Thank You

We say it too infrequently and they deserve so much more than just a mere thank you. I am talking about our incredible Robeson County 4-H volunteers. Nearly 75 of these special people joined us for our annual 4-H Volunteer Appreciation Banquet.

The room was decorated in black and silver to help kick off the upcoming State 4-H Centennial Celebration. Our volunteers were dressed to kill as they came to enjoy dinner, fellowship with other volunteers, and receive small tokens of our appreciation. Cierra Buckman and Yazmin Washington, both County Council officers, served as hostesses greeting our volunteers and pinning them with centennial pins while making sure they were armed with a ticket for some incredible door prizes. Everett Davis, the Robeson County Extension Director, welcomed everyone and served as our moderator for the evening. Bobby Rogers, a long time 4-H volunteer, gave the benediction and we all enjoyed an incredible dinner from Village Station. After dinner, the fun really began as we welcomed special guests including members of our specialized committee, County Commissioner (and 4-H volunteer) Hubert Sealey, and our North Carolina Cooperative Extension District Extension Director, Dr. Donald Cobb.

Valerie Humphrey provided incredible entertainment during the night singing some Broadway songs that took our breath away. Lt. Brian Duckworth of the Robeson County Sheriff's office was our speaker for the evening and reminded us about the special nature of volunteers and how our 4-H volunteers really are making a difference for the youth in our county. After all the formalities (and a few breaks for door prizes) it was time for what we all came for, time to recognize our volunteers for their service. We called them up by their years of service and gave them a small memento of our appreciation. The volunteers whose names are in bold were present to receive their gift and you can see them in our photos, grouped by year.
First Year Volunteers: Janet Calvin, Gwen Colvin, Jessica Drake, Margaret Crites, Pat McRae, Hubert Sealey, Linda Sealey and Tanya Underwood.
Second Year: Tony Bullard, Sandra Cox, Staci Kinlaw, Carolyn Lewis, Connie Locklear, Millard Locklear, Jane McMillan, Gail Rogers, Sonny Sampson and Arlene Smith.
Third Year: Sarah Baker, Joan Britt, Libby Burney, Retha Ekwunoh, Melissa Hoggard, Kusum Jahala, Vicky Pipkins and Larry Russ.
Fourth Year: Debra McBride
Sixth Year: Leonard Bullard, Sharon Bullard, Bessie Jones, Carolyn McMillan, Lillian McNeill, Gwen Rogers and Esther Wood.
Seventh Year: Renee Blue, Jane Hurst, Hattie Troy and Erica Willams.
Eighth Year: Sharon Byrd, Addie Mae Caple and Mary Grissett.
Ninth Year: Beverly Chambers, Sara Hunter and Debra Rogers.
Eleventh Year: Aletha Mebane and Cynthia Shipmon.
Twelfth Year: Laura Betha, Patrica Andrew-Ford and Sallie McCallum.
Thirteenth Year: Lorraine Chandler, Joyce Peay, Louise Ratley, Lula Ratley and Juanita Smith.

Fourteenth Year: Marilyn Merritt
Sixteenth Year: Kenneth Bethea and Hazel Sumner
Seventeenth Year: Linda Brown and Bobby Rogers
Nineteenth Year: Katherine Bethea and Roberta Grissett

Three volunteers received special recognition for their years of service. Ervin Ratlely was recognized for 10 years of service in 4-H. He is one of our long time Animal Science supporters and has worked with not only his children, but grandchildren completing 4-H projects. Deborah Mitchell was recognized for 15 years of service to 4-H. Joyce Jones, who was unable to attend, was also recognized for 25 years of service to 4-H serving in roles from club leader to Volunteer Leaders' Association officer and so much more in her 4-H career.

Before our evening was over the volunteers were treated to a slide show of all their exploits and learning activities of the year. In a special treat Libby Burney, 4-H volunteer with the Horsin' Around Horse Club, took the podium and recognized the 4-H staff with special gifts and also recognized volunteer Larry Russ, who has cooked for several events, with a special gift.

We hope our volunteers felt that this was a special night just for them and enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed putting it together for them. Most of all we just want to say thank you for all that you do for your communities, our youth, and 4-H.