DATE: 10/24/05

CONTACT: Dr. Keith G. Diem, (864) 656-3848

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741

State 4-H’ers will attend 2005 National 4-H Congress

CLEMSON – Eleven South Carolina 4-H’ers will travel to Atlanta to attend the National 4-H Congress Nov. 25-29. The theme is “Learn, Lead, Grow.”

For 80 years, youth from across the United States have participated in this leadership development conference. It is designed to help develop capable, competent and caring citizens, and is built upon the Cooperative Extension System’s belief that young people can be significant partners in addressing the issues that face our nation.

“It is quite an honor for 4-H members to be selected to attend National 4-H Congress,” said Dr. Keith G. Diem, director of 4-H Youth Development at Clemson University.

This year, each participant has been asked to bring 103 dimes, one for each year that 4-H has existed. In cooperation with the local Habitat for Humanity Chapter, 4-H is continuing the process of building the “Clover House.” Their goal is $65,000, the amount needed to build a house in the Atlanta area.

The South Carolina delegation includes: Saluda County -- Jana Tuttle, Lindsay Kyzer and Rachel Coleman; York County -- Brittany Smith, Emily Nance and Laura Deas; Chester County -- Julia Hoag and Kasey Banks; Charleston County -- Tyler Huff and Justin Steedly; and Kershaw County -- Aidan Lowe.

Jana Tuttle is involved in the achievement project area, which affords her the opportunity to participate in a variety of 4-H events. For 10 years, she has perfected her skills in the Food and Nutrition, Consumer Education, Clothing, Child Development and Electric project areas. Her trip is sponsored by the S.C. Association of Extension 4-H Agents. Her trip sponsor is the State 4-H Fund.

Lindsay Kyzer joined 4-H at the age of 5, following in the footsteps of her older sister. She’s been involved in the Food and Nutrition project area from the beginning. She has participated in numerous demonstrations and competitions. Her hard work and preparation for these events has earned her numerous awards. After high school, she plans to attend college, become a chef and open her own restaurant. Her scholarship sponsor is the S.C. Family and Community Leaders and her trip sponsor is the S.C. Association of Fairs.

Rachel Coleman has been involved in 4-H for 11 years. Her projects include Food and Nutrition, Child Development and Clothing. She is a member of the youth choir at her church and the State 4-H Congress Chorale. After high school, she plans to attend college and major in political science. Her scholarship sponsor is the S.C. Family and Community Leaders and her trip sponsor is the State 4-H Fund.

Brittany Smith was introduced to 4-H six years ago. She found her main project after attending 4-H Camp Sew. She’s won the “Best in Show” for the past thee years at the S.C. State Fair. Her first project, a 3 ½ foot snowman was photographed in front of the Christmas tree on the grounds of the State House and was used as the official 4-h Christmas card cover design. Her other 4-H projects include Clothing and Fashion Review, Foods and Nutrition and Horse. Her scholarship sponsor is the Association of Retired Clemson Extension Employees. Her trip sponsor is the S.C. Association of Fairs.

Emily Nance has been active in her project for six years. Emily has shown livestock at seven different fairs and in three states outside South Carolina. When she isn’t showing animals, she is likely to be on the other side of the ring in the judges’ circle. She is also involved in the Swine Livestock Judging and Sheep Projects. Emily plans to attend Clemson University upon graduation from high school. Her scholarship and trip are sponsored by the S.C. State Fair.

Laura Deas became involved in the Wether Goat project since she and her family have raised Boer goats for many years. She became a leader in the project, as she organized one of the first Wether Goat clubs in the state. Her scholarship and trip are sponsored by the S.C. State Fair.

Julia Hoag is involved in the 4-H Horse Club. She received her very own horse on her 12 th birthday as a surprise with the help of her 4-H Horse Club leader. She has also been involved with Clothing and Foods, and Nutrition. She also participated in 4-H 20, Photography, Consumer Judging, and the 4-H Business Demonstration contest. She is a member of the State 4-H Congress Chorale. Julia plans to attend college and major in contemporary Christian music. Her scholarship and trip sponsor is the S.C. State Fair.

Kasey Banks has been involved with a 4-H Fire Explorers/Cadet program. She is interested in the search and rescue aspect of the club. She’s also participated in the 4-H Farm Safety Day Camp, attended Teen Weekend and State 4-H Congress. Her scholarship sponsor is the Electric Cooperatives of S.C. and her trip sponsor is the State 4-H Fund.

Tyler Huff won first place in the state Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Project (WHEP) and attended the National WHEP Invitational in Virginia. He led a sport fishing recreation day where he taught casting and how to make fishing lures. He plans to study international relations in college and work for the CIA. His scholarship sponsor is Clemson Extension Field Operations and his trip sponsor is the State 4-H Fund.

Justin Steedly has participated in the Electric, Horse, and Food and Nutrition projects. He had the opportunity to attend the National WHEP Invitational Competition in Virginia, State 4-H Congress and Teen Weekend. He has participated in a number of community projects. He wants to become a pilot, and to either join the military or become a missionary or missionary pilot. His scholarship and trip sponsor is the S.C. State Fair.

Aidan Lowe has been a 4-H member for two years. She has spent many hours working with veterinarians, administering medicine to dogs, cats and horses. She’s interviewed animal science specialists and has given emergency treatment to injured animals. She is involved in 4-H Veterinary Science. Her scholarship sponsor is the S.C. Association of County Agricultural Agents and her trip sponsor is the State 4-H Fund.

4-H is the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension Service, a nationwide partnership o the USDA, state land-grant universities, county governments, and the private sector. 4-H is available to youth, ages 5-19 on an age-appropriate basis, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status. To learn more about joining 4-H or becoming a 4-H volunteer, contact your local Clemson Extension office or visit the state 4-H web site at www.clemson.edu/4h.

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