It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!!

I admit Christmas is not here yet, nor Thanksgiving, but this is the most wonderful time of the year for our Robeson County 4-H program. That is because this is when we celebrate our youth and their accomplishments in our 4-H program. Tonight marked our annual 4-H Youth Achievement Night.

The evening began with our Mistress of ceremonies, Staci Kinlaw. She has been a strong partner and supporter of our local 4-H program and worked with the Bladen County program as well. We were very excited that she could be with us this evening. Hazel Sumner, our Past President of the Robeson County 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association offered everyone an official welcome. While Michiko Hill of the Inspirational Youth Leaders 4-H Club and Christian Tice of the St. Paul's 4-H Pony club lead the pledges. Our Interim County Extension Director, Keith Walters recognized special guests and gave a very special thank you to our parents and volunteers who really support our youth in all that they do. Christopher Bullard of the Dirty Dozen Shooting Sports club delivered the Invocation for the event.

After dinner Mr. J. A. Bolton from Richmond County entertained our audience with stories. Mr. Bolton is a member of the Storytelling Arts Center of the Southeast. He provided an example of what our youth can do with their communication skills later in life. Everyone enjoyed his stories, and loud guffaws of laughter could be heard from outside the building.

Staci then presented the prestigious "I Dare You" leaders award. This national award given by The American Youth Foundation, goes to a teen who has shown exemplary achievement in the 4-H program. A person who has really taken on roles that will help improve themselves and help others rather than offer recognition for their work. This year the prestigious leadership award was given to Korina Pittman. She received a book on leadership, $35 check, and certificate from the American Youth Foundation.

But that was not all the special awards given. Our 4-H Agent presented a special award to three special teens. These three volunteered within the program to help with Summer Fun Programs, trainings, and other activities that other youth were not coming to help with. They worked hard, carried a great deal of responsibility and did it all with a smile on their face. This year the special teen leadership awards were given to Christopher Bullard, Korina Pittman, and Tierra Troy.

Missy McLean, the Volunteer Leaders' Association parliamentarian introduced our 2010-2011 County Council officers to the group. These officers were elected at our August County Council and Volunteer Leaders Meeting. Representing our youth this year are: Aljaquan Nixon, President; Christian Mcrae, President-Elect; Korina Pittman, Secretary-Treasurer; Christopher Bullard, Reporter; and Kristen Sealey, Sergeant-At-Arms.

Our 4-H Program Associate, Aggie Rogers gave out club charters and renewals to our clubs. Those recognized include, Spiritual Generations, Youth with a Purpose, the Dirty Dozen, Horsin' Around, and the St. Paul's 4-H Pony Club. Young Leaders and Dirty Rascals also received their charter renewals.

Shea Ann DeJarnette gave out club community service awards. These certificates were presented to the clubs that completed at least one community service project this year. Community service projects this year included a coat drive, rescuing a horse, trash pickup, planting at the Hospice House and much much more. Clubs receiving a community service certificate included; Titans, St. Paul's Pony Club, Dirty Rascals, Dirty Dozen, Young Leaders, Inspirational Youth Leaders, United we Stand, Voices in Praise and Horsin' Around.

Keith Walters presented the club of the year. This award is determined based on several criteria. This includes turning in club paperwork on time and the percentage of club members that take part in club, county, district and state events. This year the St. Paul's 4-H Pony Club walked away with the honor and a check for $100 for their club to continue their hard work.

Our district project record winners were then recognized for their accomplishments. Aggie Rogers presented the district winners with their checks. Maurice Rogers, Jasmine McBryde, Aljaquan Nixon, Amaria Rogers, and Jaylyn McNair got a special surprise when they received their prizes from the state 4-H office.

After our visual slide show it was time for the event of the night honoring our youth. Each of our youth who participated in club, county, district and or state events received a certificate listing all they have done, a 4-H calendar, 2011 tentative program calendar, and a 4-H duffel bag as a small gift to help celebrate their accomplishments. Each of our youth who participated received something tonight.

Thanks to our United Way Support we do not charge admission for this event instead we asked that each person bring a nonperishable food item when they come. This is all a part of the statewide 4-H "Hungry to Help" initiative. This year we turned the canned food drive into a contest with the club that had the most poundage receiving a special prize. The St. Paul's Pony Club took home the prize collecting a whopping amount of food that will go to needy families right here in our community. Stay tuned for the amount of food collected and how it will make a difference right here in Robeson County.