S.C. 4-H’er wins national essay contest

Published: October 19, 2009

CLEMSON — Ten-year-old Helen Coats of Rock Hill won first place in the national 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest. Her essay was chosen from among 27 state-winning entries from across the United States.  

The contest was sponsored by the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees. The assigned topic was "The Dance Language of Honey Bees." Essayists were to learn about the honey bee's dance language, how it was discovered, how it works and how it provides colonies the ability to find and exploit floral resources.

Coats combines music with her love of nature and hopes to become an accomplished violinist and singer. She titled her essay, "The Bee Dance — Not Exactly the ‘Electric Slide'!" She was awarded a check for $750.

Malcolm Rainey, Clemson extension 4-H agriculture specialist, coordinated the essays for the state. The second-place winner is from Kentucky and third-place winner is from Oregon.

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With more than 6.8 million youth involved in 4-H nationwide, it is one of the country's most diverse organizations. Originally focused on agricultural projects, 4-H has expanded to support the needs and interests of young people into the 21st century. The 4-H program crosses all economic, racial and social barriers. Local 4-H agents are youth-development professionals who provide leadership in each county as a part of the nationwide extension system, which is a partnership among the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state land-grant universities, local county governments and the private sector. To learn more about joining 4-H or becoming a volunteer, contact your local Clemson extension office or visit the state 4-H Web site at www.clemson.edu/4h/.