UF/IFAS Okeechobee County Extension Service
458 Highway 98 North
Okeechobee, FL 34972-2578
Phone: (863) 763-6469
E- mail: acletzer@mail.ifas.ufl.edu
July 30, 2003
Feature Article - For release the week of August 4, 2003
Adam Cletzer- Extension Student Assistant
Extension
Recognizes 4-H Accomplishments
The 4-H clubs of Okeechobee will recognize outstanding 4-Hers Saturday, Aug. 9 at their annual awards banquet.
More than 300 4-Hers, parents and volunteers are expected to attend the predominately youth-led ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. in Okeechobee High School's cafeteria.
Members will be recognized for their accomplishments in leadership, community service, citizenship, agriculture and other project areas. Each club will also present special awards to deserving members.
The banquet is also a time to recognize individuals, families and businesses in Okeechobee county for their contributions to the 4-H program throughout the year.
"4-H could not run without the help of our countless supporters in the community," said Debbie Clements, Okeechobee County's Extension Agent.
The recipient of the prestigious "Friend of 4-H" award will also be announced during the ceremony.
"The 'Friend of 4-H' is our highest honor for outstanding, perennial supporters of 4-H," Clements said.
The annual award was instituted in 1989 in appreciation for an individual or group who has shown an outstanding support of Okeechobee 4-H clubs.
Tickets for the awards dinner are $2 before Aug. 7 or $5 at the door. Tickets can be purchased from the
Okeechobee Cooperative Extension Office at 458 Hwy. 98N or call (863) 763-6469.
The County Council 4-H Club will have a Chinese auction prior to the banquet beginning at 5 p.m. Prizes donated by local businesses will be auctioned to raise money for the club.
The night will be emceed by: Pat McCoy, principal of North Elementary; Debbie Clements, Extension Agent, 4-H Youth and FCS; and Pat Miller, County Extension Director. However, most awards will be presented by a host of former and current 4-Hers.
The night is also a means to showcase the opportunities 4-H has to offer to younger 4-Hers as well as non-members who are considering joining a 4-H program.
Senior level 4-H youth will speak of the past year's trips and awards that are available to active 4-Hers. Samantha McKenna, Okeechobee's delegate to the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Ga. will speak, as well as National 4-H Dairy Conference delegate, Caitlin James.
"Okeechobee's kids are really amazing," Debbie Clements said. "They've represented Florida and Okeechobee at many national events, and the nation knows they're there."
More than 300 of Okeechobee's youth participate in a 4-H program. Activities vary from livestock and horse showing to shooting sports, photography and public speaking. Opportunities for involvement are available up to the state and national level.
The deadline to sign up for the 2003-2004 4-H year is Oct. 1. To register, contact Debbie Clements at the Okeechobee Cooperative Extension Office at (863) 763-6469 or e-mail at okeechobee@ifas.ufl.edu.
The
Florida Cooperative Extension Service - Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer
authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services to
individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex,
age, handicap, or national origin.