DATE: 8/27/07

CONTACT: Amy McCune, (864) 656-6651; amccune@clemson.edu

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741; spalmer@clemson.edu

4-H announces Healthy Lifestyles Challenge winners

CLEMSON – 4-H’ers from across the state participated in the first annual 4-H Healthy Lifestyles Challenge held recently in Aiken. They demonstrated their knowledge of nutrition, fitness, health, safety and consumerism topics.

The event was divided into five mini challenges with a top overall winner selected in both the junior division, which is ages 9 to 12 and senior division, which is ages 14 to 19.

The senior winner was Miriam Nichols from Saluda County. Reserve champion was Elizabeth Holmes also from Saluda County.

The junior winner was Jyrell Walker from Hampton County. Reserve champion was Joya Singletary also from Hampton County.

“It is critical that our society takes steps to improve the health of our children and influence them to develop a healthy lifestyle,” said Amy McCune, state 4-H events coordinator. “A core value of 4-H is health and healthy lifestyles has been identified as a primary initiative area both of South Carolina 4-H and by the National 4-H Council. The challenge is a way to celebrate those 4-H youths activity working to improve their health.”

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. The South Carolina 4-H Youth Development Program uses a learn-by-doing approach, the involvement of caring adults, and the knowledge and resources of Clemson University and the land grant university system to empower youth to become healthy, productive, and contributing members of society.

For more information about 4-H, visit the website at: http://www.clemson.edu/4H/

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