Bringing Home Precious Medals

District Activity Day is a tradition for 4-H and Robeson County and this year was no different. For those of you who are not familiar with District Activity Day let me give you a little history. In April our 4-H members competed in County Activity Day which is a public speaking and demonstration speaking competition. For the youth who placed first or second in their age division and category they have the option of moving forward to District Activity Day (DAD). Each year DAD is held in each of the six districts. This year the South Central District (which is made up of 15 counties) was held in Wadesboro which is in Anson County. Those who win here may have the opportunity to move up to state competition.

It was an early morning as our five public speakers, seven presenters, and two entertains participants as well as parents, siblings, friends and clubs leaders climbed aboard the 4-H bus and 15 passenger van. We left the parking lot at the office and about two hours later arrived at the middle school in Wadesboro. There we were met with a smile and kind words from Mr. Larry (no not our Mr. Larry but another one). He helped us pull up, get everyone unloaded and sent our drivers to their parking spaces.

After checking in and getting everyone their meal tickets it was time to head to our respective rooms. First ones that we got word back on were our two Entertains participants, Maurice Rogers of the Young Leaders 4-H Club and Megan Hurst of the Horsin' Around 4-H Club and Dirty Rascals 4-H Junior Master Gardener Club. Both performed for the judges early in the day. Next up, public speaking. Usually they started with the youngest competitors however today was a little different. Out of no where we heard that Alexus Jones with the Inspirational Youth Leaders 4-H Club and Zaire Baker with the Voices in Praise 4-H Club had finished their speeches. Then Jamal Bennet of Spiritual Generations had finished his presentation in Dairy Foods.

In the meantime we had just started with the Junior Division in the rooms hosting Healthy Lifestyles and Careers and Entrepreneurial Activities. This room had the bulk of our presenters, five, competing. Tyron Alford of Young Leaders and Dirty Rascals Junior Master Gardener 4-H Club gave her presentation on Volleyball. Not to be shown up shortly thereafter by her brother Tyson who gave his speech on Basketball. As they were presenting our Public Speakers were knocking out the judges with their words. Elijah Leach of Voices in Praise 4-H Club, Michicko Hill of Inspirational Youth Leaders 4-H Club, and Camry Ocean of Voices in Praise 4-H Club all gave their speeches and headed to lunch before Shawndora McNair of Inspirational Youth Leaders 4-H Club gave her presentation on Asthma. Kim McNair spent the down time running between her daughter Shawndora's presentation and her son Jayln's outdoor cookery presentation. It wasn't long before she announced he was done and the burgers he cooked were all gone.

We were still plugging away in the Career and Entrepreneurship category. Jeshaiah Moore of the Young Leaders 4-h Club knocked the judges out with her presentation on designing and painting nails. Shabreya Vample of Young Leaders 4-H Club was our last presenter and drew a wonderful portrait of her future career in fashion design.

When it was all said and done what they all wanted to know was if there was precious medal waiting for them. Maurice Rogers and Megan Hurst both got blue ribbons for their performances. Tyson Alford was given a bronze medal for his basketball presentation. Shabreya Vample, Tyron Alford, Shawndora McNair, Eljah Leach, Michicko Hill and Zaire Baker all brought home silver. While Camry Ocean, Jamal Bennet, Jeshaiha Moore, and Jaylyn McNair brought home gold. All gold winners in the 9 to 10 age division are eligible to move forward to State competition. All first and second place winners in the 11-13 and 14-18 age divisions are eligible to move on to State competition in July.

Just as a quick side note we need to give a special thanks to the parents and volunteers who worked with our youth to make sure that they were prepared for this competition. Also a special mention and thanks to Mac Malloy our new Robeson County Crops Agent. He served as a person in charge of a room at DAD and this was his very first time doing this. We were very proud of the job he did and appreciate the judges for their hard work as well. Also one last special thanks to the Anson County Cooperative Extension Staff who made it a smooth and wonderful day. Thank you for your hard work and help.