Pre-Closing Banquet Thoughts – Officer Perspective

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So the hours to the end of this year’s Congress are drawing near. This time brings many thoughts to mind, especially as a member of the State Council and District Council. One of such is that this may be the last time you are able to be around your fellow officers or the speech from the State Officers that may make you cry. It is a joyous time as an officer as you know you have done your duty to your fellow 4-Hers, but at the same time you don’t want it to end. Then there are those thoughts where you don’t want Congress to end; you just want it to go on forever. Though at the same time you are ready for this, as you have looked forward to sitting on the top tier of the officers’ stand if you are an outgoing officer, or being allowed to sit up there on the bottom tier for the incoming officers. Well, that is all for now; I’ll update as soon as it is over tonight/tomorrow.

Centennial Dinner Program

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On the evening of Tuesday, July 21, 4-H’ers from across the state met with past 4-H’ers and leaders to enjoy a dinner in celebration of NC 4-H’s Centennial Birthday. To start the evening off, everyone moved over to  the Expo Center and waited in line to get a bountiful supper consisting of many great foods. Then once everyone was settled in place ready to eat, the main program began.

There were many guest speakers from across the state who commended 4-H’ers present and past for their accomplishments and described what is planned for the next 100 years of 4-H. Also highlighting the evening were performances by members of the 4-H Performing Arts Troupe, the most remarkable one was where they sang a song from the production they were working on. Then several District Officers performed an original dance by State 4-H President Caleb Black to the song, “We Go Together” from Grease. To end the night, State Director Dr. Marshall Stewart gave a speech and led the crowd in a round of Happy Birthday for 4-H. As the crowds were leaving they were treated to a sample or two of NC 4-H’s Centennial Ice Cream, “Campfire Delight,” which was concocted by Tyrrell County 4-Hers.

Hands to Service

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Wednesday morning, July 22, 4-H Congress Delegates participated in the Hands to Service Activity.  Counties were assigned to locations around the Raleigh area and spent the morning serving the area, from yard work to gleaning to cleaning to assisting with children.

“People should volunteer their time to help preserve our natural heritage.”

This quote came from a group of 4-Her’s who spent their Hands to Service time at the Prairie Ridge Center, a part of the Museum of Natural Sciences which strives to restore the land to its orignal state and look.  Youth worked on removing invasive plants, weeding and mulching native trees, and learning about the Enviromental Education Center.

It was a very rewarding experience for all who participated.

Here is a group of 4-Her's posing for a picture at the Prairie Ridge Center where they did hardwork

Here is a group of 4-Her's posing for a picture at the Prairie Ridge Center where they did hard work

4-H Presentations

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On Tuesday, July 21st, after weeks of preparation,  hundreds of youth from across the state competed in the statewide 4-H Presentation Competition.  Youth presented in three age divisions: 9-10, 11-13 and 14-18.  They competed in over thirty categories including Cookery, Science, Interior Design, Animals, Leadership and Public Speaking.  Most categories allow for props and posters to be used as a demonstration.

Some of this year’s judges were specialists from Duke and NC State Universities.  They were very impressed with this year’s competition and the challenging topics that youth chose.

Youth in several categories who won gold medals will be eligible to compete at National Competition.

Congratulations to all who participated!

What is Congress

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The N.C. State 4-H Congress is an annual educational event sponsored by the 4-H Youth Development Department at N.C. State University and planned by the State 4-H Council. This council is composed of 32 young people who serve as officers from their respective districts and 4 state officers who are elected at Congress. The Congress will be attended by approximately 800 youths ranging in age from 9 to 19 and representing every county in North Carolina.