• By April Bowman
• Posted Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Three 4-H'ers Win Top Honors

In 2009, North Carolina 4-H will celebrate 100 years of providing the youth of our state the life skills they need to reach their full potential by working and learning in partnership with caring volunteers and youth development professionals. It is through those relationships that young people become confident, mature adults ready for success in today’s challenging world.

The year-long celebration, themed “We Are 4-H!” will give North Carolina 4-H the opportunity to remember its past and break through to the second century of innovative 4-H programming as it shifts to meet the changing interests of today’s generation and the needs of our state.

To commemorate this milestone in North Carolina 4-H history, the North Carolina 4-H Youth Development program sponsored a statewide contest entitled “Color Me Green.” 4-H’ers of all ages were encouraged to submit their artwork for consideration as one of the official North Carolina 4-H Centennial Coloring Pages. Wilson County 4-H’er, Laila Allan of Wilson, NC was selected as the state winner in the 9-10 age division as well as the overall grand prize winner. Janaiah Edwards of Gates, NC was selected as the state winner in the 11-13 age division and, Danielle Edwards, of Hertford, NC was selected as the state winner in the 14-18 age division. Each will receive a $25 cash award and will be recognized at the Centennial Celebration held during North Carolina 4-H Congress in July 2009 in Raleigh.

Art is a universal language. Art is one of the only educational subjects that has the capacity to engage all students. The “Color Me Green” contest encouraged youth to be creative, strengthen fine motor skills and ignite the power of imagination.

“I like 4-H because we do a lot of activities in our community, and it’s cool. I plan to be in 4-H for years to come.” Laila Allen stated. Dr. Thearon McKinney, Associate State 4-H Leader, said “I am very proud of our states 4-H’ers and volunteer leaders. 4-H empowers youth to learn in a hands-on way that excites and energizes. Laila, Janaiah and Danielle are perfect examples of positive youth development.”

The 4-H centennial coloring sheets, including Laila Allan’s, will be available online at www.nc4h.org on February 2nd. For more information about the NC 4-H Centennial Celebration, please contact Dr. Mitzi Downing, Extension Assistant Professor and Specialist at 919-515-8487 or mitzi_downing@ncsu.edu.

North Carolina 4-H took root as corn and tomato clubs in Ahoskie, North Carolina in 1909, and soon evolved into the state wide 4-H program we know today. With over 239,000 youth actively involved last year, North Carolina 4-H is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. From rocketry to workforce development and nutrition programs to a week-long camping experience at one of five residential facilities, North Carolina 4-H is a community of young people who are learning leadership, citizenship and 21st century life skills that will enhance their lives and prepare them to be the leaders of tomorrow. Wherever youth are today, 4-H is there!