Bee Keeping Essay Contest

 

Here is your chance to enter a County, State, and National Contest without leaving your own home! 

    Honey bees are hardworking, tirelessly gathering nectar and pollen to share with their hive. They provide a vital ecological service by pollinating agricultural, garden and native plants. Explore more about these fascinating insects by participating in the North Carolina 4-H Beekeeping Essay contest. The essay provides a platform for youth to creatively express their working knowledge and research of the craft of beekeeping.

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The 2025 essay topic is, “The Importance of Youth in Beekeeping: How 4-H Members Can Make a Difference!”

For this essay, a 4-H member should answer these questions: Why youth are important in beekeeping? How can 4-H members make a difference? How can more young people get involved in beekeeping? What are your future plans as a beekeeper? What is a major contribution a young beekeeper has brought to the industry?

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Note that “honey bee” is properly spelled as two words, even though many otherwise authoritative references spell it as one word.

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Essay Awards

The state beekeeping essay follows the rules laid out by the national contest sponsored by the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees. NC 4-H youth will compete in the following age divisions; 1). 8-10 2). 11-13 and 3). 14-18. Youth awarded first in each category will receive $25 each. The overall winning essay from either 11-13 or 14-18 will be sent on to the national competition. Youth can only place first one time within an age category.

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Essay Submission

  Essay's are to be emailed to Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Extension Agent at sadejarn@ncsu.ed by the close of business April 24, 2025.  The submissions will be gathered for judging on the county level and submited for you to the state level.  Please note all rules that follow will apply to the county countest as well.

State Rules:

NC 4-H Essay Content Rules Eligibility: The contest is open to active 4-H Club members only. 4-H’ers who have previously placed first, second, or third at the national level are not eligible; but other state winners are eligible to re-enter. 

 Requirements (failure to meet any one requirement disqualifies the essay) 

-Write on the designated subject only. 

-Essay must be typed on single-sided pages and formatted following standard manuscript format using double-spaced type and 12pt font in a legible font face. 

-Youth in the 11-13 and 14-18 age category must have an essay length of 750 to 1000 words. Youth that are in the 8-10 age category, only need to write an essay that is between 400-500 words. Word count does not include sources, works cited or the writer’s biographical statement. 

- All factual statements and interview references must be cited in a “sources” or “bibliography” list. 

- On a separate page, please include a brief biographical statement of the writer including mailing address, email address and phone number. 

Scoring: Essays will be judged on

 (a) scope of research – 40%;

 (b) accuracy – 30%; 

(c) creativity – 10%;

 (d) conciseness – 10%; 

(e) logical development of the topic – 10%. 

 The scope of the research is an essential judging criterion, accounting for 40% of your score. The number of sources consulted, the authority of the sources, and the variety of the sources are all evaluated. Personal interviews with beekeepers and others familiar with the subject are valued sources of information and should be documented. 

Awards: 

NC 4-H youth will compete in the following age divisions; 

1). 8-10 

2). 11-13  

3). 14-18. 

Youth awarded first in each category will receive $25 each. The overall winning essay from either 11-13 or 14-18 will be sent on to the national competition. Youth can only place first one time within an age category. 

National Essay The winner of the North Carolina 4-H state Beekeeping Essay is forwarded to the national Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees to participate in their national essay contest. Each state may submit only one entry. 

North Carolina 4-H submits the state winning essay by May 1, 2025. Any 4-H Club member who placed first, second or third in previous years of the national competition is NOT eligible to win in 2025; however, state competition winners remain eligible to enter the national competition. 

Essays entered must encompass the designated topic only. There will be no exceptions. 

National winners will be announced by June 15, 2025 Decisions made by the trustees of the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees during national judging are final. All national competition entries become the property of the foundation and may be used as it sees fit. No essays will be returned. Three cash prizes will be awarded in the National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition. The author of the highest-scoring essay will win first prize. The author of the second-highest scoring essay will win second prize. The author of the third-highest scoring essay will win third prize. First Prize: $750 Second Prize: $500 Third Prize: $250 The three prize-winning essays will be published in ABF Quarterly, the magazine of the American Beekeeping Federation. All authors of essays submitted to the national competition will receive a relevant book on honey bees, beekeeping, or honey.

