Been a Busy Summer

Sorry it has taken me so long to update everyone on all the events that have been taking place this summer. Thus far Jones County 4-Hers have had a great summer!!

To start Jones County 4-Hers held their own at District Activity Day (Held June 24, 2011 at LCC in Kinston). Jones County 4-H was represented by 10 4-Hers who competed in divisions ranging from non-competitive cloverbud division on up to the senior (14-18 year olds) division. 

The following youth participated in the cloverbud division: Cheyenne Pike, who did a presentation on Hunting Dogs in NC, and Lane Stewart who talked about “The Hill-Billy Speed Bump” the Armadillo.

 In the 9-10 year old division Bryson Murrell competed in the Health and Fitness Category doing a presentation on Basketball. Bryson placed second in his category earning a silver medal. Hannah Stewart participated in the 9-10 year old division in the Soil, Water, and Environment category. Hannah did a presentation on the Endangered Rainforest. She placed first in her category earning a gold medal and the opportunity to go on to the state competition.

In the 11-13 year old age division Coleman Stewart did a presentation in the Citizenship and Civic Engagement category by talking about the four branches of the military. Coleman placed first in his category, earning a gold medal and the opportunity to go on to state competition.

 In the 14-18 year old age division Cora Bradford did a presentation in Health and Fitness category, on childhood obesity. Mary Downs did a horse presentation on the potentially fatal horse disease known as strangles. Mary placed first in her category earning a gold medal and the opportunity to compete at the state level. Zachary Gathings placed first in the horse public speaking category with his speech on horses in the Middle Ages. Zach placed first in his category earning a gold medal and the opportunity to compete on the national level. April Ray did a Health and Fitness presentation on preventing underage drinking. April placed third earning a bronze medal. Andrew Reid finishes out the 14-18 year old age division with his presentation in the landscaping category, on creating the perfect baseball field. Andrew placed first in his category, earning a gold medal and the opportunity to compete on the state level. 

Pictured are Jones County 4-Hers and volunteer Ms. Monique Dillahunt at District Activity Day!

 After District activity, Jones County 4-H started summer educational workshops, which this summer ranged from crabbing and clamming, to science days, and cultural awareness workshops. 

Group photo after clamming and crabbing!

Wilmington field trip - picture taken at Airlie Gardens! 

During the second week of July two Jones County 4-Hers attended the 64th annual 4-H Electric Congress held on the campus of Western Carolina. The 4-Hers received the opportunity to attend by completing an electric project, then doing a 4-H record book on their project. The two who attended were Bryson Murrell and Coleman Stewart. During Electric Congress 4-Hers made a solar light, and then had a bit of fun white water rafting. 

Jones County Delegation (Ms. Erin, Coleman Stewart, and Bryson Murrell) pictured with Progress Energy representative at 4-H Electric Congress.

The highlight of the summer (at least for the teens) is 4-H Congress held the week of July 18-21 on the campus of NC State. During 4-H Congress the state presentation competitions were held, the annual honor club tapping in ceremony was held, along with many other teen activities such as leadership workshops, and a community service event was held. this year Jones County had three teens inducted into the 4-H Honor Club : Alyssa Davis, Zacahry Gathings, and Shaquila Jones. In addition three 4-Hers participated in state competitions they were: Andrew Reid, Coleman Stewart, and Hannah Stewart. Andrew placed second in his category of Landscaping in the 14-18 year old division, and Hannah placed first in her category of the Soil, Water, and Environment in the 9-10 year old division. Other Jones County 4-Hers who attended 4-H Congress are: Cora Bradford, Mary Downs, and April Ray. 

Jones County 4-Hers at 4-H Congress

Hannah Stewart after placing first at the State 4-H presentation competition

Alyssa Davis, Zachary Gathings, and Shaquila Jones being inducted into the 4-H Honor Club!

Other activities Jones County 4-Hers have been involved in this summer are: The State Horse Show, State Horse Presentations, the State Livestock Judging Competition, and State Skill-a-thon Competition.
Congratulation to the Jones County Livestock Judging and Skillathon teams. The livestock judging team placed 4th high team in meat goats and 3rd high team in sheep! Also, Ashley Murphy placed 10th overall in individual high score - swine! Cassidy Sutton placed 9th in overall combined individual score! Holly Sutton placed 5th individual high score - sheep! The following participated in the State Livestock Judging Competition:
Megan Downs
Jonathan Murphy
Ashley Murphy
Cheyenne Pike
Cassidy Sutton
Holly Sutton

The following Jones County 4-Hers participated in the state Skill-a-Thon Competition: 
Cheyenne Pike
Ashley Murphy
Jonathan Murphy
Megan Downs


Congratulations to Mary Downs who placed second at the State Horse presentation competition, making her eligible to compete at the Southern Regional Horse Show held in Mississippi. In addition Megan Downs qualified to ride her horse in the Southern Regional Horse Show.

Congratulations to all Jones County 4-Hers for a job well done this summer!
I am looking forward to a great week of camp next week.