside local grocery stores, I have witnessed their enthusiasm and dedication. They are goal oriented, accept a challenge and rise to the occasion. It is their hard work and leadership that has made these drives successful. Knowing these 4-H children has renewed my faith in the youth of our world.”

Said Leadership Executive Director Melanie Scanlon” “We couldn’t be more proud to present the Emerald Leader award to an organization that uses their talents and time to better our community. Their investment in youth leader- ship development and service to the community is unmatched. And to give back so much without

4-H is a non-formal educational, youth development program offered to individuals age 5 and in kindergarten to age 19. Ohio 4-H youth development reaches more than 240,000 youth each year – helping kids “learn by doing” through hands-on activities. 4-H members learn valuable lessons in leadership, communication and collaboration while increasing their knowledge in math, science, technology and a variety of other topics.

For more information on the Emerald Ball or to request tickets, call 440-2868115 or visit our website leadershipgeauga.org

SUBMITTED Members of Geauga County 4-H are shown.