And the Winners Are...

  

4-H Members are judges were listening and learning from you, job well done!  County Activity Day offers our youth the platform to educate, inform, and persuade our adults on any topic under the sun.  This year are topics ranged from Sunscreen Safety to different types of sports, from Axolotls to the Truth about Water Bottles, this year's topics did not disappoint.
  

   For those of you not familiar with 4-H County Activity Day, it is when our youth give original presentations (sort of like show and tell) or speeches on topics ranging on just about anything that interests them.  Youth competing in Presentations are required to have poster boards or a power point presentation and to show or demonstrate something, like how to make a peanut butter sandwich.  Youth who chose public speaking give a speech to educate, persuade, or discuss a certain view point.  Youth can present from 5-12 minutes and those doing presentations must answer questions from judges, wheras public speaking does not have questions after the speech.

   This year we had 9 youth who competed and have the chance to move forward to District Competition.

In our 8-10 Age Division:

   Logan Forcier of the Dirty Rascals Jr. Master Gardener 4-H Club received first place in Personal Development-Careers and Entrepreneurship with his speech on Professional Wrestling.

   Anna Malloy with our 4-H Animal Science Club received first place in Communication and Expressive Arts-Arts and Communications with her presentation on Diamond Art.

   Mahogany Samuel with Young Leaders 4-H Club received first place with her presentation on How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich.  She will move forward in the Peanut Food Division.

   Thomas Underwood with the Dirty Rascals Junior Master Gardener 4-H Club rounded out this age division with his presentation All About Axolotls in the Environmental Science-Fish and Wildlife division earning first place.

In our 14-18 year Age Division:

   Amare Jones and his brother Dimetrious Jones both with Young Leaders 4-H Club went head to head in Public Speaking.  Amare spoke about different sports involving balls, such as basketball, football, etc.  Dimetrious spoke on the differences between High School and College.  By the time the scores were tallied there was a .66 difference between the two presentations and Amare edged his brother out for first place.  Since both first and second place can move forward to District level both will be able to compete at District.

   Ian Malloy with our Robeson County Animal Science Club gave a presentation on Sunscreen Safety and even had our judges wide eyed learning new things.  When it was all said and done Ian took first place in Healthy LIfestyles in Safety.

   Walt Malloy, also with the Robeson County Animal Science 4-H Club gave a presentation on the Truth of Bottled Water.  His speech was filled with facts allowing everyone in the audience to feel informed about something they might not have known could be an issue.  He walked away with first place in Environmental Science, Soil & Water category.

   Jahari Roberson with the Dirty Rascals Jr. Master Gardener 4-H Club and Young Leaders 4-H Club gave a presentation on Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals.  She educated the audience on not only the differences but how to spot the differences of the two types of animals.  She walked away with first place in Animal Science, Small and Companian Animals category.

    To see all the photos from this fun day please click this link.  We want to give special thanks to our judges who took time out of their busy schedules to determine who moves forward.  We also would like to thank all the parents and volunteers for their support and encouragement of all of our speakers.  All of our youth have the opportunity to move forward to District Competition which will take place On June 20, in Wayne County at Wayne Community College.  We are looking forward to working with our youth to get ready for that competition. Congratulations to all our winners!
  

SEEKING HOST FAMILIES FOR YEAR-LONG EXCHANGE STUDENTS!

 

Questions directed to:

Caitlin Clineff at NC4-Hinternationalprogram@ncsu.edu

North Carolina 4-H is looking for four families to host Japanese exchange students for the 2025-2026 school year (August 2025 to June 2026). The students are very excited to live with American families and attend high school in the US. Many of them are especially excited to experience holidays like Halloween and Christmas, and take part in American school events like homecoming and prom. Families do not need to have children of a certain age to be eligible to host! 

We will host an information and Q&A session for the Academic Year-long Program next Tuesday, April 1, from 6:30-7:30pm.

