That reminds me let me announce our 4-H delegation. Since we really don't have photos this year as part of 4-H Congress I do want to recognize Brooke Canady, Kennedi Lyons, and Maggie Underwood for taking part in this year's event. I would also like to congratulate Wendy Maynor, 4-H Program Associate for attending her first ever 4-H Congress, and of course Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Extension Agent who wouldn't have missed this for the world.
The theme for this year was Defining Your Vision. As you will see everything revolved around that theme from workshops, to leadership displayed, and even finding ways to become comfortable and use the virtual format in interactive ways. Youth had the opportunity to reach out, learn, model, and define their vision no matter the obstacles that they might see in their way.Day one was similar to what the first night of Congress would be. We met, had the county introduction, officer candidate introduction, and Honor Club tapping. For those unfamiliar with honor club, this is the highest pinnacle of 4-H service you can receive. Only a small part of 4-H members who apply for Honor Club are chosen to be part of it. After the event youth had the chance to check out our officer candidates on websites created just for them...You can still check out the 2020-2021 State 4-H Officer Candidate website here.Candidate pages can be found on the drop-down menu under the officer position they are seeking. Simply click on the arrow button on the left of the officer position. We also made sure all the fun was tagged at #NC4HCongress in their social media posts.
Day two involved workshops, awards, candidate booths and of course a dance. That's right folks we were dancing the night away. Our youth had the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops today. Almost all the workshops were lead by our 4-H members. Way to step up folks. Workshops included:
Let’s Have A Personality Party led by the North Central District Officers which explored the Enneagram.
Leadership 201: From Best to Better led Southeast District Officers which explored leadership types.
Public Speaking which is an Ambassador Bronze workshop taught by 4-H Agent Jessica Hogan & 4-H Program Associated Barbara Byers. In this session participants learned what they needed to know about public speaking in a variety of settings.
Self & Community Care in Uncertain Times facilitated by Dr. Maru Gonzalez and Luke Shealy. This workshop engaged youth participants in a series of reflective and experiential activities about
centering self-care during times of hardship and uncertainty.
Tips and Tricks to Thrive During Your First Year of College taught by 4-H Alums Lauren Winslow & Anna Marie Vagnozzi. This session, as the title suggests, offered tips and tricks to thrive during your first year of college.
Traffic Engineering, The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math of Moving
People and Things led Dr. Martin Kane. This session focused on learning the language of traffic engineering both as a young traveler and a driver.
So there was a variety of opportunities to take part in.
After our workshops we took a brief break and then recognized our 4-H members from around the state for their work through awards. Our very own Maggie Underwood was recognized with a state service award for her work making and donating face mask holders. She designed and made more than 200 of these creations from Perler beads for health care workers to use to take the stress and strain from the elastic off their ears. Congratulations to Maggie, who had no idea she would receive or that she was nominated for an award, she was just trying to make a difference in our community.
After awards we took a longer break and came back in that evening to check out the officer candidate rooms, ask questions and then dance! How does that work you might ask? Well our youth got dressed up in some cases, turned their cameras on and danced as we played music just as loud as we do in the McKimmon Center during the regular dances. They chatted in the chat box and had a really good time.
In between day two and three we had a virtual county huddle to determine how we would be voting. Our highest ranking officer, Brooke Canady was our representative for this event which would be done the old fashioned way, through a voice vote this year at Congress. After much discussion about the officers and their qualifications, plus a few other things that had nothing to do with the election our group had their ballot ready to cast in the afternoon.
Trouble On The Train implemented by the South Central District Officers who created a virtual escape room where participants had to solve a fun murder mystery.
Working Together while Staying Apart led by the West District Officers. This workshop designed to teach the importance of teamwork by utilizing the True Colors personality test.
Nuts and Bolts of becoming a District Officer led by some folks who know, the Northeast District Officers. This workshop participants learned about being a district officer, and also learn helpful tips and tricks on the county level as well.
Taste of Mexico led by 4-H members Guillermo Estrada and Michelle Estrada. This was an interactive workshop focused on culture and cuisine.
Team Building led by our 4-H camping specialist Dave Herpy. In this workshop participants learned about a variety of energizers, icebreakers, name games, and team building initiatives that don't require the use of props.
After a brief break it was time to cast our ballots. Counties were called to their microphone and cast their ballots for state officers. This is an image of what our participants saw as ballots were casts. After calling for votes from all 100 counties and the Eastern Band of the Cherokees we took a brief break and this is what was announced. Our new 4-H State officers for 2020-2021 will be Chloe Allen from Johnston County for 4-H State President, Samantha Corduan from Washington County for State 4-H Vice President, Sydney Loflin from Davidson County for state 4-H Secretary/Treasurer, and Sydney Blair from Brunswick County will serve as State 4-H reporter. Although the new officers were installed during a really cool virtual candlelight ceremony this evening we don't want to forget about our current state officers. So a padlet was created so folks could give them a virtual shout out. You too can take a minute and give our outgoing officer team a shout-out for their year of service. You can find the padlet here . The password is 4leafclover (all lowercase). They have done an outstanding job leading this year! 
After voting we recognized our senior 4-H members in the senior spotlight. As many go off to college it was nice to recognize them for the first time this year at 4-H Congress. Robeson County was able to recognize two out of three members graduating this year. D.J. Brown, a member of Titans 4-H Club who graduated from Lumberton High School this year. He will be attending UNCP in the fall to major in theater. We also recognized Jordan McKinnon from Inspirational Youth Leaders. Jordan graduated from Freedom Christian Academy and plans to attend Robeson Community College to purse a career in Culinary Arts. Way to go DJ and Jordan!
Our last day consisted of the officer spotlight speeches. Each officer had the opportunity to thanks those who impacted their success this year. The touching speeches are always a highlight of this state event. We ten took a look back at the event, which was very cool. Then our new State President, Chloe Allen adjourned the event, until we meet next year.
If you thought we had fun virtually wait until you experience it in person next year. It is fabulous! So our youth 14 and up next year start getting ready because it is going to be a great time.
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