Gordon County 4-H Youth Celebrates National 4-H Week
More than six million young people across the country celebrated National 4-H Week from October 4 through 10. The week is an annual celebration of 4-H during the first full week of October. Gordon County 4-H leveraged National 4-H Week this year to showcase the great things that 4-H offers young people and highlight the incredible 4-H youth in the community who work each day to make a positive impact on the community.
For example, Brandon Bagley, a ninth grade student at Gordon Central High School, has been in 4-H since he was in fifth grade and has thrived in the program. Brandon has gone to State Council, participated in the Performing Arts - Vocal category at Project Achievement, received training as a Certified Teen Leader, and is now the president of the Gordon County 4-H Senior Club for high school 4-H’ers. He credits 4-H with helping him become more outgoing and to have more self-confidence.
“I love 4-H and I don’t know where I would be without it,” said Bagley.
Gordon County 4-H has three staff members: Allie Griner, 4-H agent, Kurt Sutherland, 4-H Associate, and Becky Pass, 4-H Assistant. Even with three staff members, Gordon County 4-H could not offer the activities and opportunities that it does without the help of exceptional adult volunteers.
Janice Forrest is one of these volunteers. For Janice, 4-H has been a family affair since 1955 when her oldest brother joined 4-H. She and her siblings followed in his footsteps. Janice became a local officer and a county council officer and competed in Project Achievement. She credits 4H with providing the experience she would need for her future career in public service, and now gives back to the organization by chaperoning out-ofcounty trips and volunteering at local events. Her daughter, Olivia, continues their 4-H legacy by participating in the wildlife judging team, going to camp and Project Achievement, and by serving the community in a variety of ways. When asked what 4-H has meant to her, Janice responded by saying:
“It is good preparation for life! I would say to parents to encourage your children to join 4-H,” said Forrest when asked what 4-H has meant to her.
Research has shown that participation in 4-H has a significant positive impact on young people. Recent findings from the Tufts University 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that, when compared to their peers, young people in 4-H report significantly higher levels of positive youth development, are nearly four times more likely to contribute to their communities, and have an advantage in attaining educational outcomes.
Katie Sutherland, a Gordon County 4-H alumna, is one of those students attaining great educational outcomes. She is a student at Shorter University, pursuing a degree in nursing. She said that she uses the skills she learned in 4-H every day.
“Whether I am giving a presentation in class, interviewing for a scholarship, or helping a new student that looks a little lost on campus, I have the confidence I learned through 4-H to help me,” Sutherland.
No matter your interests, there is a project in 4-H that appeals to almost everyone. Participants find what is for them through learning and judging events, fun activities, community volunteering, or statewide competitions.
While we celebrate National 4-H Week once a year, 4-H provides opportunities for positive development for its members and the community all year long. To join 4-H or to find out more about Gordon County 4-H, please call their office at 706-629-8685, visit our website at http://www.caes.uga. edu/extension/gordon/, or like Gordon County 4-H on Facebook.