Please register to receive the Zoom link: https://ncsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/u8lJqv9GSfGzNNws5GrAtA 

The Ideal Host Family... 

• Has a genuine interest in hosting an exchange teenager 
• Has the emotional and financial resources to accept a teenager into their home 
• Is able to provide three meals a day and a private bedroom or shared room with a child of same gender and similar age
• Is able to provide an opportunity to experience life as a member of the family 
• Wants to involve the student in family and community activities 
• Is willing to monitor the student’s school progress and help with homework as needed
• Will offer guidance to the student in budgeting and spending money 
• Is willing to help the student with transportation for school and extracurricular activities (students are not permitted to drive)

The students will have their own medical insurance and spending money for personal and school expenses. 

Host families are able to choose a student from the national pool who best fits in with their family. Meet the students who still need families!:

• Fumika is a 17-year-old girl from Japan. "I enjoy going to the movies, listening to music, reading, cooking, animals, sewing, science, calligraphy, karaoke, shopping, and playing video games. I play the electric piano and collect anime. My favorite school subject is world history. I have never traveled outside of Japan. I want my host family to be my second family. I am happy to do chores and even care for animals - my family in Japan has no pets, so I am looking forward to having pets. I love sparklers, fashion, and making sweets.”

• Miki is a 17-year-old girl from Japan. "I play the saxophone and trombone and would love to join my school’s band. I enjoy sewing, reading, listening to music, sports, art, cooking, nature and roller-skating. When I was in Pennsylvania for my summer homestay I learned to sew a dress. I have made 4 more since returning! I want to share cooking with my host family (udon noodles) and kudo (Japanese traditional archery). I play the saxophone and trombone and want to join my American school’s band."

• Riko is a 17-year-old girl from Japan. Hobbies: dance (jazz, hip hop), tennis, camping, track, badminton, running, going to the movies, watching tv, listening to music, scrapbooking. “I enjoy shopping, going out to eat, and hanging out with my friends. My favorite school subjects are English, History, and Geography. I visited Idaho for a summer homestay. "

• Suzu is an 18-year-old girl from Japan. Hobbies: gymnastics, ice skating, skiing, painting/drawing, cooking, the outdoors, and nature. “I enjoy chatting with my friends and singing at karaoke. I play the recorder. I love frogs and fish and have been to the US twice. My favorite school subjects are English and Home Economics." 

• Riona is an 18-year-old girl from Japan. Hobbies: dance (hip hop), listening to music, hiking, canoeing, bicycling, track/running, going to the movies, and reading. “I enjoy family picnics, cooking with my family, and attending our Lex Hippo Club. I love roller coasters and I want to see lots of snow in America! My favorite school subjects are PE and World History."

• Aoi is a 16-year-old girl from Japan. Hobbies: basketball, badminton, running, swimming, volleyball, softball, soccer, judo (martial arts), listening to music, calligraphy, reading, photography, singing, watching tv, playing indoor games. “I play the piano and trombone. My favorite school subjects are Social Studies and Science. I have donated my hair three times. I believe it is a way for children to contribute to society. I do it with the hope that it will bring a smile to someone’s face somewhere." 

 

• Yukari is a 17-year-old girl from Japan. Hobbies: Kendo, baseball, softball, badminton, swimming, volleyball, table tennis, listening to music, photography, going to the movies, playing indoor games, watching tv, and my LEX Hippo Club. “I love kendama and practice frequently. My favorite school subjects are English and Social Studies. I want to be an English teacher when I am older. My family has a pet dog named Ki-Tan.”

• Maya is a 16-year-old girl from Japan. Hobbies: animals, bowling, table tennis, basketball, soccer, tennis, skiiing, softball, track/running, badminton, running, swimming, volleyball, attending baseball games, listening to music, calligraphy, painting/drawing, reading, going to the movies, playing indoor games, watching tv cooking, and handicrafts. “I play the guitar, Japanese traditional bamboo flute, and Japanese drum. I want to work with animals when I am older. My favorite school subjects are Biology, PE, and Art. I perform traditional Japanese dances at my Lex Hippo Club and local shrine.” 

