Friday, July 24, 2009

Lighting Up the Next 100 4-H Years



Thursday is bittersweet when it comes to 4-H Congress. It is the last day that we are together and we know things are winding down. However it is also the day the allows the youth to demonstrate and celebrate their leadership skills, which is why we come to Congress in the first place.

Our morning started with inspiration as our keynote speaker inspired our youth to think of others. After that there were workshops which included topics like ethics and working with youth of different ages and stages.

After a brief lunch break the youth reconvened their meeting for the purpose of state officer elections while the adults met to tied up loose ends and talk about our third year of celebrating our centennial. With 11 running for various offices it was not surprising that two races, President and Reporter, went to a run off election. In the end the youth elected; La as President, as Michael Drake as Vice President, as John Norwood as Secretary and Ann Margaret as Reporter.

As soon as the election was decided we rushed back to the dorms to get ready for the closing banquet. The Robeson County delegation mad either presence known at the banquet as possibly the best dressed 4-H delegation in attendance. At the closing banquet the state officers made their final remarks and welcomed the incoming district and state officers. Then it was off to the Dorton arena for the oaths of offices and candle lighting ceremony.
This traditional event begins with each of the state officers lighting a candle as they take their oath and passing the flame on to district officers and they pass the flame to each youth member in attendance. When they are done passing the flame the candles make up a huge 4-H clover which ushers in the beginning of our new 4-H year.

Of course we can't just end there, we had to celebrate. So to celebrate our outgoing officers, the election of our new state officers, and usher in the next 100 years we had to do what young people like to do best...we had to dance. Everyone kicked off their shoes and enjoyed time with their old friends, new friends, and even their 4-H Agents and Volunteers. It was a celebration to remember as the delegation returned to the dorms around midnight and started packing up. Several members of our delegation are planning to return to Congress next year, wouldn't you like to be part of the fun?

No comments: