Let the Change Begin

                                

  Many 4-H members are familiar with Congress.  The mid summer event that incorporates all the year's final programs into one event.  It is the only place that 4-Her's go for leadership training, state presentation competition, and state officer elections all at one time.  However this year everything is changing.

  The first change is the date.  Instead of being held at the end of July the event is now held in mid-June.  Must admit the weather has been much nicer than in previous years.  With the date change came a day change.  Usually Congress is held Monday thru Thursday.  Now it is being held Saturday through Tuesday.  

 

With the date change came a rather large shift in the agenda.  State Presentations which is usually held on the second day of Congress, now kicks off the event.  This year Robeson County had five participants to represent our program to qualify for state competition.  Christian Tice and Tyrick Taylor from the St. Paul's 4-H Pony Club competed in presentations.  Jordan McKinnon and Alexus Jones from the Inpirational Youth Leaders 4-H Club competed in Public Speaking.  Rounding out our state competitors was Megan Hurst with the Horsin' Around Animal Science Club and Dirty Rascals Junior Master Gardeners 4-H club competing in Presentations.  Our youth competed against youth from around the state in their various categories and when we finished four walked away with silver medals. Congratulations to Christian Tice, in Fruit and Vegetable Use, Tyrick Taylor in Egg Cookery, Jordan McKinnon in Public Speaking, and Megan Hurst in Small and Companion Animals.  What great accomplishments for all our our youth!

  Congress itself didn't actually kick off until 7:30 this evening.  Our Congress delegation is made up of Alexus Jones, Katee Hiller, Megan Hurst, and Michicko Hill.  There were the traditional things such as icebreakers and youth/adult meetings.  But then some of the usual things had an unusual twist.  For example the flag ceremony happened with a video montage, and the honor club tapping had less chaos and candlelight with more video and lasted just a bit longer.  Hopefully encouraging our youth to take part next year.

  The pinnacle of the evening was the officer candidates.  They gave two minute speeches and went through a Q&A session.  10 candidates are vying for 4 top slots which means everything is in the table.  All the youth have multiple years and experiences in 4-H and feel ready to lead us through the next year.  Over the next few days our youth will have the opportunity to interact with the candidates and cast their vote for state officers.  Stay tuned for the developing details.