• Momo is a 16-year-old girl from Japan. Hobbies: basketball, bicycling, camping, skiing, martial arts, attending sporting events, calligraphy, reading, singing, cooking, handicrafts, running, swimming, volleyball, and writing. “I play the violin and enjoy K-pop. I also enjoy shopping with my school friends and watching movies with my family. My favorite school subjects are English, Music, Biology, History, and PE.”

• Kanon is a 16-year-old girl from Japan. Hobbies: baseball, bowling, table tennis, basketball, soccer, tennis, bicycling, camping, skiing, softball, track/running, attending sporting events, listening to music, painting, reading, singing, photography, cooking, swimming, and volleyball. “I have a Boston Terrier named Teto. I play the piano and the recorder. I have visited the Philippines and Hawaii. My favorite school subject is public speaking.” 

• Toshiki is an 18-year-old boy from Japan. Hobbies: drawing/painting, basketball, fishing, soccer, bicycling, camping, badminton, running, swimming, volleyball, going to the movies, photography, calligraphy, gardening, cooking (my dad is a chef), baseball, bowling, hiking, and listening to music. “I have a dog named Kitaro. I am named after my grandfather and teach Japanese abacus. I visited Michigan for a summer homestay. My favorite school subjects are English and Japanese History.“

• Kanta is a 17-year-old boy from Japan. Hobbies: listening to music, photography, singing, running, reading Japanese comic books, karaoke, and volleyball. “I enjoy singing and dancing with my friends and family at karaoke. I play the guitar. I am interested in aviation and want to be an air traffic controller when I am older. I visited Maryland for a summer homestay. My favorite school subject is World History.”

• Munetaka is a 15-year-old boy from Japan. Hobbies: Karate, listening to and playing music, photography, singing, going to the movies, playing indoor games, watching tv, reading, computers, and playing video games. “I enjoy learning about astronomy, outer space, and NASA. I play the trumpet with my school’s brass band and want to join my American schools marching band. My favorite school subjects are Math and Science.” 

• Yuta is a 15-year-old boy from Japan. Hobbies: baseball, skiing, soccer, tennis, bicycling, camping, badminton, boating, swimming, volleyball, reading, photography, computers, cooking, and playing video games. “I play the violin. I have visited China, France, Italy, and the US. My favorite school subjects are Math, Science, and PE.”  

Applications will be accepted until April 15 or until all students are placed. To apply, contact Caitlin Clineff at NC4-Hinternationalprogram@ncsu.edu or visit https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/99143-States-4-H-International-Exchange . Host family selection is subject to the student’s acceptance in a local public high school, completion of the online application, an in-home interview, background checks, and delegate availability. We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you in this incredible life-changing experience!

Citizen Scientists-Weather Observers Needed!

 Citizen Science Program Needs Your Help Observing the Weather!

 

Have you ever wondered how much rain fell during a recent thunderstorm? How about snowfall during a winter storm? If so, an important volunteer weather observing program needs your help!

 

The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow network, or CoCoRaHS, is looking for new volunteers across North Carolina. The grassroots effort is part of a growing national network of home-based and amateur weather spotters with a goal of providing a high density precipitation network across the country.

 

CoCoRaHS came about as a result of a devastating flash flood that hit Fort Collins, Colorado, in July 1997. A local severe thunderstorm dumped over a foot of rain in several hours while other portions of the city had only modest rainfall. The ensuing flash flood caught many by surprise and caused $200 million in damages. CoCoRaHS was born in 1998 with the intent of doing a better job of mapping and reporting intense storms. As more volunteers participated, rain, hail, and snow maps were produced for every storm showing fascinating local patterns that were of great interest to scientists and the public. Recently, drought reporting has also become an important observation within the CoCoRaHS program across the nation. In fact, drought observations from CoCoRaHS are now being included in the National Integrated Drought Information System.

 

North Carolina became the twenty-first state to join the CoCoRaHS program in 2007, and by 2010, the CoCoRaHS network had reached all 50 states with nearly 10,000 daily observations. Through CoCoRaHS, thousands of volunteers, young and old, document the size, intensity, duration and patterns of rain, hail, and snow by taking simple measurements in their own backyards.

 

Volunteers may obtain an official rain gauge through the CoCoRaHS website (www.cocorahs.org) for about $40 plus shipping. Besides the need for an official 4 inch plastic rain gauge, volunteers are asked to review simple training modules online and submit their reports using the CoCoRaHS website or app. The process takes only five minutes a day, but the impact to the community is tenfold: by providing high quality, accurate measurements, the observers are able to supplement existing networks and provide useful data to scientists, resource managers, decision makers and others.

 

“CoCoRaHS observers provided valuable data for both Hurricane Florence and Dorian,” said Sean Heuser, CoCoRaHS State Co-Coordinator and Manager of the NC ECONet at the State Climate Office of NC. “For these high intensity events, whether they are tropical systems or afternoon thunderstorms, CoCoRaHS observers are able to fill in gaps and provide a clearer picture of where we see precipitation maximums. We also use CoCoRaHS Condition Monitoring reports to determine weekly drought conditions across the state and give recommendations to the U.S. Drought Monitor authors.”

 

"Monitoring weather and climate conditions in North Carolina is no easy feat," said Heather Aldridge, CoCoRaHS State Co-Coordinator. "CoCoRaHS volunteers help by painting a better picture of precipitation patterns across North Carolina, filling in data gaps where there are no nearby stations. Reporting rain, hail, snow, and drought conditions is a fun activity for all ages!"

“An additional benefit of the program for the National Weather Service is the ability to receive timely reports of significant weather such as hail, intense rainfall, or localized flooding from CoCoRaHS observers that can assist meteorologists in issuing and verifying warnings for severe thunderstorms,” says David Glenn, CoCoRaHS State Co-Coordinator and meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City.

 

How does one become a CoCoRaHS observer? Go to the CoCoRaHS website and click on the “Join CoCoRaHS” emblem on the upper right side of the website. After registering, take the simple online training, order your 4 inch rain gauge and start reporting!

 

“We are in need of new observers across the entire state. We would like to emphasize rural and coastal locations, and areas of higher terrain across the mountains,” added Glenn.

AIRE

 

AIRE - Application, Interview, Resume, and Essay Application Process for selecting North Carolina 4-H'ers to attend one of our 3 National 4-H Trips.

Do you know 4-H youth who have gone above and beyond in their 4-H journey? Now is the perfect time to recognize their achievements by encouraging them to apply for one of three prestigious National 4-H Trips! Applications are now open for this incredible opportunity to participate in life-changing experiences that will take their 4-H involvement to the next level.

Eligible 4-H youth must be between the ages of 14-18, registered in 4-HOnline, and have demonstrated outstanding project work at the county level. They can apply for one of these exciting trips through the AIRE process—Application, Interview, Resume, and Essay. Don't let them miss out on this chance to shine on a national stage!

National 4-H Conference

National 4-H Conference annually brings 4-H youth and adults from around the nation to work towards strengthening and expanding the 4-H Youth Development program at the local, state, and national levels. National 4-H Conference is the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s premier youth development opportunity to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4-H Youth Development Program. The National 4-H Headquarters is charged with sharing the recommendations that emerge from the conference with the Secretary of Agriculture, National Extension Program Leaders, and others who determine 4-H programs. At the same time, the conference is a rich and meaningful experience for the youth and adult participants. Held at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, it’s usually scheduled around the beginning of April. 

National 4-H Conference delegates will: 

• Participate in a round table topic of their choosing that will focus on key topics such as: leadership, agriculture, crime, and more.

• Participate in professional workshops.

• Meet with legislators from their State to discuss important issues relating to 4-H.

• Have a chance to network with youth and adults from across the country.

• Learn all about 4-H programming and think about ways to improve programming across the Nation.

• Develop an action plan that will be put to use in their own communities.

• Have fun!

North Carolina 4-H selected one delegate from each Extension District to attend. Delegates will be responsible for paying a $100 fee for this event.  Youth must be 15 to 18 years-old during the dates in which National 4-H Conference is held to participate.

National 4-H Congress

National 4-H Congress is a five-day event that engages 14-18-year-old high school-aged 4-H members in leadership, citizenship, global awareness, and inclusion.  Participants not only have the opportunity to participate in state-of-the-art educational workshops and hear from world-renowned speakers, they also have the opportunity to network with other 4-H members from across the United States. 2025 dates are:  November 28 - December 2, 2025.

North Carolina 4-H provides approximately 14 trips annually based on specific 4-H curriculum areas. 

National Leadership Conference

The AYF’s longest-running program, the National Leadership Conference (NLC) creates confident leaders equipped to make a positive impact on our ever-changing world.  Held annually at Miniwanca in Shelby, Michigan, this eight-day conference brings together high school and college students from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the opportunity to develop, practice and implement leadership skills that will play an essential role throughout the rest of their lives. NLC is held typical in June each year.. Grade requirements for applying for this trip:  First years entering grades 10, 11 or 12.

North Carolina 4-H selected one to two delegates annually to attend.  The Registration Fee is covered and there is possible scholarship money for the delegate to cover transportation.  

Selection and Application Process for National 4-H Trips

The AIRE (Application, Interview, Resume, and Essay) process is used to select youth for three prestigious National 4-H Trips to represent North Carolina 4-H at: National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference, and the National Leadership Conference. Youth between the ages of 14–18 are eligible to participate in this program. 

Program Materials & Application Information

All AIRE program materials, resources, and deadlines, including the state-level application deadline of May 19, 2025, are available on the NC 4-H website [AIRE].

Application Process

To apply, participants must:

1. Complete the application page included in the application packet.
   
   

2. Develop a 4-H Resume as outlined in the packet.
   
   

3. Write an Essay using the designated essay prompt from the packet.
   
   

4. Participate in an interview if selected based on application, resume, and essay scores. Finalists will be invited to interview for one of the three National 4-H Trips.
   
   

Important Updates for 2025

• Interviews will be conducted in person during NC 4-H Congress on July 23, 2025.
  
  

• The state-level Mock Process will no longer be available. Counties may choose to conduct their mock interview process if desired.

• Deadline to submit packet to 4-H Agent is May 12.

The link for the application and more information is: https://nc4h.ces.ncsu.edu/youth-3/application-interview-resume-essay-aire/

Last Chance to Apply

 Are you a high school Poultry or Ag enthusiast?  This is your last weekend before PSSI applications due on Mar 28th!  

     PSSI is a dynamic, 5-day, hands-on, residential summer camp at NC State's Prestage Dept. of Poultry Science, Jun 15-19, 2025! 

Only $85 after camp scholarships!

Apply here:  https://forms.gle/vzGFuS2YnCqtZxQf7

#PoultryScience #NCState #PSSI #AgCareers 

United Way Day of Caring

 Lumber River United Way’s annual Day of Caring is scheduled for Friday, May 9, 2025. Lumber River United Way Day of Caring is an annual day of service on the Friday of Mother’s Day weekend. United Way invites organizations across Bladen, Hoke, and Robeson to come together to complete various projects that benefit the community. This is our most significant corporate volunteer event, with over 335 volunteers completing over 986 hours of volunteer service. Are you looking for a meaningful team bonding or building experience? Want to give back to the community?

 

A complete list of projects can be found at https://www.lumberriveruw.org/day-caring and on a first-registered, first-served basis for signing up. Individuals and businesses unable to volunteer for more significant projects may consider stopping by Lumberton Chevrolet Buick GMC Hummer, Bladen, or Hoke County Extension offices to sew pillowcases for patients, homeless students, and seniors for a 15-minute volunteer project!

 *Also, we are collecting Travel duffel bags for the DSS foster children program.

 

Contact our Day of Caring liaison, Tomeika Munn or Pamela Wright, to learn more about incorporating Day of Caring into your organization’s community involvement plan.

 

 

Please use the registration link!